God’s Kind of Normal

In the midst of 2011, I noticed pain in my left shoulder. I never had it checked by a doctor, so I am unsure what was causing the pain. It became difficult to reach certain directions. Rotating my arm backwards was not an option; the pain screamed loudly. Or maybe I was screaming.

At first, I was discouraged. It was another thing to add to my list of negative age-related issues. I wanted to complain about getting old; I was even tempted to joke about it. But then I realized if I began talking about it, I would be accepting getting creaky, achy and old as part of life.

It’s a strange thing. Many people fight the outward appearance of aging with a vengeance. Hair color, anti-aging skin care, and all types of surgical procedures are common. Many celebrities are beginning to look frightening. But in the midst of the struggle against the outward appearance of aging, it seems many people accept inner health issues.

I went to God’s Word to see what He thought about aging.

“Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eyesight was sharp; he still walked with a spring in his step.”  

Deuteronomy 34:7 (MESSAGE)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul…Who satisfies your mouth (your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation) with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagles (strong, overcoming, soaring)!  

Psalm 103:1, 5 (AMP)

“He brought (Israel) forth also with silver and gold, and there was not one feeble person among the tribes.”  

Psalm 105:37

After pondering these, along with other scriptures, I began praying. I prayed my shoulder would be renewed, strong, and well. Every time it screamed otherwise, I thanked the Lord for renewing my youth.

One day, not long after, I reached backwards to grab something. No pain. It surprised me. My shoulder felt normal.

I wondered when it had gotten healed. And of course, it didn’t matter. I was simply thankful my shoulder was well.

I continue to have a few other age-related issues. I am expecting these to be renewed, as well.

We can accept pain and sickness as normal, or we can agree with God’s Word, where healing and health is normal.

I choose God’s kind of normal. How about you?