3 Things I Learned from a Medieval Torture Rack

It looked like a medieval torture rack. Okay, maybe my description was a bit dramatic. But the table and machine - complete with Velcro straps and cables - didn't strike me as inviting.

My husband Steve proved to be a good candidate for the ominous equipment. The decompression provided by the machine would separate the  discs in his lower back that were causing him problems.

Although unsure of what caused the initial injury, Steve's back pain motivated him to look into treatment. Any alternative to surgery was being considered. Chiropractic seemed to be a logical choice.

 Because of a busy work schedule, it was difficult to get Steve to commit to regular chiropractor appointments. But pain can be a pretty strong motivator. He realized he had to do something, and he was willing to give the decompression machine a chance.

Each session was monitored by the chiropractor. He would program the machine to apply a specific amount of pressure to Steve's lower back. With every appointment the pressure was gradually increased. Although Steve still experienced pain, it was a different kind of pain. Soreness had replaced the ache of bone rubbing against bone. The decompression was working.

The whole process reminded me of how God works.

Of course He doesn't use tables or machines, but He still stretches me.

*I have to recognize my need for growth. It's easy to fool myself into thinking I've arrived. But I'm only kidding myself. God's plan is to conform me to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). I've got a long way to go.

*I have to show up for my appointments with the Lord. Every day I have the opportunity to read His Word and talk to Him in prayer. If I'm not willing to be still and listen to what He has to say, I won't apply His principles to my life.

*I have to trust that He knows what He's doing. He will do what's best for me. The process may be difficult and sometimes painful, but it WILL lead to growth.  "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ," (Philippians 1:6; KJV).

I have a choice to make: will I allow the Lord to stretch me? I want to grow, so I know I need to spend time with the One who can help me. Today I choose to trust Him no matter what method He uses to stretch me.

Are you willing to be stretched? What step will you take to ensure your growth?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the valuable lessons You taught me. Forgive me when I'm prideful and don't see a need for growth. Help me set aside time to develop my relationship with You. Help me trust You when You apply pressure that will help me stretch. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Proper Balance

The pain is back. I'm not sure what I did. Maybe it's just a combination of my daily routine and general muscle tension, that causes a few vertebra in my spine to shift just enough to cause the familiar ache I'm feeling. My shoulders tense up, and I have a burning sensation in my upper back. Time to schedule a visit to the chiropractor.

It never ceases to amaze me, that the chiropractor can run a hand along my spine and tell me what I've been experiencing. He gives a simple explanation, "It's your spinal cord that acts as the major cable exiting your brain, travels down inside your spinal column and branches off into spinal nerves at various levels of your spine. These spinal nerves then exit between individual spinal vertebrae and go to the various parts of your body." Makes sense. So when T8 is out of alignment, my stomach is affected. When C6 is out of alignment, it's my neck muscles, tonsils, and shoulders that suffer. An adjustment makes all the difference.

Reminds me of the importance of proper balance. Remember the time Jesus sent seventy disciples out on a mission? They were to travel to various cities, preaching and healing the sick. The results were pretty amazing. "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name," (Luke 10:17; KJV). He had given them a job to do, and they were successful, but don't miss His focus, "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven," (Luke 10:20).

My focus is to be on the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, He has a job for me to do, but it doesn't take priority over developing my relationship with Him. I have to be honest, sometimes when I focus on the tasks I'm to accomplish, I'd like to take credit for the work. When my priorities are straight, and I'm seeking Him first, my heart beats in rhythm with the Master and I gladly give credit where it's due.

Fulfilling my purpose in life is only possible when I have a proper relationship with the One who gave it to me. My faith in God leads me to serve Him. Faith and works cannot be separated. Look at the words of the Apostle James, " What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone, " (James 2:14,17). When I spend time cultivating my relationship with the God of the universe, I can't help but love Him. Works flow freely out of my love for Him.

Are you out of balance? Do you find yourself working for God's approval - trying to earn His love? Restore proper balance by developing your relationship with God first. Know God's love for you and then serve Him out of a heart of love!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me of the importance of proper balance. It's so easy to try to do things to gain Your approval. Help me to take time to know You. I long to love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Give me the desire to serve You out of a heart of love. In Jesus' name, Amen.