Those who know me, know that I had major knee surgeries 2-1/2 years ago ~~ TKA: Total knee arthroplasty, both knees, at the same time.
For someone born with knock-knee deformities, it’s the inevitable ~~ and when it happens, you quickly learn how much it was badly needed. Yes, pain screams at the top of her lungs to draw your attention to the urgency at which you need the correction and restoration, but you adapt and adjust until the appointed time of surgery. And then finally …
You exhale.
But the Journey to restoration is only beginning.
The weeks leading up to surgery were dedicated to intense non-weight-bearing exercises that primarily focused on core training and upper body strength. Since both knees were going to be affected I had to really prepare myself (physically, mentally, and emotionally) as well as our home.
The night of my surgeries, the hospital physical therapist entered my room and asked me if I wanted to go for a “walk.” I agreed, thinking I was still on drugs from earlier and probably wouldn’t feel any pain anyways.
As he taught me “how” to get out of bed and properly use my walker, I remember how shaky and unsteady I felt. Visions of a newborn calf ran through my mind as I labored to struggle to hold myself up. Scared and lacking confidence, I took those first few steps with walker in front of me and therapist beside me. We made it all the way ~~ to the door of my room!
A bit disappointed at all the energy it took from me to go just that short distance (must’ve been less than 12 feet), I can recall exhaling back into the bed.
Something as simple as walking ~~ required every ounce of determination and perseverance on my part. I was terrified at the thought of a “misstep.”
That’s what this Scripture verse brings me to ~~ the blessed remembrance that God gives me the true CONFIDENCE to walk through my high places of CHALLENGE.
Walking up an incline is a challenge to the human body ~~ it calls on those typically weaker muscles to rise up and get moving. Inclines challenge our hearts and lungs, causing us to breathe harder and so our hearts respond with beating harder and faster.
But God …..
Says He will STEADY our feet ~~ and make our steps secure ~~ SURE. To me, that makes all the difference in the Journey. Secure landing of each step taken forward ~~ unwavering movements from unwavering faith. Solid.
Every day of our lives we are met with challenges; some which I would not have chosen if I were “in charge.” Nonetheless, these challenges bring us to a “place” of GROWTH ~~ character growth and development. At times, I know that I’ve asked God (begged Him) to remove the challenge in front of me ~~ for fear of failure. And for all the times that He has declined my request, I discover that He had my BEST interest at Heart all along.
Even though I may have “measured” and “defined” SUCCESS in the “incorrect” manner, I’m learning that true SUCCESS is in TRUSTING God for each step forward.
Do I still fear “failure?” Yes. Have I stopped asking God to remove the seemingly insurmountable “challenges” put before me? No.
I’ve learned that in the challenges ~~ is the opportunity and privilege to experience the love of God. It is here, Girlfriend, that He and I are closest. As the newborn doe takes her first attempt at standing only moments after birth, I, too, shake. But God generously gives me the strength to stand up to the challenge and lands my feet on solid ground. In fact, He pours out His Strength to continue stepping forward. Even through and to the places of challenge.
Allow me to encourage you this day, Sweet Sister, to take each step with Him, fully confident and sure footed.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson
T2T Visionary
Titus Two 