For a couple of years I had noticed that I was experiencing back pain and weakness in my leg and foot that was intensifying.  I didn’t jump into fixing the problem until the pain began to more and more demand my attention.

I was asked to go through all kinds of testing. When this was completed, I returned to the doctor to receive the results and to hear of the treatment plan in store for me.

My husband went with me to the spine doctor and we were both shocked that he said surgery was my only option. I was so glad to hear that I could be helped and pain free that I agreed to it without much thought, hesitation, or consideration of my husband’s opinion. He thought I needed to look for other treatment options even though this doctor said surgery was the only one.

I began questioning if this was my will to have the surgery and that maybe this was a sign God had another plan for me. I asked for a clear sign from God and acceptance of His will. I went forward with the pre-op doctor’s appointments, even though my husband didn’t agree. After a full day of different tests accompanied by concern that I wasn’t doing the right thing, we went to see the doctor who would release me for surgery.

Before going in, I read the Word of Life for December:

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." (Lk 3:4)

I knew from experience that if I put this into practice immediately in that moment He would give me the courage to choose between my way and His way.

A very young bubbly female doctor entered the room. She only takes care of evaluating test results before surgery is approved. Unlike the visit to the surgeon, my husband felt comfortable verbalizing his concerns and uncertainty about me being operated on. As he spoke it became clear to me that my husband just didn’t feel the surgeon was explicit enough interpreting his diagnosis and operation procedures. She spent over an hour answering every question with much patience and clarity. She confirmed the doctor’s diagnosis and shared many stories of her watching this exact surgery and patients’ successful recoveries. My husband’s attitude became positive, and he agreed that surgery was the only way to get better. I became positive that living the Word of God is the only way to get better.

I am in recovery at this time feeling much better and I have gained a stronger realization of the power of God’s Word.

M.C., Dallas