Written by Alicia Roxbury
“For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, til death do us part.” My husband Bob and I made these vows over thirty-one years ago. In the naivety of youth and new love, we had no idea what we would face together. Through all the ups and downs of life, the raising of four children, and my own serious affliction, God has seen us through. And once again He has been faithful to us.
In the summer of 2021, Bob started to notice some numbness in the tips of his fingers that began to creep up his arms. It also started in his feet and legs. Soon afterward, he could not open water bottles, a tube of toothpaste or hold a pen without his hand shaking. It became difficult to button his shirts, put on socks and tie his shoes. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, he hit a very low point where I had to do a lot of these things for him. Walking also became a challenge, with some stumbling and a few falls. Our son had to pull him off the couch to stand up and help him up and down the stairs.
Along with the physical struggles, we faced many emotional and mental conflicts. One of the main ones being the uncertainty of the future. Would we have to sell our home and move somewhere handicapped accessible? What would happen if Bob could no longer work to provide for our household?
I am very thankful that we had God to lean on during this difficult time. It’s a great comfort to read the Bible, allowing the scriptures to encourage you. To recall the miracles and know the power of God is just as real today. Its a blessing to be able to pour your heart out to God in prayer and have Him speak to you. Very early in this affliction, God gave Bob a witness that He had heard his prayer and would supply his every need.
We have a wonderful Pastor who helped inspire faith through preaching and personal counsel, his wife also offering words of encouragement. The whole congregation helped carry our burden to God in prayer. It’s a blessing to know you are not alone in your hour of need.
Here we are over a year later and God has been good to us. Bob is not handicapped. He is still working and caring for our home and property. God moved this summer in a miraculous way upon a job situation, greatly helping us financially. But the most invaluable benefits are the lessons learned, along with spiritual and personal growth.
Scoffers may say he is still not entirely healed, so where is God? He is still right here. Still answering our prayers. Still inspiring and increasing our faith. May we say as Job did “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) Our complete answer will be here soon. Meanwhile, we believe God!
