Debbie Berna shares her story of finding freedom by surrendering her health to God.
I Surrender My Health
I had spent the whole day fasting and drinking this disgusting liquid. I had to drink it because I had major surgery coming up the next day. I was getting a colon resection, and I had to be completely “cleaned out”. My large intestine had gotten twisted, and part of it had lost oxygen and was decaying, and it had to be removed. I had to admit, this was a new one for me. Not new as far as surgery went. This was my sixth surgery in less than a year. I was sick and tired of being in and out of the hospital.
Bad News
My stomach rumbled as I thought of the dinner I had missed that night. I can’t remember what my husband ate, but I knew it was something good. The phone rang as I thought about the nice ice cream sundae I could have enjoyed. “I have bad news.” It was my surgeon, and he did not sound happy. “The hospital screwed up the schedule for tomorrow, so I can’t operate. We’ll have to operate on you Friday.”
I could tell he was angry about it and sympathetic toward me. I had just spent the whole day in the bathroom, getting ready for surgery, and not being able to eat anything. I was more frustrated than anything else. He apologized, and it made me feel better, but not enough. When I got off the phone with him, I ordered a cheesesteak and French fries from the local takeout place. Food never tasted so good.
Frustrated, Tired, and Worn Out
Still, I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth. I was so frustrated, tired, and worn out. One surgery after another had left me with exhaustion and pain. When I was done eating, I looked at my husband. and burst into tears. He knew what the past year had done to me. It had taken a toll on me physically and emotionally. I had an emergency appendectomy and had to have a hysterectomy. I was fairly young to go through this, and the heartache of infertility was also weighing heavily on me.
Surrendering
My husband held me and shared my frustration. He knew what I’d been through because he’d been with me every step of the way. I realized that it had to be taking a toll on him. He never complained once. He’d been with me through all the tests, surgeries, and back and forth to the hospital a dozen times or more. Later that evening, as I was getting ready for bed, I felt a new resolve. As I prayed, I told God, I was giving it all to Him: my pain, my frustration, my exhaustion, all of it. I surrendered it to Him because it was the only way I knew I could get through what was ahead of me without falling to pieces. I took a deep breath and felt better.
Surrendering Changes Everything
That was a pivotal point in my walk with the Lord. A lot has happened to me since then. Not long after having my colon surgery, I had to have a spinal fusion. I had five herniated discs in my back, and could barely walk. I had some improvement for a while, but developed severe arthritis and scoliosis in my back, as well as ankylosing spondylitis. I live with chronic pain every day. I have also been diagnosed with lupus, fibromyalgia, and I suffer from chronic headaches and migraines. Not being able to have children left me in a deep depression for some time. I also lost my job because of my health and had to go on permanent disability. Still, I could not feel more blessed than I am today.
My husband still never complains and takes me to my appointments and tests. He is always with me every step of the way. I give my love to our sweet little furbaby, Kadie, who means the world to me. I don’t get to go out much because of my chronic pain, but I fill my days with joy. I love spending time with the Lord, and being home helped me renew my love for writing. Since all this has happened, I have published 36 books on Amazon.com. Whatever money I make from their sales is donated to charity, and that makes me feel blessed. I also have a Substack, and I write frequently on it. I have recently begun leading an online Bible study group. I take courses and workshops because I have always considered myself a lifelong learner.
Surrendering Left Room
Surrendering my pain to God left room for something more positive. People have commented that I am always smiling and in a good mood. Despite the pain I am in, I feel so blessed to be able to live my life for the Lord and share my love for Him with others. The only way to make room for God is to give Him the things already taking up space in your heart. If you feel frustrated, sad, downhearted, angry, or confused, give these to Him and watch as He does a good work in your life. He did it for me. I know He can do it for you.
Meet Debbie
Debbie Berna lives in New York City with her husband, Richie, She married her best friend over 21 years ago. They have an adorable, spoiled fur baby named Kadie. She has published 36 books and has a Substack entitled “A Son-Flower in God’s Garden”. She loves spending time with the Lord every day. She is currently working on a devotional about the Psalms.
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Hope in the Healing: A 40-Day Journey Through Chronic Illness
Hope in the Healing: A 40-Day Devotional Journey Through Chronic Illness
Find strength for today and hope for tomorrow with this compassionate 40-day devotional designed for those navigating the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of chronic illness. Hope in the Healing offers gentle encouragement, Scripture-based reflections, and space to connect with God—even on the hardest days.
💛 Start your journey today: https://amzn.to/3TbkaIj
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