“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8)
In my once oh so busy life, I barely had room for God. Now, God has afforded me the luxury of time–time I can spend with Him.
When I first became a Christian, I had a fervor to be with Him in prayer and Scripture reading. I made time for Him. Yet, as my life grew busier, my times with God grew fewer and fewer and my ardor for Him dimmed.
Eventually God took a back seat in my life. But I had reasons for it, right? Family? Work. School. Surely God approved of all those things.
Now, as I sit in the chair that has just about become my home, I look out the window on this sunny summer day–and praise God for all I have left behind me. I have losses caused by illness, but I see the blessings.
Sounds impossible, doesn’t it?
All of this “new” time has allowed me to grow closer and closer to God. It didn’t come quickly–nor easily. I had a lot of anger and resentment to work through. So many losses!
I am not going to pretend my life is perfect and not fraught with challenges.
But in the midst of it, I have found God in a way I never knew before.
As I write this, I am listening to a song by Joe Cocker, “You Are So Beautiful to Me.” The song brings tears to my eyes as I realize that these are the words in my heart–being sung to my God.
Are our illnesses devastating?
Yes.
Are they challenging, frustrating and life-changing? Filled with some losses caused by illness?
Of course.
And yet–in the midst of it. . . in the midst of it we can find all we will ever need and come to know just how truly beautiful our God is.
Prayer: Father God, I pray for each person reading these words–that no matter what circumstance they find themselves in today–Yiu will bring them to the realization that You are indeed all they will ever. . .ever need as Your love and beauty fill their souls. Amen and amen.
About the author:
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic challenges is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her challenges have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness. Her website is http://www.todaysencouragingwordonline.com . deni can be reached at encouragingwords@me.com or through her website. She loves to hear how God is working in the lives of her fellow life travelers.
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Have you been able to find a peace that passes your understanding? How have you dealt with gaining perspective on the losses caused by illness?
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