Trusting in God

For many years I have struggled with health issues.  Some days I am in so much pain I don’t even want to move.  I ask questions like, “why do I have to be the one to go through this?” or “is God punishing me for something I did?”.  Other days I will just get mad and upset with God and wonder why he won’t improve my health.  Until recently I have discovered why I am going through this trial.  Let me tell you my story!

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

-James 1:2

I was about 12 years old when I started have stomach pain and daily headaches.  I felt sick all the time and everyone was stumped to why.  After many tests, different doctors, different results, and different treatment, I was told everything was in my head.  I was devastated.

School seemed almost impossible because of my daily migraines.  I hated to eat because it always made me feel sick to my stomach.  I had tried a few different diets including a year and a half of a gluten free diet.  Going gluten free seemed to help me for awhile but I started getting sick again and gave it up.  I was once again devastated that nothing was helping.

After being sick for a few years I became depressed and unsure of what I was here for.  I didn’t understand why God was letting me become so sick.  Didn’t He love me?  I didn’t know it but I was soon to realized why I was (and am) going through this trial.

A few months ago I had a minor surgery.  Not long after that I realized my symptoms were becoming worse and I was having new symptoms.  Joint pain, headaches, stomach pain, and much more came with a vengeance.  Some days my joint pain is so intense it is hard to move, let alone go to school.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

-2 Corinthians 12:9

In the past few months I have learned to embrace my trial and be thankful for it.  I have learned that God sent me this trial to make me a stronger person and to trust in Him.  He has put hope in me.  I know I may never get better but I know God will help me get through it!  He has a great plan for my life and I can’t wait to see it work out!

You may be in a time in your life where you feel like nothing is going to get better.  Your health is failing, you lost your job, you’re in the middle of a divorce, or you lost a loved one.  All I can tell you is to trust God.  He has everything worked out for you.  Don’t lose hope!  God is right by your side, guiding you out of this trial and into a beautiful future.

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11