“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1,2

Have you ever thought, “Lord, what can you do with this body?” Most people do not like what they see in the mirror. I would love to have a mirror from a funhouse that makes you look tall and skinny! Even so, I still would have a diseased ravished body. Does God want this body? What can He do with someone who can barely walk and think because of chronic illness and pain?

We’re to offer our body as a LIVING sacrifice now because it pleases the Lord as a form worship. As we give our bodies to God, whether perfectly healthy or ravished with disease, we are telling Him, “here I am Lord, do with me as You will.” We are placing ourselves into the tender mercy of our God, relying totally upon Him to use us as He wills.

The world tells us to change in order to be useful or acceptable; God tells us to present our bodies to Him now, as we obediently submit to Him, a glorious change comes upon us. We become transformed by the renewing of our minds, accepting His will for our lives. His will may be for us to rest, renew our strength and mind. It may be to enjoy some quality moments with our loved ones or take various prayer breaks throughout our rest periods to pray for others or send an encouraging email, instant message, or card to someone who is struggling as well.

Dear Lord, we know you have a glorious purpose for each of us; whether we’re home-bound due to our chronic illness or out in the trenches of the mission field in Africa. Take our bodies as a sweet smelling sacrifice worthy for Your use. In Jesus Name, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michele Williams lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband of 35 years, along with their two dogs, and two cats. They have a beautiful grown daughter, son-in-law, and a handsome 14 year old grandson all of whom love the Lord and serve Him faithfully. Michele enjoys writing, blogging, nature and mostly spending time with her family.

Michele is trusting in God that He will strengthen her to rise above life’s difficulties. Since 1985 she has lived with multiple chronic illnesses: Fibromyalgia, CFS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Interstitial cystitis, IBS, chemical sensitivities, to name a few.

Visit her encouraging and sometimes humorous blog, Beelieve You Can! – Michele’s Morsels at: http://michele-risingabove.blogspot.com/ Michele is also the volunteer coordinator for Rest Ministries new Blog Carnival – http://chronicillnesssupport.wordpress.com/blog-carnival/