Breathing, a constant . . . we take for granted.
The process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide from our first breath to the last seems simple and natural. But, it’s not simple at all. Each breath is an amazing gift and like most of us, I wake up each morning expecting to take 23,000 breaths in a day.
Two weeks ago, I was rushed to the hospital with a combination of type A influenza and bacterial pneumonia. After five days of countless intravenous antibiotics, tamiflu, oxygen, and nebulizers, I am still flat-lined from weakness.
When physical strength leaves us, can inner strength remain?
For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
A verse many times quoted but sometimes misunderstood. It helps me to read the verse above it.
My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. (:8)
Pneuma, the Greek word meaning breath (spirit, wind). The Holy Spirit, the exhalation of Yahweh.
This has been . . . just another grace moment, reminding me to respect my wellness. Reminding me I can’t will myself to breathe. Reminding me to pray for the many who are afflicted during this hard season.
And to know beyond a doubt, that God’s sustaining strength is what keeps us.
We learn in solitude, no visitors allowed. Caregiver husband is also on the verge of pneumonia. But, we have grateful hearts for praying friends and family, meals and flowers left on the porch, and cards filled with medicine (God’s Word).
Dependence. When we are weak He sends strength in many forms.
Consecrated weakness.
So, this week when you find yourself at a weak point, battling illness, a burden, or a fear . . . breathe in fresh grace and trust God to uphold you.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6
Verna
Becky Doughty says
January 23, 2013 at 2:29 pmVerna – what a beautiful phrase; consecrated weakness. My prayers are with you and your husband. Blessings.
verna says
January 24, 2013 at 2:32 pmMuch needed, your prayers, Becky – thank you . . . to God the One who makes our weaknesses sacred . . . consecration!
Laura says
January 23, 2013 at 5:25 pmAmen! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praising Him today for sustaining you. You have another testimony in your “quilt” of life-He is faithful once again-and always!. Praying for you and Jeff, and complete recoveries.
verna says
January 24, 2013 at 2:33 pmYes, another moment to testify to His faithfulness. I missed everyone this morning, and felt the covering of their prayers.
Glenda Mills says
January 23, 2013 at 6:37 pmVerna,
So glad the One who gives our first breath, continues to breathe His breath of life within us. Grateful you are on the mend my friend! Hugs
verna says
January 24, 2013 at 2:34 pm. . and grateful for your prayers. Our reminder how frail and fragile our bodies are but our spirit is strong because of Him who dwells within.
Michelle says
January 23, 2013 at 8:40 pmPraying for a speedy recovery Aunt!
verna says
January 24, 2013 at 2:35 pm. . and I’m feeling your love and concern, sweet girl.
Janeen Ippolito says
January 23, 2013 at 9:58 pmWow, praise God that His hand is on you! Half the teachers in my school were out with sickness–it’s crazy the kind of flu that’s going around. But thanks be to God for granting you this fresh revelation of His goodness during this time. I always say getting sick is God’s way of getting my attention due to over-busyness.
Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing!
verna says
January 24, 2013 at 2:36 pm. . . and now I say along with you, kind friend . . . sickness is God’s way of getting my attention to separate for awhile. Thank you, Janeen.
Lisa M Buske says
January 23, 2013 at 10:53 pmVerna,
As I read your beautiful post I started humming “Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord”, such a beautiful song. I will join you and others in prayer for your complete healing and for your husbands too. Thank you for the reminder of who the Great Physician is and where our strength must come from.
Praying you are back to 110% soon.
Lisa M Buske
http://LisaMBuske.com
verna says
January 24, 2013 at 2:37 pmOh, Lisa your comment is healing . . . . thank you for your prayers. Coming along, but not as quickly as I expected.
vondaskelton says
January 23, 2013 at 11:45 pmBeautiful, Verna. Praising God with you for His provision, protection, and continued healing!
verna says
January 24, 2013 at 2:38 pmI’m praising Him, also . . . the One who brings comfort especially through dear friends and prayer . . . thank you, Vonda.
Jamie says
January 24, 2013 at 1:28 pmPraying the virus will leave you Verna! Continue to be blessed!
verna says
January 24, 2013 at 2:38 pmThanks for remembering me, Jamie. Stay well, there is much going around.
Liz Cowen Furman says
January 28, 2013 at 10:33 amPraise the LORD you are better. We had it here this past weekend, though a much milder case. And in my journal this morning I wrote, “thank you Lord for pulling Micah & I out of the flu pit.” Not a pleasant place to be, but good sometimes to make me appreciate my health and not take it for granted. ;0)
Was praying for you, you had us worried.
verna says
January 28, 2013 at 5:33 pm. . . thank you, Liz . . . I could feel those prayers pulling me out of the flu (and pneumonia) pit. Grateful for a good report today when I went back to the docs . . . you and the family stay well . . .!