I thought I was on the mend after lots of physical therapy. My back and the pain down my leg was finally getting better. And then it wasn’t. Suddenly it was way worse and the doctor said it was time for an MRI. I was not looking forward to this one bit. The loud, crazy noise that sounds like the machine is breaking. Squeezing into a big tube. Having to lay perfectly still while being in a lot of pain.
I had no idea how I was going to get through this. I was stressing out and worried. The best thing I could do was push aside my anxieties and find my peace in Him and trust that He would meet me in the moment.
And meet me He did.
We were able to find a place that has an open MRI. I didn’t even know those existed. At least I wasn’t going to have to be in a big tube.
The staff was kind and settled me into the machine as comfortable as I could be. Her gentle voice told me to keep my head turned to look out a window, which helped so much with the feeling of being trapped in the thing.
They gave me headphones and asked what kind of music I would like. Sure enough, they had a Christian station I could listen to.
So there I was for an hour. . . pain free enough to lay still, looking out at the blue sky and tree tops, listening to uplifting music . . . feeling Him right there with me. The noise went away, the claustrophobia went away, the pain went away, the worry went away.
There was peace found in a less than peaceful situation.
If I would have let my anxieties get the best of me, I would have missed how He was meeting me in that moment. I would have missed the grace He granted me for this moment.
When you are present in the moment, you will feel His Presence. And with that comes extraordinary peace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
I know how easy it can be to fall into the trap of worrying about future things. Our minds seem to jump right to all the difficult, scary, bad things. Our peace is then lost.
In truth, we have no idea. We don’t know how things are really going to go. Big things, little things. We get anxious instead of living in the moment with Him at our side. By His grace, in peace, trusting His loving providence.
We are seen. We are heard. We are loved. We are not alone.
He will meet us in the moment and His peace will fill our hearts.
May we open our eyes to His great grace and love in the beauty and goodness He surrounds us with. In little daily moments and big life moments, I pray we recognize His presence. In a beautiful blue sky, in an encouraging word, in the solution to a difficult situation, in the prayers of our friends.
The MRI did show a ruptured disc involving the nerves. But instead of getting anxious about what is ahead, I am leaning on His presence. I have some options and whatever happens, He will meet me there.
Always remember, whatever you may be going through, He will meet you there. Keep your eyes and heart open to encounter His presence.
Leave a CommentNow may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Robin Moore says
I am in the same situation with my back and leg. I have an MRI next week and a little anxious about what they will find. I’ve not ever had an MRI so not sure what to expect. Your words have brought me some comfort. Thank you for sharing.
Thea says
Will be praying for you Robin and Jennifer for God ‘s deliverance in all this.
Thea
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you, Thea. I really appreciate your prayers.
Robin Moore says
Thank you!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am sorry you have to go through this, Robin. Keep your eyes open to the ways He will be there with you. It certainly helped me have a better experience than I was anxious for. Praying for you!
Robin Moore says
Thank you!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
You are most welcome, Robin!
Regina Ross says
Hi! I just had an MRI for my back and leg in December. While in the tube I prayed for everyone I knew alphabetically A-Z. That gave me something to do for an hour and a half. The MRI ended up showing that I had a bunch of microfractures in my back due to heavy lifting and bending in my job. I was put on extreme light duty at work and had 6 sessions of PT. After 4 weeks the pain went away. I still do my PT stretches every morning before work but I do it because it really works! I will be praying for you! God is good!
Robin Moore says
Thank you! I appreciate your encouraging words. I love your idea of praying. I will do that. 🙂
Beth Williams says
Robin,
Praying for you during the MRI. It can be noisy. See if you can find an open MRI-that helped me. Praying for whatever they find. May God heal you quickly!
(((((Hugs)))))
Mary Geisen says
It is so good to see you here today, Jennifer. I’ve been praying for you and have missed your encouragement on Instagram.
I am embracing the truth you shared: God will meet me there. There is peace in saying it. May you feel God’s peace throughout this process of healing.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I sure appreciate that, Mary. Grateful for your prayers. I couldn’t agree more… there is such peace in saying it!
Vickie says
Thank you, Jennifer, for the spiritual comfort found in your sharing today. I do have gratitude to offer those who need MRIs. In case a reader doesn’t know, MRI is magnetic resonance imaging. I have had needs for this before, but I have to wear an emergency bracelet that says “No MRI. GSW L temporal”. What this says is that I have previously suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of my head and that there is still bullet shrapnel in my brain. “Magnetic” imaging would move the metal shrapnel and cause my death. So, again, if any of you need MRIs, be grateful that you can have it.
Jennifer, your words are golden about the comfort and peace that only God can give… no matter what. He is always with us. We just need to be more with Him.
Pain is part of this Journey. When I am suffering physically, I remember that God does not allow us to suffer more pain than we can bear. I remember my events of childbirth, domestic violence, physical attacks, rape, fractured sacroiliac, rheumatoid arthritis exacerbations, the gunshot. I remember when the pain became too great, I always passed out. That is one of His means of “never more than we can bear”.
Whenever I have fears, worries, etc, I try to remember that these thoughts and feelings are excellent symptoms of my lack of faith. I then remember my favorite verses for this:
Peace…John 14:27
Faith…Hebrews 11:1
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh Vickie, so much you have gone through. No doubt that He has helped you through all of that. Thank you for sharing that information with us. Those are such beautiful verses to help through difficult times. I also try to remember faith over fear!
Vickie says
My thought for many years is practically the same: Fear is lack of faith. All these horrific events of my life cannot begin to add up to God’s many miracles and amazing blessings. The years of PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc were beautifully transformed by God’s Plans. One example is that my own recovery was strengthened by my family and friends; my work as a Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence/Addiction counselor; and especially with my growing relationship with God.
I do want to add this life changing fact. Many women, men and children suffer as victims of rape and violence. However, the great majority also suffer from shame, even guilt because of it. Please specifically note the word “victims”. There is no shame in being a victim, no matter what took place (who, what, when, where, how and why does not change it). I was asked this near the beginning of my recovery (early 1980s), “If someone knocked you down, took your purse, kicked you and ran, would you feel ashamed? Of course not and you wouldn’t feel that you should keep it a secret either. Apply this to when you were raped and beaten up. You were a victim. You are not at fault.”
I am retired now, but this Amazing Journey continues.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I can see how the horrific events you endured were transformed by Him, Vickie. I can only imagine the lives you changed for the better with the work you did. Bless you for that!
Beth Williams says
VIckie,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Praying for more pain free days. God will bless you for helping others & giving them encouragement.
(((((hugs)))))
Sharon says
Dear Jennifer – I can truthfully say I know what you are going through. My herniated disc had me laid out on the floor missing work more times than I could count. Too many days found me in that position with tears running from my eyes into my ears! I have found the presence of God very real during the many closed MRI’s and His peace to real that my prayers, while in the tube, led me to the edges of sleep. No meds required! God does meet us in the darkest valleys – He is always faithful.
I pray that our faithful Lord will lead you as you examine your options and find relief. His presence went with me into surgery and through the healing process. He WILL be with you too!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Yes, Sharon! Thank you for sharing that beautiful example of His presence in difficult moments. I also found myself at the edge of sleep at times! Only Him! So grateful to hear you found a path to your relief. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Kendra burton says
I’ve been struggling with anxiety for the first time in my life. As it turns out, I’m not anxious when I’m having an issue but when something bad happens to my child, wow! Now I know what people mean when they say “anxious.” How you describe to deal with it is literally the only way. Thank you for the encouragement this morning!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
It really is a powerful way to get through difficult moments and anxiety, Kendra. He is there! Happy you could be encouraged today!
Anne B. says
In this moment, Lord, in this moment…meet with these dear sisters…in the quiet of their moment, meet them I pray.
In Jesus Name.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Beautiful, Anne. Thank you.
Maylee says
So true. Our God will always meet us where we are and when we need Him. We get so caught up in other petty stuff and forget how Awesome He is. We think we need to handle everything ourselves cause we sure hate to lose control of our lives when in fact, He is the very person in control of our world. We lose sight in so many things when our focus becomes all about us. Lord, be with each and everyone of us and let us know your word of truth, You are for us and there’s nothing that can ever separate that love, even when we are lead astray by our own selfish human heart. Thank you for sharing this!!!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Amen, Maylee! Yes, yes, yes!
Penny says
Jennifer,
I’m sorry about your back and pray that all will be well with you. Thank-you so much for your words of encouragement, and for reminding us, that when we think we aren’t capable, we are, with the Lord there upholding us.
Blessings to all,
Penny
Jennifer Studio JRU says
So blessed He upholds us when we think we can’t! Thank you so much for your prayers, Penny!
Michele Morin says
Jennifer, thank you for this encouragement that no matter what lies ahead, God is before us in every aspect of it.
Blessings to you.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
He sure is and we are so grateful! Thank you, Michele!
Diane Thiel says
Thank you and God for continued grace
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Amen, Diane.
Joey Rudder says
Jennifer, My goodness did I need this! Thank you!! God has revealed some pretty big changes coming my way, and I have NO idea how it’s going to happen. I’m a planner. I want to be ready, get ready, do what needs to be done. But God isn’t giving me all the details. In fact, I know very little. But what He is revealing makes sense and clicks. (Make sense? 🙂 ) So it’s like, “Oh. Okay. I see how you’re tying that together, Lord.” But then on the inside I’m a big chicken because I can’t see the end result!
You wrote, “I know how easy it can be to fall into the trap of worrying about future things. Our minds seem to jump right to all the difficult, scary, bad things. Our peace is then lost.” That is exactly what I do! I imagine the worst things happening and think I’m going to get in God’s way and mess it all up. But then you wrote, “Always remember, whatever you may be going through, He will meet you there. Keep your eyes and heart open to encounter His presence.” What a glorious statement!! That makes me excited for this big step. No matter what I’m doing, how poorly prepared I feel, God will meet me right there. I’m going to keep my eyes and my heart wide open…waiting to absorb His presence like a sponge and watching to see Him do mighty things! Thank you!!
Also, I’ll be praying for you with your ruptured disc as you continue to lean on Him for peace. May He continue to hold you close and bless you abundantly with more of Him.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
From one planner to another, Joey… right there with you, sister! I am so happy this resonated with you today. Your excitement makes me excited! Thank you! Praying for you and the new path He has for you.
Joey Rudder says
Thank you, Jennifer!! 🙂
MaryMargaret says
I really enjoyed reading your devotional! There has been something in the future that I was beginning to worry about, but this was a good reminder to me. It gave me peace. Thank you!!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh I am so happy this reminder gave you peace, MaryMargaret. Praying for you, knowing He will be there with you for what is to come.
Brenda says
Oh, the grace of a faithful God. That He meets us in our distress (and in our joy), is such a comfort and strength. — I’m claustrophobic, too. ((Hug)) I had to find an open MRI for the times I’ve needed them, too. I can’t understand it for the life of me, it feels irrational, but…there is no way I could willingly go into the regular MRI (even the open one is a stretch, but thank Jesus for it!) — Hope your back feels better soon. ((hug))
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I was so, so thankful there was an open MRI near us. We live in a rural area and I didn’t know I would have options. I hear you… even with the open one I needed to focus on His presence to get me through it. Yes… thank you, Jesus! Thank you for sharing with me, Brenda. Makes me feel better knowing someone knows how I felt. ((hugs))
Ada Joe says
Thanks for sharing this…I spent half my day anxious about a situation I had that I wasn’t productive at all but in the end what kept me anxious became a source of double blessing and provision for other circumstances I am dealing with…I am also reminded subtly by God that…
I am Seen…
I am Heard…
I am Loved…
I am not alone…
Praying for you that God will heal you and give you the peace that passeth all understanding and the grace bit to be anxious against all odds…Sending you Lots of love ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ and a big hug
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am sorry you had an anxious day, Ada, but it is wonderful you found the blessing through it. So grateful for His peace. So grateful for your love and prayers.
Rebecca Jones says
I am sorry to hear this, I know back pain all to well, and in Jesus name I speak His healing over Jennifer and everyone who has responded. You have been so good to me sparing me from surgeries and disability, cover the m in Isaiah 53.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am so happy to know you have had good results, Rebecca! Praise Him! Thank you so much for your prayers.
Beth Coulton says
I am in tears reading this, because I have seen Him show up in ways like that and it’s miraculous. We just hit a hard emotional family situation last night, and I have no idea where we go from here or what the resolution will be. So, once again, I am looking for His care in the small, daily things He will provide for me, one step at a time.
Beth Williams says
Beth,
Praying for you and your family! May God send peace & comfort your way.
(((((Hugs)))))
Beth Coulton says
Thank you!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am so sorry for what you are now going through, Beth. I pray you have peace in knowing He will meet you… just like He has done before. Praying for your family.
Beth Coulton says
Thank you so much.
Renee says
Jennifer, I always love to read what you have to say because you’re always full of encouraging words. I have experienced some of the same back pain issues that you’re now experiencing, but thank God, I’ve been pain free for over 13 years. I will be praying for you.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh I am so happy to hear you have had so many pain free years, Renee! I really appreciate your prayers and your encouragement. Thank you.
Nancy Ruegg says
I, too, have been inside that MRI tube because of extreme sciatica–back in 1996. It just so happened our church choir was preparing for a concert of Don Moen’s “God with Us” musical, which we had memorized. I missed the performance, but was able to sing in my mind the whole thing while inside that noisy machine. Nothing like powerful worship music on the theme “God is with us” to ease stress and discomfort! Thank you, Jennifer, for your wise observation: “When you are present in the moment, you will feel His Presence. And with that comes extraordinary peace.” Well said!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
That is awesome! What perfect timing for you to have memorized that song, Nancy. God’s perfect timing!
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
Praying for you. May God heal you quickly!! Thank you for a great devotional!! We tend to worry about the future all the time. I have told my MIL & hubby to pray about everything. God is in control & He will answer your prayers His way & in His time. The evil one would have us stressed out & upset, but God wants to give us peace-His everlasting peace & comfort. We can plan for tomorrow but don’t fret over it. Whatever is to be will be. This life is in His hands.
Blessings 🙂
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Amen to that, Beth! Beautiful words of encouragement. Thank you!
Eileen says
I am struggling. I am a believer and yet feeling scared and anxious. I also feel Like a momma bear protecting her cub – ready to pounce and claw to protect her own. Yesterday, Danny and I went to an Instacare for bronchitis after suffering from the flu for 2 weeks. Because he had lost 16 pounds since starting college in August, and he talked about not being able to stop drinking water and feeling tired a lot, I asked the MD to check his blood – he did and His blood sugar was over 700. We were sent urgently to the hospital and he’s been diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenille Onset Diabetes.
No diabetes educator in the hospital for Sat, Sun. And Monday due to President’s Day. Wrong meal type provided to him for dinner last night night and orange juice with his diabetic breakfast. But the 20-something-yr-old Dr. just walked in and said “okay – R u ready to go home?” WTF? Yeah. My sons life has just changed dramatically and will be on a controlled diet and insulin injections daily for the rest of his life! He’s so sick with Bronchitis and weakness. And he lives in the dorm with 4 suite-mates, one just diagnosed with Mono. Dans house is picked up but filth underneath – Carpets haven’t been cleaned in 8+ years. I just married 4 months ago and moved to California yet I have to be here in Utah to help Danny!! David is the love of my life – I’ve never known such love and to be without him is a struggle. But he loves Danny too and he’ll insist I stay to take care of and teach Danny how to deal with all of this.
I pray for help, guidance, patience and a loving heart and if God willing, a miracle for my wonderful beautiful Danny. Because inside of me, I’m scared and anxious. But, I know that I have to be Danny’s ROCK.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am so sorry for you what and your son have to go through, Eileen. I know how frightening diabetes can be. Praying with the correct education, he will be able to keep things under control. Praying for you as you help him through this. I know God will provide and carry you through it! He will be your rock!
Vickie says
Eileen, many prayers are with you, Danny and David. I’m a grateful old lady who has suffered through so much in this life and who has also received countless blessings and miracles. I’ve learned that fear is lack of faith. Memorize these two verses which have carried me through life on this Planet Earth for decades:
Peace…John 14:27
Hebrews…11:1
Also, many years ago this, too, was shared with me:
Don’t Give Up 5 Minutes Before The Miracle Happens!
I text the following sometimes and when I do, my family and friends know what I mean (that spiritual quote abbreviated:
DGU5MBTMH.
Another suggestion that was passed on to me – “Write a Gratitude List” about it. So, Eileen, pray first and start writing. Examples:
1. Danny has eyes that can see
Vickie says
…I think I wrote to you the limit of words that this allows . God bless you!
Vickie says
Faith…Hebrews 11:1
Eileen says
Thank you, Jennifer, for responding back to me. Thank you for reminding me that God is my Rock!
Pamela Cunningham says
Robin:
sorry to hear of your challenges. I went through the same thing for nearly 10 years with my back. Finally, in 2009 My options were depleted and surgery was my only recourse. I prayed about my situation and God led me to a wonderful orthopedic surgeon who believed that a person could be ‘whole’ again. The road to recovery was not easy, but the surgeon was patient and assured me that I would “get my life back” if I did everything suggested in re: physical therapy. I had to pray my way through the pain during physical therapy and God showed up every time. He flooded my heart with comforting scriptures to let me know He was there with me. Within six months I returned to work and have never experienced anymore pain. I was so grateful during that time that I knew Jesus and was able to be a recipient of His grace in that hour. I will continue to pray for you and your recovery. God is definitely in the healing business. How wonderful to feel His presence and know that He loves us and wants the very best for our lives. Be blessed, Robin and know that “GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.”
Carol Apgar says
Jennifer – this post was so encouraging! I am so sorry you have this to go through but also so grateful that you could use it to point us to our Father! I pray that you will heal and be able to get back to that which you love to do. I cannot wait to see what you are inspired to create!
Fay Vietmeier says
Jennifer~
The power of Presence:
Like beautiful bells ringing … Jesus assures us: “I am with you”… “I am with you”… “I am with you”
“the Word is very near you …in your heart & in your mouth” ~Deut 30:14
Just say “Amen”
Jesus Christ has given His Word: “I will not leave you an orphan; I will come to you.” ~John 14
“I am with you always.” ~Matthew 28
You are in my prayers.
In His Light & Love, Fay