The stress of chronic illness can overwhelm us at times. There are moments when we don’t feel like we have the energy to blow out a candle. Our bodies don’t keep up with our heart’s desires and there is nothing we can do but breathe!! Nope, not fun but with hindsight, we can watch our perseverance grow, which creates a deeper faith. So, breathe in the breath of life.
I needed some fast encouragement this morning. I started with my morning Bible reading which always provides.
Sometimes I need CPR and God’s word is His breath of life to fill my lungs and soul with the exact nourishment I need for the moment.
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.” ~ James 1:2-18 NIV
If that does not encourage me, I don’t know what would. I will be okay.
Then I moved on to my daily praise and worship, finding a song that lifts my spirits for the day.
SONG: Hillsong – This Is The Air I Breathe
I went looking for this song. Years and years of loving this song, getting lost in it. When I breathe the Lord in, He fills me up with everything.
I need you, Lord. I am relying on you, completely. This is a mess, so far bigger than my capabilities. Hold me a little tighter, please.
Moving on to my daily sermon. Today is a mini-sermon.
SERMON: When You Are Going Through A Lot | Priscilla Shirer
As always, you provided Lord.
Chronic illness is difficult, but not too difficult for God. Sometimes we simply have to take a deep breath, breathe Him in and find nourishment through Him. With the regained strength we can try again.
Sometimes trying again means being still to recover from the overwhelming stress of chronic illness. “Be still, and know that I am God.” ~ Psalm 46:10
May you be nourished by the Lord and God’s Word,
Maribeth Baxter, MBNC (Certified Mind-Body Nourishment Coach)
