It’s easy to grow weary of living in survival mode, but if you want to go above and beyond the pain, here is one tip Elizabeth has for you.
“As it is written:’ For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:36-37)
So much effort goes into just getting by. We budget our energies, shift priorities, and rarely accomplish what we hope to. Not much comes easy when we battle pain and illness on top of everything else. Did you ever wonder where that conquering part comes in? We feel like we are surrendering at every turn. Many are the times I feel like a luckless loser when it comes to health.
We know the scriptures are true, so there has to be more than just getting by. How do we not only conquer but also end up more than conquerors? This is obviously not talking about any physical or earthly victory we assume. But, wait, maybe we reap more than we realize.
We have can victory over a trial such as our illness, which is the conquest. The person living abundantly, joyfully, with cancer, has conquered. Whether or not the physical body survives the battle, they have conquered. That is the conquest.
But more? What’s more than that victory? How about this: The growth and depth we acquire along the way. The fruit we produce for the Kingdom and the joy we have in spite of our pain and illness.
Such beauty that we get to go above the conquest. We reap eternal life, like all the brethren, precious bliss with the Savior. How about looking at all the earthly profits we acquired. I am stronger within, and by far more intimate with the Lord. I am not so doubtful or hesitant about spiritual matters. I am by no means luke warm.
I am more patient, easy to please, and grateful for the slightest thing. I see God in everything and don’t have to be in the middle of the action to have a good time. One of the biggest benefits has been a most amazing gift, I no longer have to feel good to be happy. Circumstances do not affect how I feel or view my life or myself. That’s more than conquest–it’s almost heaven!
Prayer: Father, I feel so blessed to see some of Your redemptive work already. I carry an extra load, but receive greater blessing in knowing You. Seeing Your Face , resting in Your Arms will be so much sweeter because of this journey. Thank You for this gracious gift and the riches it has brought. Amen.
About the author:
Elizabeth Vendley is the wife David, and lives in North Central Michigan. They have raised seven children. Elizabeth has lived with severe Interstitial Cystitis since 1996. Her passion is glorifying the Lord by writing out the lessons He has taught her. She would love to hear from readers through the Sunroom.
What benefits have you seen in Your inner man because of your illness? Can you really feel thankful for the sorrows or does that seem far away to you? What would you have missed in this life if you had remained healthy?
Want to try to seize the day TODAY? Here is a heart-warming song to start you off, “Seize the Day” with Carolyn Arends. -Lisa
Thanks Elizabeth. Such a great verse to ponder. We sure learn that the littlest things are a blessing through travelling the illness path. There are so very many things in me that have changed & yes, I can say that illness is a blessing……just not ALL the time! 🙂 Thanks again. Gentle hugs. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thank you so much, Elizabeth, for blessing my day. These verses are some of my favorite and you have given me the gift of perspective in the sharing of your faith. I will keep this one posted on my medicine cabinet mirror for some time!
Welcome Elizabeth! I find your work to be thought provoking and encouraging. Keep writing and using your unique gift to bless others.
Elizabeth;
Your devotion meant so much to me. I wanted to answer the question, “What benefits have you seen in your inner man because of your illness?” You’ve probably read the story of Joseph when he was in captivity many times. One verse that came from the passages about Joseph has become a great comfort to me. Genesis 41:52 says, ” ……..For God has caused me to be FRUITFUL in the land of my affliction.” I have not had children or laid up corn “as the sands of the sea” as Joseph has but God has helped me to be fruitful in other ways. At the risk of sounding boastful, I list some of these. Prayer, faith, and love for others has deepened. A lot of “things” just don’t matter anymore. Like you, I am “by no means lukewarm anymore and am far more intimate with the Lord”. It is such a joy to see the results (or fruit) of my prayers. I used to think that bearing fruit meant I had to run about everywhere doing good deeds for the Lord . I know now that the Christian connected to The Vine bears fruit even from her (or his) bed. When we are in God and He is in us, we can’t help but bear fruit. It is a given.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!!
Love, Karen