DETERMINATION

In the dictionary, you will find the definition of “determination” to be this: the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.  I find that to be a good definition for what I wanted to write about on this topic.

 

During this journey of healing, I had to determine what I was going to believe and hold on to that belief. I had to determine, or purpose, in my heart what I would hold dear. I had to determine that I would never accept defeat again. I had to believe that I was on the winning side and never waver from that stance.

 

So, what does determination look like in real life? Maybe something like what I experience:

 

  • When the humidity in the weather gets to me, and it triggers symptoms of dizziness, I am determined to overcome. I am determined to do everything in the natural to be comfortable (i.e., get in air conditioning) and then confess my healing. I speak to the dizziness and command it to go away.
  • Not so long ago, I was walking across a parking lot on my way to an appointment. I was running a bit late, so I was walking faster than usual. All of a sudden, in the natural, I felt my legs getting very weak and my mind told me I was going to fall. My spirit overcame my mind and I was able to stop, speak strength to my legs, and go on. Yes, I had to keep speaking strength to my legs and, as I did, my legs grew stronger and stronger. No, I did not fall.
  • The devil tried the tactic in bullet #2 several time during the last 8 months or so. Mainly, he tried it while I was helping my father-in-law with his doctor’s appointments. Each time, I had to do what I stated above. Each time, I had to laugh at the devil and call him on his lies. I have won, devil!
  • Just today, I was battling the “closed throat” symptom. I realized I had spent way too much time in the hot weather and humidity the day before. Nonetheless, my confession was the same. I am healed. I can swallow perfectly well. I will not choke. I am fine, in Jesus’ Name.
  • Over this past year, particularly in winter, I noticed numbness around my rib cage. It extended down to the tops of my thighs. It was uncomfortable and felt really weird. In looking up these symptoms (which were new to me), I discovered something called an “MS hug.” Bad name --- gave hugging a bad reputation, as far as I was concerned! Anyway, I prayed as I usually would, but the symptoms did not go away. I prayed for wisdom – asking if there was anything I was doing that I should change. Indeed there was. The Lord showed me that I should stop using the electric mattress pad I had been using for cold days in winter. Using that triggered symptoms in me; stopping using it, stopped the symptoms!
  • After feeling unusually fatigued, I asked the Lord for His direction. He impressed on me that I had not been diligent with taking vitamins, eating nutritiously and using the PowerPlate He had told me to purchase a couple year prior. Once I did all those things, I immediately started to feel better.
  • About two years ago, I sensed a need to find a Neurologist.  I had not seen one in many, many years.  I scheduled an appointment.  Based on what the Neurologist observed during the exam, he questioned whether my initial diagnosis in 1983 was accurate. He made me feel like I was making up the symptoms and needed to do his own MRI.  To his amazement, the MRI showed mild and moderate degrees of MS.  I praise God --- I function normally despite the world's test results!  To Him be the glory!
  • Within this last year, I found a new Neurologist -- one that actually specializes in MS.  She listened to all that I shared with her.  She was surprised at my history as well and completed some functionality tests in her office.  She said I did well.  Her surprise was that I had never been on any MS meds as she remarked, "And all these years, you've never taken any prescribed medications?  You are doing extremely well."  She reviewed the supplements I was taking and added a few more - then sent me on my way.  Praise God for that confirmation!

 

Through all this, I realized that determination is a commitment; it’s a personal decision. It is a commitment to do whatever it takes to be right with God and right with what my body needs. The commitment remains stable --- the solutions are variable. I need to ask God what to do repeatedly --- the answer is not always the same.

 

The bottom line for me is this:

Determination = An irrevocable decision to never give up and continue to fix my eyes on Him!

 

Luke 18:1 “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” (NKJV)



1Chronicles 29:18 “O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You.” (NKJV)

Ezekiel 40:4 “And the man said to me, "Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and fix your mind on everything I show you; for you were brought here so that I might show them to you. Declare to the house of Israel everything you see." (NKJV)



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