You’ve been building your life with precision, praying for God’s will, measuring each step, when suddenly, somebody pulls out a strategic block, and your Jenga tower topples.
Life is never predictable. Whether it’s your career, personal life, politics, or health, a hurricane can devastate what you’ve built.
God Is the Master Builder
But God is the master builder. He recreates what’s been destroyed.
Isaiah 58:12 ESV And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
God’s principles of restoration are always in play.
My Devastating Blow
Perhaps you’ve noticed I haven’t written any blogs, published much on Facebook, or posted any TikToks lately. Here’s why:
My health recently took a devastating blow.
I entered the hospital for major surgery on August 24th. Although this meant six weeks of recovery, I was looking forward to better general health. However, six weeks turned into almost three months of recuperation…
A week after my surgery, I came down with Covid.
Two weeks later, I stumbled over an empty pallet cart at the grocery store and banged my head on the floor. A trip to the emergency room and a doctor’s visit confirmed that, although I received no serious injuries, I had all the symptoms of a concussion.
Was I depressed, angry, and frustrated? Yes. It felt like darkness surrounded me.
Did I ask God, why did this have to happen? Yes. God felt distant, and I couldn’t think straight. Would I ever get my brain back?
However, in the deep recesses of my heart, hope glimmered. Somewhere in the swirling chaos of my mind, I knew God would restore me.
Back to Normal!
As of today, it’s been nine weeks since my concussion. I can finally face my keyboard and write a blog without brain fog, eyestrain, or headaches. My episodes of dizziness are fewer and farther between. I feel like myself again!
Three Steps to Recovery
So how does one emerge from the pit?
- Be patient with yourself, with God, and with others. Recovery takes time.
- Look up. Even though circumstances appear bleak, God has plans to pull you through. Focus on His goodness rather than the devastation of your situation.
- Ask God what you can learn while you are trapped in the valley. Yes, good can come from this.
- Take heart in His promises. Psalm 46 is one of my favorite scriptures to ponder. Verses1-2: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefor we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea. Verse 10: Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth. (NASB)
Some Things I Learned
- God wants me to take time to rest. Resting and enjoying my relationship with God means more to Him than what I do for Him. God desires my fellowship more than my labor for His kingdom.
- God enjoys being with me, even when I’m not doing anything for Him or anyone else. He appreciates my thankfulness and worship.
So, take heart, dear reader. All is not lost. God loves you and He is in the restoration business. He is building something beautiful in you.
Isaiah 61:3 He gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.
Enjoy this song: SURROUNDED: THIS IS HOW I FIGHT MY BATTLES, sung by Elevation Worship and written by Michael W. Smith
8 replies to "Did Your Jenga Tower Topple?"
Excellent Cindy!!! Once again you hit it out of the park! Love your analogy that is easy to relate too. 🙂
Thanks Ellie!
Cindy this really spoke to me, thank you for sharing from your life experience 🙂❤️.
Thanks Andrea!
Oh Cindy I needed this. As I prepare for my surgery on Dec 14 and just spent 4 days out of work because I pulled some muscles in my back. Also appears I may need new hips so everything you shared spoke to me. I’m glad things are turning around for you after your trying time. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Glad you were encouraged! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Cindy. I’m going through something similar. I’ve found myself in the hospital twice in the past two weeks and have found myself unable to take care of others at the moment. Sometimes we have to be reminded to “be still.”
So sorry, Barb! Praying for your healing! Glad you were encouraged!