Chronic, Consistent, Faithful
In the midst of a chronic illness flare, it can be easy to forget to turn to God.
Some days are better than others. While this is the reality for all people, it takes on a unique meaning in the life of a person living with chronic illness.
Each day can be unpredictable.
One day feels great! Many tasks get done, the day feels good, and it’s great to feel “normal”. However, the next day, the fatigue sets in. Symptoms flare, and suddenly you’re sick. Not the communicable kind of sick with a fever, sniffles, and cough. No, the kind of sick you’ve been living with for so long. It showed up today, uninvited, making the most simple tasks feel incredibly difficult. Plans get canceled, you rest, and in a few days the flare subsides.
And then the cycle repeats.
Chronic illness is experienced by SO many, yet understood by few. We do the best to manage symptoms, find the cause, and try to get healthy again. But, there is illness that still remains chronic.
In the midst of a chronic illness flare, it can be easy to forget to turn to God. The pain of the present moment can easily blind us from the love that is always present to us. It is difficult to see forward, when the current day’s troubles weigh so heavily.
Yet, even when the symptoms are bad, even when life feels so difficult, He is there.
We can call out to the Lord when we need Him; “From the end of the earth, I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for you are my refuge, a stronger tower against the enemy.” – Psalm 64:1-3, NRSV-CE
When life gets dark, God illuminates. He is our refuge and who we must look to for strength.
And God’s love is unchanging. It will not cycle like chronic illness symptoms do.
It stays consistent.
When life is changing, when illness becomes chronic, and when things seem so dark, God stays the same.
We can trust in God’s consistent love for us.
He is faithful.
In Christ,
Lauren
Yes, He is faithful. In every unexpected flareup, in every unexpected good day, and everything in between. I'm so glad He's not unpredictable like me! So glad He's there, holding my hand, or giving me a shoulder ride, or sitting with me as I rest in green pastures, letting my soul be restored by still waters. People may get impatient, not understand, they need get on with their busy lives, but Jesus is always there. Even when I have a meltdown. Even when I have a temper tantrum at Him! He keeps on loving, making a way, giving me good ideas.
I don't understand why the promises I read (and people quote at me) from the Bible haven't been fulfilled in me yet. I want them to be. I believe they will be one day. In the meantime I wait... and see Jesus' patient, loving, unhurried, undismayed demeanour... and I can relax once more. Letting time and rest heal me from this flareup once more.
Thank you for sharing your heart and experiences. I hope you also experience healing one day.
Have you ever experienced an imaginitive prayer time when Jesus takes your hand and you do things you cannot do physically? Like running with you at top speed across the sand and swimming in the sea - without getting tired?! It's so exhilarating! So comforting that He understands how you yearn for exercise, the sun on your face and wind in your hair! He understands and provides even the impossible!
Blessings to you. May Jesus protect and inspire you beyond all you can think or imagine! Amen