Lower Right Abdominal Pain

When I arrived at the Nashville Airport I was extremely tired. I had not slept a wink the night before. This is never the way to begin a weekend of ministry, but I trudged onward. God can get me through tired weekends. He is more than able to provide spiritual caffeine for a weary spirit.

While walking to our gate at Southwest, I self diagnosed. I had a bladder infection. Yes, I did. I even called my mother for confirmation. Mind you, it has been over twenty years since I had a bladder infection, but Dr. Tina was sure. When we landed in St. Louis, I explained my situation to our host for the weekend and she promptly called the church member who happened to be a doctor. Meds were called in for me within the hour. A nice antibiotic and a few pills for the pain. I would be in tip top shape in hours. Or so I thought.

The pain was excruciating, but I was smiling through it. Whenever I would take the platform, my pain would completley leave me. I spoke and sang for over an hour to the most lovely group of women at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, Illinois. The event concluded with a dessert fellowship. I was barely able to focus on the women who were speaking with me. I broke out in a sweat and knew I needed to head back to the hotel. The night that followed found me shivering with pain. I prayed and trusted God would help me minister in the morning.

Sunday morning came and God provided strength to stand and sing. To speak. To share. To smile. He is an amazing God. After a few hours of ministry, I was once again at the airport. I was thankful to have Glenda traveling with me. She has been like family for over fifteen years. She knew I was in much pain and advised me to get to the ER when we landed. I am a stubborn girl, but in the back of my mind I was aware that this was surely NOT a bladder infection. I was dealing with something else entirely.

I sought the internet when I got home on Sunday night. What I read prompted me to head to the ER right away. After a CT scan confirmed my problem, I was scheduled for surgery. I said goodbye to my APPENDIX a few hours later!! Surgery was NOT on my schedule for Monday! But God is faithful. I really never thought it was my appendix. I was innocent in thinking I was facing something minor. Something medicine could mend. God kept my appendix from rupturing during two plane flights. God showed such mercy to me and allowed me to minister in His power. Just amazing. I myself am fully amazed as I tend to be a real baby when it comes to pain. Truly GOD works in the weak to make us strong!

One week later, I am feeling my strength return to my body. Pain is leaving. Joy is returning. I am rejoicing in God's healing power and PERFECT timing. I travel out of town again this Friday and I will be well enough to go! Thank you, Jesus. He has strengthened my frame!

I will be teaching on a "well-watered garden" this coming weekend. I love how how the focus scripture ministers to me today in light of my last week.

Isaiah 58:10 ...if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

Amen! And P.S. If you are suffering from LOWER RIGHT ABDOMINAL PAIN that only increases in intensity, it is cause for concern and will require more than ibuprofen. :)