Help while stuck at ‘Base Camp’

I’m the first to admit that the past few months have been a struggle, being on a setback plateau. Five months stuck at ‘base camp’, often ‘bed camp’. A cosy place, but an occasional change of scenery is always welcome. But that has not been possible, and currently still isn’t.

Where ever I’m stuck, however, there is always a place I can go in my heart and mind to have a cry out. To know I am heard, without serenading my neighbours with smashing of a dinner plate. And that place is…

Prayer

Not a formal set sort of prayer that you may find in a Service Book or Order of Service. They are beautiful. But I’m talking about an informal chat or dialogue. Opening up and letting go. God loves it when we talk to him and waits for us to do so.

Psalm 55:22a NIV ~ Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you…

In saying that, when I pray, to prepare I may start by praying The Lord’s Prayer. Or part of what on just checking, is the Gloria. To bring me to the place of rest. The latter I would have sung at a sung service in church many years ago. They were fab. And other times I just begin.

Matthew 6:6a NIV ~ …when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.

As this scripture continues, it reminds us not to go waffling on endlessly. I am mindful of that.

A special group

You may have read in earlier posts, that I coordinate a small long distance prayer group. This group is a place of sanctuary. Women I used to worship with in person whilst we all lived overseas in the same place. We all now live across the globe.

I always see it as an incredibly special time. Such prayer warriors I’d had no expectation of meeting.

My aim with the Prayer group is not to let my needs take priority, but to encourage an easy flow of sharing. This time round, things had been becoming increasingly difficult for me. And I needed backup.

Philippians 4:6 NIV ~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanks giving, present your requests to God.

Chosen Tune 🎵👇

Falling on My Knees ~ William McDowello

What was the prayer need?

The nausea symptoms had returned with vigour, pain upped, symptoms increasing and the fatigue feeling like a ton weight. What do I do, where do I go, nothing is working. I thought.

Go to God & go to the group!

It takes me quite a while to formulate messages. But once sent, faithful messages of encouragement were forthcoming which helped my peace and courage immensely.

1Peter 5:7 NIV ~ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I had also decided that a chocolate fast might be a good idea. I have been being nudged about this for a while. This happened to coincide with Lent. I don’t often fast. It may seem trivial or even legalistic. I hope not. Dark chocolate (1 square of) gives a short boost, and other chocolate an evening treat. Fasting this, is a definite discipline for me, helped focus my mind and encouraged me to press into Grace.

Matthew 17:21 KJV ~ Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Persevere

During this time of prayer cover, I knew I needed wisdom in looking for help. I had sought help from our local medical practise, which hadn’t started very well I’m sad to say. It went so well in fact that I had to submit some rather scathing correspondence. Not something I like doing at all, but necessary on this occasion.

I felt even more sick awaiting a reply.

An answer?

I anticipated an unpleasant and stilted response. How wrong could I have been. No, no promises of miracle cures, but understanding has been forthcoming and my situation duly noted. Not only that, the struggle for my husband has also been acknowledged. Finally! That means so much and I was pretty stunned by it. My husband was also.

That’s not all

And to add to that, through the help of a dear friend, more support has been swiftly put in place at home, which has been so desperately needed. Aaah…clean bedding!

I nearly cried with relief, but was speechless.

Trust

During this time, I have been blessed with prayer cover. People standing with me. I didn’t try to go it alone, or just soldier on and try and sort everything in my own strength (or lack of). I handed it all over at the feet of Jesus, and the weight was carried.

Matthew 18:20 NIV ~ For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.

The need lifted in prayer by the group, in belief. Often in situations like this, it’s difficult to know how to pray. As I started to hand it over and open up to God, what was needed became clearer. I needed help to sort it out. This request was for wisdom, discernment and courage.