dkgraf3's Journal

"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works
are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14 NIV)

I don't know of anyone seeking to become chronically ill.
Nevertheless, many of us find ourselves dealing with all types of
debilitating illnesses. What are we to do? How are we to cope?

If we believe "the media", we may feel inadequate, unlovely, or
scorned. If we give in to temptation and compare ourselves to our
healthier and stronger brothers and sisters, we run the risk of
giving ourselves over to depression.

Sometimes, I struggle with comparing myself to others. (More often
than I like to admit.) I know the outcome - feeling inferior;
frustrated about low energy levels; angry when my size increases
because of the medicines I take. How irrational is that?

Then, I remember Psalm 139:13-16. God knit me together in my
mother's womb. Nothing that I face today comes as a surprise to Him -
not the pain, knotted muscles, painfully stiff joints, or the
fatigue that makes me feel like I'm walking under water. He knows.

Genesis 1 tells me that everything God made is good. I have to
consciously remind myself that He made me. It's only when I keep my
focus on God that I stop worrying about my physical limitations and
learn to celebrate and appreciate the way that God created me. As I
face my latest challenge, I fight against despair and fear. It is
not a surprise to God that I have to go to physical therapy. It is
not an issue for Him that my daily doses of medicines have increased.

I have to stand firm on His promise to never leave me or forsake me.
As I concentrate on His Word, I feel the panic fleeing. As I remind
myself of His faithfulness during my past trials, hope begins to
build. As I seek His guidance in prayer, peace floods my soul. As
long as I stay focused on God, I will be able to declare, like the
Psalmist, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul and ALL that is within me."
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About the Author:

Dorothea Love lives in California with her husband, Norman, and their
two teenagers. For over 20 years, she has faced the challenges of
systemic lupus, fibromyalgia, migraines, endometriosis, and
osteoporosis. She trusts in God's sufficient grace to help her get
through each day and prays that her testimonies will encourage
others.