Last December I began to experience pain in both elbows and numbness in both hands. Two different doctors confirmed that my ulnar nerve was moving out of its channel and causing the discomfort. The remedy was a surgery to relocate the nerve under the muscle. The surgery on the right arm took place on March 4th and the recovery has been quite a roller coaster.
Last Monday my right foot went numb. This was followed on Tuesday by my left foot and left leg on Wednesday. I went to the ER on Wednesday night, but there was little they could do for me there. I saw a neurologist on Friday who ordered a bunch of tests. Over the weekend the hearing in my left ear and vision and my left eye diminished. My cheek went numb. I went to the ER on Sunday for a CT scan that came back negative. I had a blood test this morning and am waiting approval from insurance for an MRI. I meet again with the neurologist on Friday and will have a nerve conduction study done then.
Several years ago I read a book on brokenness and knew it was my greatest spiritual need. It is through brokenness that we are humbled so that the Holy Spirit can truly work through us. I believe that God is answering that prayer. I have never been weaker or more dependent. I anticipate God doing great things. Yet, my mind is easily filled with doubts and fears. The real test now is, do I truly trust the God I preach about each Sunday?
I believe that on the other side of this darkness is a deeper experience of faith and joy. I would ask for your prayers to help me arrive at this destination.
Like the Apostle Paul, I want more than anything to know Christ (Phil. 3:10). I do not want to simply know about Him. I want to know Him-- personally, intimately, and experientially. It is not enough for me to hear about Him. I want to see Him with my own eyes.
With My Own Eyes 
Jillian
June 20, 2011 at 8:53 pm
I have been reminded several times over the last few days of your sermon a few years ago about pushing through the sound barrier, as if everything was comming apart at the seams, and then plunged into silent peace. I had a great conversation this a.m. and it was said as our leader you must necessarily go where you expect to lead us. Jesus is worthy of it all.
Joanne Kay Walker
June 21, 2011 at 3:52 am
Amen, Jullian. So glad for the people Chad has around him.
Joanne Kay Walker
June 21, 2011 at 3:50 am
Chad, We definitely are praying for you. May God’s favor and strength be yours. We love you!
Char Walker
June 21, 2011 at 6:37 am
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog today, Chad. It’s nice to catch up on your news again. Not so nice to hear of what you are going through right now, but we will surely be praying for you as you walk through this tough time. Seems many Christ followers are having severe physical issues right now, so the prayer list gets longer and longer! I have some pictures ready to send to you from last summer while you were here. I’ll get them in the mail right away. Blessings on you and your dear family as you continue this journey. Love you, Char
dennismpapp
June 21, 2011 at 8:40 am
Be absolutely assured that I am praying with you in this Chad. Our recent conversation has had me thinking a lot about suffering and its connection to vital ministry. That and the summer series we are doing in Philippians, where the term suffering cannot be avoided. I started reading what has, so far, been a great read…The Call to Joy and Pain: Embracing Suffering in Your Ministry by Ajith Fernando. I was planning on telling you about it, then saw this update today. He gets it.
On a lighter note, I am staying with my kids at Green Lake this week. Over the last two days we’ve heard strange noises in the hallway ceiling. BATS! Lots of them. We watched dozens fly out lat night. Creepy!
Betsy
June 21, 2011 at 10:26 am
Our family is lifting you up in prayer, Chad! Now is the time to lean on the God that loves you and takes care of your every need. He will (and does) do great things!
Love,
Betsy & fam