But you don’t understand, Sarah. God is able, but my body isn’t.
That’s
where this gets more complicated. Right? I tell the Lord, “I’ll do this for You
today and with Your help accomplish it.” But is that so?
Not
always. There’s the desire and will, but physical limitations may throw a
wrench in the works.
What if,
for example, your church needs VBS* helpers this summer, and, let’s say you have
muscular dystrophy. You likely already feel derailed because it appears
physical tasks needed for VBS week are beyond your limitations. What can you
do?
First
and always first, go to God in prayer. Express to Him how hard this is because
you want to help badly. Ask Him to comfort you then to point you in another
direction. One of the most needful things for VBS is to be covered with prayer
before, during, and after.
What
about greeting kids who come or helping with registrations if you’re still able
to use your arms and hands? Putting snacks on trays? Counseling with youngsters
who want to accept Jesus as Savior? Helping with follow-up communication (if
your church does that)?
These
are some options, maybe small in your eyes…but remember! You can always
pray! And that’s big!
Maybe
you’re someone without a chronic condition who can aid another with one—including
them in creative ways that work for you both. This’ll take some thinking, more
time, and even extra energy on your part, but it will make a difference
for the person who suffers (and bless you in return).
Another
part of dealing with conditions that alter our abilities is not giving up but
also recognizing what’s no longer possible. Sound conflicting? It can be. So,
let’s look at this:
1) The
Little Engine that Tries ~ Even when given a death sentence,
it’s worth trying to do whatever you’re able to handle. This’ll
be easier in the beginning than later (when your mental “Try List” requires
modifying as you digress).
2) The
Shabby Engine that Needs New Paint ~ Have you wondered if
Jesus can heal you? Have you asked Him? Although Jesus doesn’t always choose
this for us, He doesn’t mind us asking. Remember, all He does/His decisions
have the same goal—to bring glory to The Father. God can use your situation to this
end. Even if God allows your suffering to continue, your real
healing might need be spiritual in nature. Your soul? Your acceptance? Your
attitude perhaps?
3) The
Not-So-Little Engine that Can’t Quite ~ When you must
modify, you’ll also need to grieve the little or not-so-little losses along the
way. Then regroup. Next, find a new method that works for you. This is not
failing. It’s being realistic.
4) The
Tired-out Engine that’s Kaput ~ If you can’t,
you might need help from medical professionals (physical or occupational
therapists, for example, to show you new methods or a social worker in a
medical setting). When the time comes you cannot modify anymore, you will require
additional help if you don’t already have that—like the train in Part 1 with
additional engines in the middle to boost that long, heavy train.
Remember
~ If what God ordains is good, then there’s a plan in it all. No
mistakes. No miscalculations. No errors.
And your
suffering isn’t forever! Or is it?
That
depends on your destination. Where’s this “train” headed?
A vital question—as important (or more so) than any
other you’ll ask on your journey.
We all
face death, although those with chronic illness may be on a faster train to the
cemetery, to put it bluntly. Well, not the real us—just the body. The soul
(the real part) goes to either Heaven or Hell. And there’s a great
divide between those tracks.
Heaven ~ where pain,
suffering, and grief end. No diseases! Only peace and joy when joined with the
Savior!
Hell ~ where pain,
suffering, and grief not only don’t end but intensify! I’ve yet
to hear a chronic sufferer say, “I hope my situation gets so much
worse!” It can if you’re not prepared.
The
choice is yours. If you’re uncertain of your eternal destination, I invite you
to view the page and/or video my husband put together. Salvation is explained here
very clearly.
https://sarahbhampshire.blogspot.com/p/finding-hope-in-god.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cySjkork2iE
Last week I learned the story behind the author of the hymn, Just As I Am. Charlotte Elliott—a very social, active, creative, lady and successful portrait painter! But in her early 30s life changed when she was struck by chronic, crippling fatigue coupled with intense pain. This vibrant life faced emptiness and depression.
Although
Charlotte grew up in a Christian/believing home, she hadn’t put her faith and
trust in Jesus till after she became an invalid. At that time a reverend
visited and asked her if she knew God’s peace. Charlotte didn’t answer then,
but days later she told him she wanted her life cleansed. The reverend
responded, “Come just as you are,” and Charlotte believed in Jesus as her
Savior that day.
Although
she prayed God would remove her illness for years, she turned away bitterness
when He allowed her suffering to continue. During this intense time, Charlotte
journalled:
“…if sickness and sorrow are the
instruments which He is pleased to select
for refining my dross, that I may come out
as gold…seven times purified,
shall
I not meekly lie passive in His hands, and have no will but His?”
Charlotte came to Jesus just as she was—crippled, suffering,
discouraged—and found hope and purpose. She then discovered ways to serve
God. For her remaining years—even when bedridden, she composed hymns, poems,
and letters to comfort fellow sufferers. Charlotte reminded her readers of our
sovereign God, His goodness, and His help amidst what seemed the worst
circumstances. All this when the task of simply holding a pen seemed impossible
for her!
I’d
be amiss if I didn’t choose Just As I Am for this blog post’s hymn, so
be blessed and also prayerful as you take in the words. And, if you’ve not yet
come to the Savior, may God’s Holy Spirit speak to you through the listening.
Remember, you can come just as you are.
Just As I Am
(as
sung by British Choirs during a Billy Graham Crusade invitation)
Just as I am, without one plea, but
that Thy blood was shed for me,
and that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not to
rid my soul of one dark blot,
to Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about with
many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, wilt
welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
(from
the hymn Just As I Am by Charlotte Elliott, 1836, public domain)
#chronicillness
#pain #suffering #Godordainsgood #destination #Heaven #CharlotteElliott
#JustAsIAm
*Vacation Bible School
Disclaimer:
I’m
not a counselor. Helps mentioned above are gleaned from my own personal
experience & from others who’ve shared theirs.
Credits: photos ~ train tracks—stockfreeimage.com, Charlotte Elliott—hymnologyarchive.com
Charlotte Elliott: information from The Spurgeon Center for Biblical Teaching at Midwestern Seminary & Wikipedia
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