Fingertips



As I strummed a few chords tonight, I smiled. It's amazing how much sound can come from 6 little strings. A little while later, I noticed my fingertips are getting dry. Then I remembered that amazing event about 2-3 years ago...

For two years my fingertips cracked and bled. Helping my two babies with .. anything - was painful. Washing dishes, cleaning, peeling potatoes, stirring soup, typing, tickling my children - EVERYTHING HURT. Deep crevices marred my skin. I didn't have fingerprints anymore - just cracks. Seriously. Lotions, potions and creams did nothing. Even the dermatologist had only cream to give me ... and advice to wash my hands less often. With two babies in diapers, that was not an option. It became normal to cake my fingertips with lotion and sleep with gloves on. Attractive...

Then one day it occurred to me that I have a personal relationship with the Almighty God - the Healer, and I never even asked Him to help me. Not once. Wow. Quite an oversight...

As I sat preparing to ask God for healing, I wrestled with faith - do I actually believe He can? Sounds simple, and if it were someone else's fingers that had bled for 2 years, I would have said 'duh! Of course the God of the universe can heal your little fingers - which He made by the way...'  But these were my fingers. This was my faith.

I don't remember how long I wrestled with it, but I finally asked.  "God, thank you that you are in control. You made my hands and can heal them if you choose to. Lord, I ask that you would heal them. But if it's not in your plan to heal my hands, I know you have a reason. Please help me to glorify you through the pain."  And I left it there, not thinking about it again.

Days later, I realized I hadn't had pain for awhile. I inspected my fingertips and found them to be completely restored! I had fingerprints - normal, healthy fingertips! No cracks, no scars (which I was sure I would have if they ever did heal), no callous, just perfect healthy hands. Amazing.

Days like today, when I feel what guitar strumming does to my fingers, I'm especially grateful. I am blessed and privileged to tickle my kids, play piano, strum a guitar, and type on this keyboard. Each of these would be excruciating today if God had not healed me.

Sometimes I forget - I take for granted the lack of pain. But, today my little guitar callous reminds me and I'm thankful.

.

15 comments:

Tabitha Bird said...

I love that story. And I understand about that 'wrestling' with your faith. I too wrestle :) Thank you for your visit to my blog :)) I am going to join as a follower of yours too :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

This is a beautful testament of real faith. Of course we too often forget God, but He doesn't forget us. And yes, He can and does heal regardless of our neglectful faith.

Blessings,
Lyn

Just Be Real said...

Oh dear one I loved this post. I too play guitar and have built up the callouses. Yep at the beginning it is hard and very painful.

What a great analogy. This touched me in so many ways. Appreciate you sharing. Blessings.

From The Heart Online said...

@Tabitha: Thanks for stopping by! Glad to welcome you as my follower. glad to find you on FB too! :)

@ Lynda Young: "He doesn't forget us" - I love that. It doesn't depend on me, does it? I'd like to remember that every day of my life! :D

@ Just Be Real: Thanks for stopping by, and for your encouraging words. It's amazing what God can use to touch our hearts ;)

Charlotte said...

Wow, what a wonderful testimony. It reminds me of my post this week. It's on the power of prayer. I love the way God answered your prayer and I'm glad you shared it with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello, Yes Jesus can and does heal. It was your time so he prompted you to ask.
I am just praying for healing again myself now I have read your witness.
So many times I have experienced healing yet this time, I didn't even ask..
I beg the Lords forgivenss for my little faith..and praise Him for yours.. God Bless you. CML

michelle said...

wow! Praise God!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

what a neat inspiring story.

Susan said...

He is not only our Savior but our Healer. Praise God He is!!!!

Renee said...

What a wonderful witness to God's healing power....Praise God!

From The Heart Online said...

Hi Charlotte. I'm learning the power of prayer, and how much it relies on my faith. -not that my faith makes God a genie, but that faith is required. ;)

Welcome here, Crystal Mary! I love how you put that - 'it was your time, so he prompted you to ask'. I pray that you would be healed too - God can do it and we can be sure that, whatever happens - whatever he decides, is for His glory, and that is excellent and good. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing. Come back again sometime!

From The Heart Online said...

Micey & Sarah - thanks for stopping by! God is good ... all the time :)

Susan & Renee - welcome! Thanks so much for your visit here. God IS awesome. It's amazing what he can use for His glory!

Kelee Katillac said...

Yeah! Great story... I am so happy for you!

God is good....especially when we ask for help....


Happy Spiritual Sunday!

love, kelee

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I love this story. I love how God answerers our prayers small or big knowing he is in charge is a blessing.
Ginger

Whidbey Woman said...

Thanks for this testimony. What an amazing and awesome God we serve!