The Bible is the breathing, living word of God. Every time we read it, we discover new insights. Every sermon we hear, every Bible study we participate in, sheds new light or speaks to us in a different manner than before. God uses His Word to show us what we need to know.
My mystery illness has brought me into a better understanding and even greater empathy for those who suffer from chronic illnesses. This week, I read a heart-breaking testimony where a woman was at the end of her rope. She’s struggling with the idea that she may never be the same again. People who suffer want their old lives back, their lives before the illness. I am so blessed that my strange illness comes and goes; for so many others, it never goes away. The pain never stops.
Why, God?
We sometimes can’t help but ask God, “Why?” I know I’ve talked about this recently, but it’s worth covering multiple times. It’s okay to ask God why but then listen for His answer. Even those of us to profess to trust wholly in God’s sovereignty have moments of weakness when we feel the need to question and search for an answer to “why?” Yet, no matter what we’re going through, we are overcomers. We are survivors. We thrive throughout the trials of this life because we know it’s all part of God’s plan.
This past Sunday, my husband and I attended a church in Tennessee where the Pastor spoke on John chapter 9. I don’t think it really sank in before, although I know this to be true, how Jesus showed (shows) us by example that sometimes we suffer for His glory.
Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
John 9:1-3 NKJV
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.
Then, there was a wonderful testimony from a loving father whose son was born with a debilitating disease. The parents were told the child wouldn’t live very long and his young life would be extremely difficult and he would have many physical issues. They are a devout family who trusts completely in God’s sovereignty. Today, the child is in his mid-twenties and has a prestigious job. He uses his story, his testimony to spread the gospel and bring glory to God.
This young man is a survivor. His faith has allowed him to thrive and prosper even in the face of a difficult and painful life. His parents could have given up all hope for their baby. They could have given up on God, not trust that He had a plan. Instead, they were strengthened by God’s promises, His love.
Bible Verse of the Day
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3 ESV
Prayer
Father, we praise Your holy name! We are so very thankful for Your love and for Your plan for our lives. We thank You for bestowing Your blessings on each of us. Lord, may we always remember that You are sovereign over all things and You will direct our steps to accomplish Your purposes. Lord, we trust in You. Our hope is in You. Use us to show the world Your loving kindness.
Father, we pray for all of those with chronic illnesses. May they be healed. May they have rest from their pain, from their symptoms. Lord, please give them encouragement and inspiration to live a life that is glorifying to You.
Lord, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine. Please save them, Lord. Please bring peace to their land. Please stop the enemy. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
