Your Illness Is Not Your Fault

We often seek reasons for our illness and it is not uncommon to find fault in our self.

Perhaps over the holidays you have even had family members who have said or insinuated that your illness is your fault. I thought this may be a good time for this devotional from Kay.

“As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘ Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him'” (John 9:1-3).

It’s funny where our minds and hearts go when crisis hits. When I became ill with fibromyalgia in 2001 my first thought at the time was that my illness was an attack from Satan. I thought that meant I had to fight to get better so that the enemy would not win.

I was also thinking that God and I were on pretty good terms at the time, so why the illness?

Thus, my dilemma. I later realized I was not relying on God’s Word for the truth in my situation (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Secondly, I remember having this ongoing feeling of condemnation. It seems I had forgotten (once again) God’s Word (Romans 8:1-2).

So, when God led me to John 9:1-3, the truth of my circumstances were revealed. God allowed my illness for His glory–and not for punishment. With this knowledge came acceptance . . . and with acceptance came freedom and purpose.

When I give Him glory through my illness that alone seems to be a mighty blow to the enemy. I fail more times than not, but it keeps me going and gives me strength when I seem to have none left.

Prayer: Father, remind us of Your truths while facing our illness. Remind us that You alone are our judge and because of Your Son we have been declared not-guilty. Thank You that we face a defeated foe because of the blood shed on the cross by Your Son on our behalf. Your joy gives us our strength. Amen.

About the Author:
Kay Davis lives in Texas with her husband, Ron. They have three married daughters who have blessed them with their eight precious grandchildren. She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2001. She has been subsequently diagnosed with Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Crohn’s disease, Addison’s disease, Interstitial Cystitis, and arthritis. She has had Asthma for many years. Her blog, singingbirdcage.blogspot.com focuses on praising God no matter our circumstance in order to bring Him glory and hope for those who read it.

What truths has God revealed to you since you became ill that have freed you from the bondage of condemnation?

This is Rachel Chan, the sixteen-year-old daughter of author and speaker Francis Chan, singing “You Must Love Me.” Maybe you are hearing words that you are not enough, you should have done more; you should have given more, acted more patient… Whatever it is–whether it is lies, truth, or somewhere in between. . . it doesn’t matter. Because God loves you just as you are–and your illness and all the limitations that come with it–are understood perfectly by Him. Put this song into your head today instead and search out God’s grace and mercy. -Lisa