Finding Christ in the Struggle: Encouragement for Those With Chronic IllnessSample

It’s incredibly humbling to have your body betray you while struggling with chronic illness. In my case not only do I wrestle daily with symptoms, but my illness is also progressive. I'm also a single mom, leaving me to fear the worst is yet to come. 

Altogether the circumstances set the perfect mood for a pity party. Losing bodily functions and dying a slow and painful death are tough enough. Add the financial burdens of medical expenses and the inevitable strain placed on relationships and it can feel too much to bear.

Scripture gives an account of a holy and blameless man named Job. He was among the greatest of his time, possessing a large family, wealth, and a great estate. Yet, he was tested, and the book of Job gives a detailed account of how he countered everything he experienced with faith. 

Despite being left destitute, Job wouldn’t curse God. Not when his friends and family encouraged him to or even when he was driven to regret the very day he was born. Out of spiritual maturity, Job uttered, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job 1:21)

Job declared this statement early, prior to most of the personal devastation he later experienced. Yet he never defied God. 

That's the type of faith I wish to model. Regardless of what I gain or lose, I chose to praise the Lord and make His name known. I find myself encouraged by the positive testimonies of those who remain faith-filled while continuously experiencing great pains and losses. 

Nothing has tested my faith more than chronic illness, but I have decided to follow Jesus and will praise Him down to my very last breath. It doesn’t take away my earthly pain or sorrow, but we can be comforted knowing Christ is by our side. He’s not abandoned us, and we’ll soon be reunited with Him for all eternity.