He Can Move the Mountains

This was taken during the three weeks I was on the couch or my crutches after having ACL reconstruction surgery this past August. I got a little weird on all those pain killers. And let me just say, "Hip-hip-hooray for vitamin I!" (Ibuprofen, better known as advil) That stuff's a life saver!

Needless to say, surgery is expsensive and caused much financial strain. I have had to face many mountains - the kind that are impossible to climb. Yet in my need, God faithfully demonstrated His loving care for me as He moved all those mountains one by one. In July, while playing soccer, I tore my ACL, which is a major ligament in my knee. Basically, to make a looong story short, I racked up close to $10,000 worth of damage in about 3 seconds. Not to mention the fact that it would be a six month recovery! I was making a sharp turn while running after the ball, and my left foot slipped causing my knee to twist in the opposite direction of my body. I actually heard it pop! I soon learned that my torn ACL would not self heal but had to be surgically removed and replaced with 2 of my hamstrings. Being a college student who pays her own tuition, I was beginning to get a little freaked out when all the bills started arriving. I had no idea where all the money was going to come from! My bills added up to about $6,000. That does not include all the frequent physical therapy and doctor's office visits which were $50 a pop. It also does not include that fact that being a young adult gauranteed a high insurance deductible. The bill deadlines kept relentlessly charging forward while my bank account was rapidly dwindling. "Ouch" is a good word to describe this time. I was literally standing in the shadows of some massive mountains. My heart sank as I realized that all my striving to remain debt free was in vain as I would now be in debt for at least a couple of years. All the time that I have been in college I have managed, by the grace of God, to stay debt free.

During my devotional time with Jesus one morning I read such a refreshing piece by Dr. David Jeramiah. It was about discouraging "giants." It was exactly what I needed to hear, and I recorded it in my journal. Here's what He says: "One of the problems with being discouraged is that we also become discouraging. When we fail to trust the Lord with our giants, we're telegraphing a message to others: 'The Lord can't help you with your giants either.' Discouragement becomes as contagious as smallpox." This was where the rubber had to meet the road. I laid down my burden that morning and starting trusting God to provide the money I needed. This was one of those times where I felt blindfolded, but had to trust God's firm grip on my hand. The conclusion I reached after reading this was that I had no reasonable reason to be discouraged. All that I am and have is in Him. He is the greatest treasure I possess. Being human, I managed to trust in the Lord's provision for a few days but quickly found my heart snagged by discouragement again. He told me through his Word and prayer, not to worry. Well, as always He provided beyond my feeble hopes and limited prayers! He also provided things for me which I had not realized I'd need.

1.) Hospital Bill: $2, 546.24 ~ The hospital had a financial assistance program which I applied for. I turned in my application late, and did not expect to hear from them for 3-4 weeks. Well Paula, one of the fantastic administrative employees, saw that my bill was due in just a few days and quickly processed my application. THE HOSPITAL FORGAVE 100% OF MY BILL!!!!!!

2.) Anesthesiologist Bill: $1,278.48 ~ There was no financial assistance program that I knew of with CHS. I was on the phone several times with Reuben who works in the billing department. About the third time I spoke with him he informed me that CHS had a program in which they match the financial assistance that the hospital gives. For example: if the hospital were to cover 50% of my bill, CHS would deduct 50% off of my bill with them. Well, after much finger-crossing I found out that they had matched the hospital. 100% OF MY BILL WAS FORGIVEN!

3.) Orthopaedics Bill: $1, 829.26 ~ money from an unexpected source came and my dear sisters also helped my pay for it. Thanks Candace and Caitlyn! THIS BILL IS 100% TAKEN CARE OF!

4.) X-ray Bill: $185.00 ~ I PAID THIS "LITTLE" ONE IN FULL ON TIME!!!!!

How God provided beyond my feeble hopes: not only was I able to pay these bills off on time but, THEY WERE PAID IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AFTER MY SURGERY!!!! I also had more than enough money to buy some much needed itms. I needed new clothes to wear with my huge, bulky, leg brace. I was able to buy some very comfortable leggings that fit under my brace and some tops to match. Also, I was able to afford a pair of shoes that provide the proper support to my knee. THANK YOU JESUS!

Ezekiel 38:20
" The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground."

I think this photo of Mt. Everest is an appropriate illustration for my story.