Is it in my Genes?

I had three siblings who graduated to heaven; two of them had Alzheimer’s disease and the other had Diabetes so severe that she lost one foot to the disease. My Mom, now in heaven, had congenital heart disease. My Dad, also in heaven, had a malignant brain tumor.

Goodness gracious! With that family medical history, you’d think I’d be camping out at a medical facility to ensure when this ache or pain comes along that I’m close to help!

Honestly, the negative thoughts can take me on a tailspin thinking that I might have inherited my family’s issues.

To counterattack those thoughts, I suit up in my holy armor, put on my faith combat boots, my helmet of truth while holding my shield and sword of the spirit. I mentally take on a triple threat attitude to the enemy of my soul.

On the physical side, I do what I can do to stay healthy, strong, and sound. I take mineral and herb supplements daily. I work out at least four times a week. I drink lots of water. I do the things that I can do to be healthy and strong as though it depended on me.

On the mental side, I play mind games like Mahjonng and Wordle. I practice Spanish. I speak to my mind: “Donna, you have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and no weapon formed against you can prosper (Isaiah 54:17)!”

The best antidote against the lies of the enemy and the threats he tries to place over me when it comes to my health and well-being is I purposely change my thinking to keeping my mind on the ONE who paid the ultimate price for my healing, my freedom, and my victory.

And then, the spiritual side and the best defense ever, I’ve learned to pray, speak God’s Word, and wholly trust ME to Him. He has me AND you in the palms of His hands.

BUT, stuff happens, regardless of our strong faith. How do we handle those times?

We lived in Tulsa, OK for over 40 years. The most treasured landmark there are the mammoth, bronze “healing” hands located at the entrance of Oral Roberts University. I appreciated seeing those hands every time I drove by them. Those hands remain a strong representation of the power of medical science and God’s supernatural healing power working together to bring restoration to people’s bodies and minds.

I contend that those hands, figuratively speaking, represent my own mission statement. But, I know that my “vest” aka body is not bullet proof. I did get Covid – ugh! Thanks be to God – I survived it. At Christmas I had a severe sore throat and cough that lasted for several weeks.

I sometimes go to my chiropractor when my neck gets in a knot. I know God’s healing hands and my chiropractor’s hands AND my own wisdom have come together. I no longer have sciatic nerve pain and hamstring injuries from being too aggressive playing pickleball. In fact, I no longer play pickleball — on purpose. I am okay with it. I am now healed and whole, and thanking God for good common sense.

I have a choice — to wallow in self-pity or to BELIEVE and stand on God’s promise that “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us…” (Romans 8:37)

Jesus paid the ultimate price for our healing and our victory in every area of life. All those sicknesses, diseases, and challenges were paid for on the cross. It’s time we lay hold of the victory Christ brought us in overcoming and defeating the enemy.

“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

BELIEVE