Lex Luger - Flex means "Flexible" this month

 

Flex Means "Flexible" this Month!

By Lex Luger

 

When Jesus Christ gloriously saved my soul a little over two years ago, I felt clean and new for the first time ever. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that all my sins were forgiven, and I was being handed-on a silver platter-a brand new beginning. Gone were my days of hanging and sinning with "losers, users and abusers." I believed that God surely would use me as a showcase of His glory as I helped those still trapped in darkness.

I assumed God would give me a new ministry-maybe traveling and speaking, preaching and teaching... But I've come to see that God hates being boxed into our plans-even good ones. As I wade into the deeper waters of my new faith, I'm seeing that God doesn't mind bringing us down in the short-term in order to raise us back up for the long-term. That's pretty scary for a new soldier of the faith.

 

Paralyzed in the Valley of Humiliation

 

            If you read my last column, you know that a few months ago I found myself completely paralyzed in my California hotel room. Hours later, after the maid service found me, I was airlifted to a San Francisco hospital where I was told the doctors had no idea what had paralyzed me-or if I'd ever recover. After another airlift to the Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta, the diagnosis was confirmed. All they could do was put me on a rigorous physical therapy plan to try to get some muscle memory back. 

            That was hard. If you had told the old Lex Luger-the one so full of himself, cocky, muscle-bound, bullet-proof and at the top of his game-that God would call him into the Valley of Humiliation to train and test him, he would have laughed in your face. Little did the old Lex know the new, broken Lex would be in a situation where even basic bodily needs had to be attended to by nurses... a situation where he didn't know if he'd ever walk-or move-again.

 

 Tested & Tried

 

As I underwent therapy in a workout training room for eight hours a day, I felt God was giving me an attitude choice, and that my decision to have a godly outlook and flexible spirit would possibly shorten the length of my confinement. I chose right then to worship God and dig into His word. I committed that nothing but praise would come forth from my mouth. I witnessed to everyone who came to visit me and everyone in the center, and though I didn't do things perfectly, I felt God's pleasure as I set my face like flint toward my Healer.

 

Slowly Healed

 

            As I did my daily regimen, trusting God and the doctors He placed in my life, I began to see improvement-slowly but surely. My hands and arms began to move first and then my legs. Six weeks ago, I had double hip replacement surgery. Yesterday, I praise God that I stood up from my wheelchair for the first time. I can't tell you how glorious it was for the man who was told he might never move again to be standing and waving his arms. I never knew how grateful I'd be for those simple movements that most people take for granted.

 

Surrounded by Saints

 

            I've now been moved to an apartment near the Shepherd Spinal Center, and God has provided an amazing nurse to help me with the day-to-day business of recuperation. Friends have brought me many things, and I have felt the prayers of those who continue to love and support me. I am seeing what it means to have the Body of Christ surrounding me, and I can tell you that it's a night and day difference from my old cronies-most of whom weren't friends at all.

            As God continues to highlight His grace in my life, I can honestly say I'm grateful for the tough valley experience. I consider the pain tuition for my spiritual education. 

            Perhaps you're going through your own valley-with a marriage, family, or a work situation. If so, I plead with you today... Submit to the Lord's call to go down, because He really will raise you back up in due time. He's training us to be faithful soldiers for the end-time battles, and our job is to say "yes," no matter the cost. 

            Remember this month that "flex" means "flexible." Your plans may not be His, but His are always best in the long-run. He's constantly at work for our good and His glory.

 

            Best to you in your journey with the Lord,

 

            ~ Lex

 

            For more information on Lex, his progress and his fitness and nutrition column, please

visit www.flexwithlex.com.