Without Valleys, There aren't Mountains

For many years now, I’ve relied on a transdermal scopolamine patch to help control my saliva production. It’s a small, round sticker that I typically wear on my neck, just behind my ear. Every three days, I change it for a new one. This routine has become part of my life, and while it may seem simple, it’s one of the little things that makes my daily life more manageable.

I’ve realized that this tiny patch represents more than medicine — it’s a reminder of how God can use small things to meet big needs. Sometimes we overlook His daily mercies because they come in ordinary forms. But when one of those little helps is missing, we suddenly see just how much we rely on His provision in every detail.

Lately, though, things have not gone so smoothly. The current brand my pharmacy has been giving me does not remain adhesive for the full three days. Sometimes it lasts 24 hours, sometimes 48, but rarely the full 72. Because of this, I’ve had to reapply patches sooner than I should. Normally, I receive 30 patches at a time—a 90-day supply—but since they fall off too soon, I ran out before my insurance would cover a refill. That left me with seven long days without a patch.

Trying to find a solution, I’ve had several frustrating phone call encounters with my doctor’s office as I’ve tried to remedy the situation. My personal physician is on maternity leave, and the covering doctor in the office preferred not to prescribe anything since she does not know me. When the nurse called back, I was told no one in the office would see me, and that I would need to wait for my regular doctor. But the earliest appointment I already had scheduled with her wasn’t until December—and it’s only a telehealth appointment, not in person.

So currently, I’m in that week-long waiting period with nothing to help me, and my saliva is overwhelming to say the least. I’ve already shed tears, and I expect there might be more along the way. I’m not sure what I can do to expedite or change these circumstances, and the helplessness feels heavy.

When Help Doesn’t Come

Needless to say, it’s been a real fiasco — no patches, no guidance, and absolutely no help or suggestions from my medical office. I’m beyond disappointed with that level of service. If you can’t care about your patients, I truly feel you’re in the wrong field.

It’s hard when you’re treated like a number instead of a person. I hung up the phone that day and just sat in silence for a while, wondering why compassion seems so scarce in a field meant for healing. But then, I remembered — even when people turn us away, God never does. His line is always open, His ear always listening.

So, I did the best I could. I started looking for an over-the-counter option and found a generic motion sickness pill that I could crush, thinking it might help. It wasn’t time-released, so I figured it would be safe. What I didn’t realize was that there are different kinds of motion sickness medications. The kind I picked said to take two pills for 24 hours, so that’s what I did.

But soon, I started feeling strange — drowsy, jelly-like, and just plain awful — with no improvement in my saliva at all. After half a day of feeling miserable, I reached out to a family member with medical experience and sent her a photo of the box. Thank goodness I did! It turned out the medication I had bought was similar to Benadryl — which explained everything I was feeling.

She sent me a photo of the correct version, the “Fast Act” type, which directs up to eight tablets for 24 hours. The boxes looked almost identical, right down to the color and design — only the tiny print underneath the “Motion Sickness” label was different. It’s a good reminder to double-check those details that are so easy to overlook when you’re just trying to find relief.

For now, that’s what I’ve been using until my insurance approves my prescription again. Hopefully, it won’t be much longer. In the meantime, I’m just thankful for the bit of wisdom and help that came through family — when professional help didn’t.

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights...”

Even though my doctor didn’t help, God still provided the help I needed — through a family member who knew what to look for. He always finds a way to care for us, even when it’s not through the channels we expected.

When life brings these moments of frustration, of waiting, and of helplessness, it can be hard not to feel forgotten. My tears over something as small as a patch remind me that nothing is too small to bring before God. He sees even this struggle. The Bible says:

Psalm 56:8 “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?”

Isn’t it amazing that God keeps track of every tear we cry? They are not wasted. They are not overlooked. To Him, they matter.

Right now, I don’t know what will happen with my prescription or how soon things will change. But I do know this: God is still faithful in the waiting. He is still present when the answers are delayed. He is still strong when my body feels weak.

Psalm 55:22 “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

I’ve tried to distract myself from the discomfort by telling myself I’m fine and keeping my mind occupied. Easier said than done.

These waiting days remind me of how much I depend on Him—more than any patch, more than any pill, more than any earthly fix. Medicine may fail, systems may be slow, and people may not always understand the urgency of what we face, but the Lord remains constant.

I think of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

This doesn’t mean the weakness disappears—it means God’s strength shows up right in the middle of it. If He can sustain me through seven days without my medicine, He can sustain you through whatever “waiting period” you may be walking through, too.

So today, I cast my burden on Him once more, knowing He will sustain me. My prayer is that even in my weakness, someone else will see His strength.

Waiting seasons can refine us in ways comfort never could. They teach patience, deepen prayer, and remind us that peace doesn’t come from perfect circumstances but from perfect trust. Every delay becomes an invitation to lean harder on the One who never fails.

What are you waiting on God for today? Whatever it is, may you be reminded that He sees your tears, knows your struggles, and is faithful to carry you through.

 Be encouraged. 🧡