I moved my hand but there is much more to the story
“Are you moving your hand?” Stephanie asked as she shot up out of her chair.
I had been staring intently at my left hand resting on the armrest of my wheelchair, squinting my face in an attempt to move it. It must’ve been my not-so-subtle grunt that had gotten my wife’s attention.
My fingers
fluttered a bit before relaxing back into place on the armrest. I tried again
to ensure I hadn’t been imagining anything. Sure enough, I was controlling the
movement of my left fingers. I kept my attention on my hand while allowing a
subtle smile to form.
“What made you try that?” Stephanie asked after I proudly flexed my fingers a few more times. It’s not as if this was something I had been working on.
“I’m tired of being paralyzed,” I responded casually
as I glanced up at her with a grin. Why else would I be moving these long
dormant digits?
This regained movement isn’t quite enough yet to change anything functionally, so the initial buzz quickly wore off. However, as I thought about it later, I began to wonder if God may be showing me something through this seemingly small development. Maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to judge what may or may not be going on beneath the surface.
Would it be rational to look at the still
water of a pond and conclude that nothing was happening below it? Similarly,
there are endless stories being told beneath the surface, not only in my body
but in relationships, trying circumstances, and all throughout our world.
After so many years of chronic pain and spasticity
keeping me confined to bed it is easy to wonder if anything will ever change.
Years of praying relentlessly for relief to no avail often leads to a
temptation to feel as if God is not even listening. Is he even paying
attention? It’s easy to look at the surface of the pond and think, “No sign
of life here… Time to look elsewhere…”
Unable to independently establish any full connection
between my extremities and brain signals leaves passive range of motion as the
key component to keeping my body in the best possible position. However, this
alone does not offer a physiological explanation for why I suddenly regained a
measure of control over my fingers ten years after my injury. Could it be that
God is reminding me that he is still listening? That I have not been abandoned?
The small movement in my left hand is not some
groundbreaking functional physical development. But it stands as an encouraging
reminder that God is at work even when it doesn’t feel like it. It is a
reminder that God is listening and is on the move even though I can’t always
see it.
While it may be easy to lose sight of, a small breakthrough can be a great reminder of a deeper reality: There is always much more to the story than we realize.
What about you? Are there areas in your life that may be on the verge of breakthrough but remain hidden?
So awesome
Prayers answered
Prayers continue
Joshua 1:9
Thanks Steve!
Great reminder using the still lake.
Excited about the finger movement.
Years back as I grew in my faith walk, I heard the phrase, “Despise not small beginnings!” That comes to mind, Ryan, as I read your encouraging shift! Praying that is is truly only the BEGINNING!! Blessings, Prayers & Gratitude!!
Jessa, I actually had Zechariah 4:10 in my mind when writing this. Thanks for reminder!
Beautiful! What an awesome reminder. Thanks for the encouragement!
Praise God for His insights flowing through you, and for movement! Amen! As Jessa said, “Praying that is is truly only the BEGINNING!” of MORE to come. Yes and AMEN! You and Stephanie are loved. Thank you for your life and witness!
Thanks for praying Sue
God is always at work.
Genesis 16:13 – She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Great verse Blake, thanks for sharing
Ryan this fantastic!!!
And your imagery of the still pond resonated strongly with some pictures God recently put in my mind of a chrysalis , regarding some spiritual changes I have been praying for in family members, namely to know their identity as Children of the King !
Shortly after that my son started tithing out of no where BEFORE our Crossroads series on a Blessed Life which addresses giving to God first! I consider your guidance as part of his story as well! Praying for continued movement spiritually and physically !
Praying for
Love the lake analogy.
Also, Awesome stuff about tithing!
So exciting! Great post on great news. Praying!
Great news and great insight, Ryan.
Hi Ryan,
I’m so thankful for miraculous healing which allowed you to move your fingers. Praise Jesus!!!
Your writing of how God is listening and moving when we might not realize…it is an inspiration to all of us who are reading.
Praying for continued healing and better sleep/rest for you. Mike
Love hearing this! As I’ve said before you continue to be an inspiration! God is good!
You are an inspiration.
Praying for you, Brother!
I can’t stop smiling!!!! This is awesome!!! Thank you Jesus and we say, more Lord. Love you guys!!!
Praise God! Been praying for you and Stephanie to have more restful sleep but maybe the nighttime spasms were used for your good to stir up newfound movement! Changing up the prayers to ask that every spasm that steals from your sleep will be used to wake up other parts of your body too as the Lord continues to redeem and restore what is beneath the surface. Lord, may it be!
Sherry, thanks for praying!
Ryan! How exciting!!! I love it when the father lets us see glimpses of answered prayers! I will continue to pray for you and Stephanie!
Kathy
Ezekiel 47:1-6 brother!
Keep on keeping on!
HI Ryan!
To say I’m proud of you brother would be the understatement of the day!
To see you take your accident and turn it into a ministry that helps other disabled folks, their families, and their caregivers is just marvelous!
Thank you Ryan for the encouragement you provide for all of us who have the privilege of calling you friend!
Would love to reconnect with you again in person. What are the logistics involved? Are you in the same location? Are there best days, and/or best hours to visit ?
I look forward to hearing from you Ryan!
In Christ’s service,
Gary
You are an awesome young man. You have undoubtedly touched many lives through your ministry. I’m thrilled to hear about the movement in your hands. Praying for continued healing!
Ryan, thank you so much for sharing this! It has served as great encouragement to me! I’m looking at a still Pond in my life right now too. Love you dear brother!
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