“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
–Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Back in 2019, I was in and out of the hospital due to a severe eye infection. Ultimately my entire right eye, socket, orbit and both the top and bottom eyelids were removed. In total, I spent a month and a half in the hospital.
Then in 2020, I was in and out of the hospital again, due to eye and sinus infections. They had me on oral and IV antibiotics, pain medications, and antifungal medications as well, but nothing seemed to work.
I just wanted to give up, but my family, doctors and friends wouldn’t allow that. Every time I even mentioned giving up, my mom would tell me to remember what God says in the Bible. He will never give us anything we can’t handle, and He is the ultimate healer.
Now we’re up to the year 2021, and my eye was completely healed until last night. I was taking a nap when I suddenly felt a lot of pressure on the right side of my head. Then my right eye busted back open.
Today it hurts a lot, and I’m tired of fighting these battles, only to wind up with another one to fight. My eye has been bleeding since yesterday, and I will see the doctor tomorrow morning.
As I previously said, God says He’ll never give us something we can’t handle, although He often give us trials and tribulations. These are hard to conquer, but not impossible.
One of my all-time favorite verses is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV) I personally know that this is true.
Every battle I have conquered, every trial I have survived, and every wound I have that has healed or is healing shows that God has His hand upon me. He won’t give me anything that I’m not strong enough to conquer.
God is my strength, my shelter and the only God there is. Praise Him, and pray to Him for your life. Every morning, I pray that you will thank God for another new day, whatever trials that day may bring!

Our guest blogger, Carol Ann Weeks, reminds us all that each day is a gift. So when we feel like giving up, it is comforting to remember that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. I don’t believe that God is through with Carol, as her life is a beacon pointing toward Jesus.
While we have only known her for a short time, Carol has been a real inspiration. Please pray that if it is the Lord’s will, He would completely heal her for His glory.
Regardless of which doors He chooses to open or close, though, I believe that Jesus–who is the same yesterday, today and forever–wants to chalenge us all through Carol’s words.
When we pray for her healing, we also need to reflect on the biblical story of the ten lepers. If you will go there with me for a minute, I would like to make an application here. While ten men came up to Jesus crying out for healing, only one returned to give thanks. I pray that we would always have the courage which Carol Ann displays to thank God in our dark hours, unlocking the doors of hope and freedom as we step into His plan for our lives.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 6:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 313-209-8800. Our PIN is 8699032. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.