It is hard to fight to be kind, patient, and giving when no one knows how much effort it takes. But God sees it all. Diane shares.
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Do you ever feel Invisible? I mean really invisible? I do. I feel like people don’t really see me for who I am, or what my life is about.
Living with an invisible illness can be like that. Because others cannot actually see the evidence of your illness or its symptoms, it is easy to assume you are healthy, a complainer or worse yet, faking it.
Recently I have had several situations where those from “the outside world” didn’t understand that I have an illness. Unfortunately, I was judged based on what they saw–not what was the truth.
The result? I felt rejected, lonely, sad, and as though I didn’t belong.
But then God used a simple thing like a picture posted on Facebook to strengthen my heart! He reminded me that no matter what, He sees me for who I really am. He sees the beautiful creation He made–the one who loves others and desires to help others through difficult times.
He sees my wish to be an encourager, sharing His miracles in my life. How I find my strength, hope, and joy in Him despite my invisible illness–even those times of embarrassing moments that we can laugh at in retrospect.
All because when God looks down at me, I’m not invisible. I am His child, made in His image, to bring His Living Word to those I meet.
Living with chronic illness can bring many challenges for our daily lives. These challenges can cause us to doubt ourselves and others.
For myself, my faith in God allows me to trust in Him each day. I believe in His omnipotence and grace in my life. I believe He is ever-watching me, loving me, granting me His strength.
My prayer is that what is visible to others is not necessarily my illness, but the joy, the hope, the beautiful Light of Christ, shining forth from within my life.
Prayer: Father, today I ask that as we each struggle with our invisible illness, that You would allow us to feel Your presence with us all. Grant us Your Holy Spirit, to strengthen our hearts, that we can share Your love, grace, and joy with others. The same joy and hope You have given us. Be our visible light to all we meet. Amen.
About the author:
Diane Kalata lives in Central Florida and she is blessed to have a wonderful husband, who is also her caregiver in illness, three grown children, one grand baby and more on the way! She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with chronic digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art and writing. Her desire is to continually be an encouragement to others, looking daily for those “God opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.
if you could choose to have some part of your life that is currently invisible, become visible to others, what would it be?
This is the group Love and The Outcome singing “I See You.” God certainly does see us, even though it seems He can be so quiet at time. May you know we walk beside you here at Rest Ministries, especially when it feels God is silent at the time. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 