So yesterday in church, the sermon was written for me.
Okay, so maybe that isn't true, but I know we all feel that way at some point. We go in to church, not sure if you are going to get something out of it, and you walk out thinking: wow, did that preacher steal my journal?
Well that my friends, as you might know, is the Holy Spirit. It is the same thing as opening up the bible to a verse you have heard a gazillion times before, and it suddenly speaks to you. That verse all of a sudden carries fresh new meaning and totally changes your day, week, and maybe life.
Enough rambling, the sermon was based on scripture from 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort,
which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also
you share in our comfort.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril,
and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 1: 3-11 (NIV)
Ok, so thats a really long passage. The whole passage is amazing and holds much guidance, hope, and wisdom. However, if you don't feel like reading everything, just pleaseeeee read the bold print. That is the part of the scripture that I have been focusing on lately.
In dealing with a chronic illness, you have days where you just want to throw a pity party and invite the whole neighborhood to have pity on you too. Some days I wake up and all I can think about is how unfair my life is. How unfair it is that I am a "good" person and this has happened to me. Some people live all of their lives with wonderful health and never realize what a true GIFT that is, until one day it is taken from them. I feel as if I am alone at times. There are not a whole lot of young people struggling with the same illnesses I battle. And I cry, pout, and get angry. I usually take it out on the ones I love the most: my God, my family, and my best friends. Now thats what isn't fair.
Anywho, I was listening to Mike Holt, at Grace Community Church (try that church!), and it totally changed my perspective.
There are some things I learned about suffering (from his sermon)
- everyone suffers, no one is immune
- because I have specific experiences, I am an excellent comforter and counselor for those who are suffering in a similar way. I can relate to them and hopefully guide them. Most importantly, I can pray for them in a very specific way that maybe others can't because they haven't had the experience. He gave a good example, a wife that has recently been left by a husband will be best comforted by a woman who has had the same experience. There are thousands of other examples. Although God did not "do" this to me, I know that there is a reason. I struggle with illness so I can teach others to pick themselves up and go on with life. To passionately live life and enjoy life. Chronic illness cannot and will not take that away from me.
What I have come to learn over the past difficult years is this: I need to look at my situation as a blessing. I have the gift of waking up every morning knowing that I cannot do this life without God. I am humbled every morning. I have to rely on him for strength. God works best that way though, when I am weak, He is strong and it is more than enough for me. I know that sometimes our situations might be difficult but remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and God is waiting to help guide you there! :)
On another note, its too hot outside!!!! Have a great, hot and humid day!
