“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8)
In my once oh so busy life, I barely had room for God. Now, God has afforded me the luxury of time–time I can spend with Him.
When I first became a Christian, I had a fervor to be with Him in prayer and Scripture reading. I made time for Him. Yet, as my life grew busier, my times with God grew fewer and fewer and my ardor for Him dimmed.
Eventually God took a back seat in my life. But I had reasons for it, right? Family? Work. School. Surely God approved of all those things.
Now, as I sit in the chair that has just about become my home, I look out the window on this sunny summer day–and praise God for all I have left behind me. I have losses caused by illness, but I see the blessings.
Sounds impossible, doesn’t it?
All of this “new” time has allowed me to grow closer and closer to God. It didn’t come quickly–nor easily. I had a lot of anger and resentment to work through. So many losses!
I am not going to pretend my life is perfect and not fraught with challenges.
But in the midst of it, I have found God in a way I never knew before.
As I write this, I am listening to a song by Joe Cocker, “You Are So Beautiful to Me.” The song brings tears to my eyes as I realize that these are the words in my heart–being sung to my God.
Are our illnesses devastating?
Yes.
Are they challenging, frustrating and life-changing? Filled with some losses caused by illness?
Of course.
And yet–in the midst of it. . . in the midst of it we can find all we will ever need and come to know just how truly beautiful our God is.
Prayer: Father God, I pray for each person reading these words–that no matter what circumstance they find themselves in today–Yiu will bring them to the realization that You are indeed all they will ever. . .ever need as Your love and beauty fill their souls. Amen and amen.
About the author:
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic challenges is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her challenges have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness. Her website is http://www.todaysencouragingwordonline.com . deni can be reached at encouragingwords@me.com or through her website. She loves to hear how God is working in the lives of her fellow life travelers.
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Have you been able to find a peace that passes your understanding? How have you dealt with gaining perspective on the losses caused by illness?
When I was having a lot of trouble with seizures it seemed like everyone I knew was getting married and starting a family, and I thought it was awful that I couldn’t do any of that. Now here I am in my late 40′s without a husband or children, which don’t seem like such huge losses now but rather have turned out to be gifts so I can spend more time with God. At times I do feel pretty out of place – I SO don’t conform to this world – but it just reminds me to keep looking forward to that special day when Jesus returns.
Melanie, I pray that as you awake each morning that God’s mercies that are new fill your heart to overflowing. May you be reminded over and over how precious you are in His sight. He so delights in the way you draw near to Him. What a precious heart you have, dear one. <3
Having been married over 20 years now, I’ve seen the other end of the spectrum. Being in a difficult relationship while dealing with chronic illness has also driven me to seek God in ways I may never have before. There are things about the marriage that can and do at times prevent me from times with the Lord, and that’s hard for me, because it’s my lifeline. But somehow in the turmoil and pain, God reaches in and assures me that He’s not leaving me just because there was an obstacle to my time with Him. And He does bring that peace that passes understanding…that peace that doesn’t make sense to have in certain situations…but because “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think according to His power at work within us,” He miraculously does it.
What I love about the people here is that all the circumstances vary, but God’s willingness to step in and bring His heavenly resources to bear in all our lives is the same. And in His grace, He has provided this place for us to fellowship in this way together in Him.
God bless you Deni…thank you for this beautiful article and for your sweet prayer, with which I stand in agreement for every precious one here. Gentle hugs to all…BeBe <3
Dear Deni, AMEN & AMEN too! Thanks. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Melanie, BeBe, Kerryn . . .and deni, God is singing that song back to you as He says, “You are so beautiful to Me.”!
Thank you all so much. I’m glad the words rang true for you.