I remember receiving my test results and thinking – surely they must have made a mistake? – They must have swapped the test results with somebody else. That cannot be my knee – my knee is fine and I should be back at footy in no time. Clearly, I was in denial.
I had to learn to walk again. There were times I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It was about 3 months until I would be able to drive again. I never thought I would be so excited to step into the driver's seat again.
But how do we respond when things like this happen in our lives? What kind of attitude do we have in such situations? Do we immediately blame God for these circumstances? Should this stir us away from God or should we cling even closer to Him?
I believe that God puts us through such experiences for a purpose. He can use these experiences for His eternal purpose. Even though there are times when we don't see the light at the end of the tunnel – the light is still there eagerly waiting for us.
This 'experience' is continually teaching me. There's a phrase I have so often heard: "You don't know what you have until it's gone". Sadly many times in life, this is the case. I have learned to appreciate a lot of the simple things in life that we so easily take for granted – like having good health, food on the table - just being able to walk is a blessing in itself.
I have learned a lot from the book of Philippians 4:4-7, which talks about rejoicing in the Lord always. It goes on to say that we are not to be anxious in anything, but to pray in everything with thanksgiving, and bringing our requests to God. The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. I take comfort in knowing that God is still there to carry me through this situation. I pray that I am able to rejoice in the Lord regardless of my circumstance.
And still, I have seen so many blessings come my way through this experience. The love and care shown by many friends, relatives and my church family is amazing. I will always be grateful to God.
On the day of my injury, the referee prayed that my knee would be healed and that I would be able to come back and play touch footy again. Today I still think back to that prayer, and continue praying believing that one day I will be back on the footy field.
Now seven months on, and my knee is getting stronger. It's still not a 100% (and it may never be) and there is still a lot of work to be done. I still have my good days and bad days, but I know regardless of the outcome, God is still here. God is still good. I am looking forward to being able to run again.
"The Lord is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation" Psalm 118:14