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I have been dealing with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) since being diagnosed back in 2023. In my life before AS, I was actively involved in daily exercise, which included walking and weight lifting. The absence of that lifetime activity has taken its toll on me both physically and mentally since I have lost most of my muscle mass.
I have wanted to regain my ability to walk, but to no avail. Good friends have loaned me their walkers to assist me in walking. These were fine as long as I stayed inside and walked the hallways. But I longed to get outside again, to feel the breeze and breathe in fresh air.
I tried taking a walker outside and walking in the park, but the rough terrain was beyond its capability. I began to wonder if there were a four-wheeled, stable walker that could be used to walk outside. Using Google, I found one for seniors with a seat and ten-inch, air-filled rubber wheels. It arrived at my door six days later, and I couldn't wait to use it outside, as my wife and I prepared to walk in our favourite park. It was perfect!
A few days later, I was demonstrating my new walker to my grandchildren and telling them that I had found a way to motorize it. As they listened, they were anxious to know about this motor. I played along with them and finally revealed that I was the motor. Their response gladdened my heart when they said, "Way to go, Grandpa!"
With renewed hope, I am now able to walk every other day in the fresh air, and it is exciting to feel the strength coming back into my body. Now, I can't wait to do a single set of a few repetitions with weights that would comfortably fatigue my wasted muscles.
Fortunately, our physical infirmities do not necessarily interfere with our spiritual freedom in Christ.
Isaiah 40:31 – But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
And regardless of what we have to endure here on earth, there is always the hope of eternal joy in heaven, when God will remove all our infirmities.
Revelation 21:4 – He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (ESV)
We Christians can all rejoice in looking forward to walking and leaping and praising the Lord eternally!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wise counsel found in Your Word. Help us pay attention to gaining wisdom and understanding, knowing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Thank You that in Christ dwell all the treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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Wonderful words Stephen.
Thanks for the encouraging thoughts, Stephen.
Great message Stephen, thanks, and God bless!
Amen Stephen. What a new sense of freedom for you!
Thank you so much for that Mr. French. I’m 68 years old and I also walk every day and lift weights.
Thank-you for sharing, I am glad you found a good walker and can enjoy the outdoors again!
You had me fooled. I was intrigued by the motorized walker! Good writing. Thank you.
(Manitoba)
Thank you, Stephen. What a blessing for you! I love this sentence: We Christians can all rejoice in looking forward to walking and leaping and praising the Lord eternally!
Thank you for your very positive devotional today, Stephen. Very good to hear that you have a walker that works very well and is helpful for you to be out and about. The Lord certainly provides us with surprising benefits when we call upon Him. Blessings for your writing.
“In Christ dwell all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge and understanding “. What a great statement! What a great hope and inspiration! Your situation is indeed a lesson in perseverance and patience – with a very happy and inspiring ending. May the LORD continue to renew your life – and mine. Thank you for sharing.
Bravo in finding a way to exult in just being alive and rejoicing in the love of the Lord. May all of us with infirmities and challenges take heart and know that we too can rejoice and get counsel from the Lord.
Blessings and enjoy your new-found freedom.
Thank you, Stephen, for your devotion – I am a fan of walkers. I thought you crafted a beautiful meditation using this theme and your hook of a motorized walker was delightful. I have heard “walkers” also called “exercise machines” and I enjoy thinking about them in that way also.
Blessings,
(Ontario, Canada)
Oh Stephen, what a positive attitude and wonderful example you are to those of us reading your message and also to your grandkids and others around you! I’ll admit you caught me by surprise when you divulged how this walker was motorized!
One of my favourite verses is the one that fit so aptly … Isaiah 40:31.
I also rejoice for that day, knowing: “We Christians can all rejoice in looking forward to walking and leaping and praising the Lord eternally!”
Blessings.
Good morning. I can relate to your message today. I, too, loved walking and enjoying the great outdoors, that is until spinal stenosis decided to set up house in my body.
Thank heavens we have the expectation of a new freedom in God’s heavenly realm, when our bodies will once again be able to walk long walks and dance too, if we so please.
Reading your message reminded me that I am not alone in my earthly struggles, and I can look forward to a much better life ahead.
God Bless you,
(On)
Isaiah 40:31 is a chorus we sing at prayer meetings – encourages us to move forward with faith and hope.