God in the Fog #1

MY CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

Malachi 4:2

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

I haven’t often told of the many wonders God has performed for us. However, that is now changing. I must share this Christmas miracle as my gratitude overflows.

Since high school, more than 40 years ago, I have had sleep issues. At that point, the doctor said my sleep problem was due to excessive curvature of my spine, which he called mild scoliosis. I continued to sleep many nights on the floor. Several years and many pillows later, I went to a chiropractor, and his X-rays revealed that the culprit was my “military neck,” as it had no curvature whatsoever. Fast forward past a couple of new mattresses, and I underwent a sleep test where I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. Unfortunately, the CPAP machine caused me hypoxemia (low oxygen in the blood), so that wasn’t a solution. As the years marched on, my problem only got worse. Despite taking pain medication before bed and stretching multiple times each night, my most extended reach of sleep was typically 4 hours. At this point, I had to get up to alleviate the back and neck pain. That first time out of bed became my prayer time. Then I’d go back to sleep for maybe a couple more hours, get up again, and maybe try and sleep one final time for an hour or less. I have had multiple reasons for my insomnia but never a solution.

Drowsiness has impacted every area of my life. I fall asleep at stoplights, flunk morning exercise routines, fuzzily study for classes and sermons, and feel stiff, sore, and mentally frustrated to start my day. Despite being an excellent napper, I was tired of being tired. So during some prayer and fasting last week, I asked the Lord if He would heal me of my sleep ailment.

I did not hear a response, but for the past week, I have slept six, seven, and even eight hours without medication or pain. This sudden change after more than 40 years of sleep deprivation is a monumental miracle. Instead of waking up pleading with the Lord for a good attitude and strength to make it through the day, I lay awake thanking Him for the blessing of a whole night’s rest.

I am miraculously healed! If God did it for me, He could do the same for you!