“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28
The Lord has allowed another malady in my life: restless legs, which started when I was in my mid-thirties. I would go to bed and sleep for an hour, then my legs would start to twitch or jump involuntarily, waking me up. There was no point in staying in bed, so I’d get up and work.
This pattern would continue for 4 or 5 days, then I’d be so exhausted that I could then sleep one whole night—then it would start over.
At that time in addition to my family, I had 3 big responsibilities, each of which could have been a full time job: leading our large team, being one of the temporary elders in a church plant and teaching full time at the university.
My restless legs providentially gave me much more time to carry out these three responsibilities. God has a way of turning a “malady” into a blessing.
There were some things that helped with restless legs: exercise, magnesium and avoiding stimulants like sugar and tea, but these did not cure it.
After two decades of dealing with this, a friend recommended a medication for it: Mirapex. It is actually for Parkinson’s, but works wonderfully for restless legs. As long as I remember to take it early enough (it takes 2 hours to take effect), I can sleep wonderfully.
But on those times I forget to take it on time, I have at least two more hours to work, write and pray in that day!
Truly, “God works ALL things together for good!”
