For the past couple of months, I have had pressure sores on my backside and it has required me to stay in bed. When I cannot roll around in my wheelchair and get outside, I start to feel so isolated and depressed. Of course I thought I was “good” with everything, but the anger over my situation began to boil over during the last week or so. I literally screamed at God last night about my hardships; but as usual, my morning study radically changed my outlook and bolstered my faith.
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear (Phil. 1:12-14).
I really believe what has happened to me is advancing the gospel. Like Paul and his chains of iron, I hope when people look at my life and my chains of paralysis, they see that God can work powerfully in my life. If God can work powerfully in my life, I hope others see that he can work powerfully in their lives.
When I am relying on God, the pressure sores, the ongoing hospitalizations, and just the day-to-day difficulties of living as a quadriplegic, are building my character and strengthening my faith (James 1:2-4).
When you think about the chains in your life, do you fret and fear for the future, or do you cast your anxieties on Christ and allow him to give you peace? I realize some of our chains are harder to cast off than others. I often have to pray about some things repeatedly during the day.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death (Phil. 1:18b-20).
If you have physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges right now, do you believe the Holy Spirit will turn out for your deliverance? Maybe you have a chronic illness, a wayward child, a faltering marriage, adversaries at your workplace or even within your own family, that are attacking you. Do you believe Christ will be exalted because of your suffering? What does that mean exactly? That Christ can heal your brokenness. That people will see Christ in you and recognize your faith despite your painful circumstances.
It is important to remember that prayer is what will sustain us and allow us to be a shining light during dark storms in our lives. We can do nothing in our flesh. It also helps tremendously to find someone trustworthy to communicate our deepest anguish or confess sin.
If you are unsure how to pray, speak to God as you would speak to your closest friend. Ask him to help you overcome.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:3-6).
God will complete his good plan for our lives. He has had a plan for us since before we were born (Ps. 139:16); each day we are running the race he marked out for us (Heb. 12:1); we are being renewed every day (2 Cor. 4:16); our suffering is producing perseverance (James 1:2-4); our suffering cannot be compared to what will be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18); and everything we go through is for God’s good purpose (Rom. 8:28).
Diary of a Quadriplegic 
Terri, this is beautiful and uplifting. Thank you.
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Words of wisdom, words of hope. Thank you, Terri.
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So thankful God can use my life. I look forward to taking a look at your blog as well!
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This is my story: When I feel ‘trapped’ by my circumstances, isolated, lonely and angry, it is because of self-pity. Truth is painful but it sets free. I am angry because I start comparing myself with others who seem happy, healthy and free. ‘That is not wise’, I am told, but foolishness has been my ‘comfort zone’ many times when wisdom seem too expensive for ‘a poor little one’ like me. But immediately I stop looking around, and I fix my gaze on the Crucified, I remember the price He paid for my salvation. This remembrance is my ‘saving grace’. I fall in love with Jesus all over again, and nothing else matters. Glory to God! I hope that my story helps somebody!
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Very helpful and very true!
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What an amazing conviction from God’s word in the midst of your tremendous suffering! You remain a current example for me and so many other people. Praying for your circumstances and for your sores to be healed. Thank you for sharing your reality of pain and God’s reality from His word. Love you deeply💕
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Love you too! Thank you for the encouragement.
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Terri, you are a light through all your struggles. Thank you for being honest and encouraging. God is with you and is using you.
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Hello Terri. I’m sorry you are suffering with painful pressure sores.
You are a great example and inspiration. Thank you!
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I just logged on to your blog and I look forward to following it. I love the funnies!
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Thank you, Terri. I’m glad you enjoyed the funnies. 😀 I love searching for them and will have to post them more often. 🙂
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There is a blessed inspiration in your sharing… God is already shining through.
Blessings
BT
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I am grateful for God shining light. Thank you, Brian.
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I agree with you, you have been used as a chosen vessel (Acts 9:15) by God. Being ‘counted worthy’ (Act 5:41) of suffering would be the go-to scripture for me to consider and try to find joy amid my suffering (James 1). These are amazing challenges. I’ve been wondering a lot about what God expects from us emotionally. But, it is to delight (Ps. 119:143) in these things. That is a high calling. How to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus! Although, you must be ‘good’ at your kind of suffering. I apologize if that is unfeeling or rude. But, I often feel that I must be ‘good’ at being poor and a little crazy, LOL. It keeps me in step with the Holy Spirit. (Ps. 1)
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Prayer is what will sustain us and allow us to be a shining light during dark storms in our lives. Amen! I believe in the power of prayer. I am saying healing prayers for you, Terri. 🌺🙏
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I’m so sorry you have to be stuck in bed dealing with sores. Even when you are going through challenging physical and emotional battles of your own, you’re quite the cheerleader for others. Thank you for your beautiful Christian message, Terri.
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Good Morning Ma’am ‘
Thank you so much for sharing the above email about your challenging experience.
I truly can relate because my late elder brother went through the same kind of psychological trauma as well but his faith in God’s word made it worth while for him then.
I also have my own challenges but I will continue relying on God almighty each day of my life.
I will continue to pray for more of God’s strength upon your life.
Looking forward to more of your inspiring and spirit uplifting messages.
God bless you.
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Thank you, Judith!
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You are most welcome.
May God almighty continue to strengthen you.
God bless you.
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I hope your sores get much better soon.. sending you much love ❤️
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Thank you for this great reminder, Terri. God is certainly using you to benefit others. May He strengthen and bless you richly in the days ahead!
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Terri I love your thoughts and the beautiful way you share them with us. You truly make me a better disciple! I also went back to your blog “A decision of faith” and loved what you wrote about faith- “True faith does not insist that God should obey its wishes. True faith obeys God! Faith obeys just the next revealed step and leaves the consequences with God.”
Thank you!!
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Hi Susan! Thank you for the encouragement. I’m grateful God can use my life.
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And I have to give credit where credit is due. One of the women that follows my blog, Sylvia Leah Leigh, MD, made that bold and convicting statement about true faith that you quoted above.
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Thank you Teri for this article, it is one of your most inspiring. Your words truly marked my heart, esp after a sleepless night:
“When you think about the chains in your life, do you fret and fear for the future, or do you cast your anxieties on Christ and allow him to give you peace?”
Last month I presented to a women’s Bible study, “When God Hems You In”. I am trying to walk in the truths that the Lord shows me – your post punctuated every point.
I have stepped back from WP at this time but cannot miss your posts. Your struggles and surrender gives your afflictions eternal value, I marvel at God’s flow of living waters through them.
Thank you sister. ❤️
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Wow, Lisa. Thank you for the encouragement. It’s all God and I’m thankful he can use my life. I would love to see your Bible study, “When God Hems You In.” Is that something you are willing to share with me?
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Sure, I’ll email it. Thank you Teri
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Terri, thank you for sharing your faith openly and honestly in the midst of your suffering. Sharing God’s word in scripture as it applies to your circumstances, and that is a tremendous inspiration to all of us as we go through trials of our own. Russ struggles with his post-stroke physical limitations daily, but your messages really help motivate and inspire him. You are amazing, my friend!
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Terri,
What you wrote was remarkable. God definitely uses you as a vessel. You and a true inspiration to everyone, whether they may be strangers or people who are close to you. You are the definition of a faithful servant 🙏 ♥️
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It’s so good to hear your thoughts Miss Terri. I ‘ve missed catching up on you and your walk with God. I had a conversation with my son today about the way God allows us to grow and change. I wish I’d read your blog before!
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Thank you for your encouragement over the years.
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Right you are, Terri. And I’m certain that what has happened to you is advancing the gospel even more than you can possibly imagine. Press on, dear friend!
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