God tells us to be patient in affliction. I certainly would declare chronic illness an affliction. Patience is not my strong point. Most struggle with it. During the years of illness, we get to practice our patience. I know, not fun.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
~ Romans 12:12 (NIV)
The years of chronic illness really is a good time to practice all three of these. Yep, fully aware of how hard that can be during suffering from illness. I
Be Joyful In Hope
As long as we are still alive, still breathing, heart barely beating, we have hope. The hope is always rooted in Jesus. I am talking about the hope of what you envision (through prayer) for your life.
What life God has already planned for you? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you need to know for today so that you stay on His path for your life. It may be complete physical healing, maybe spiritual healing, maybe a sense of peace with passing.
No matter what God’s plan is for your life, it can be grounded in hope.
Patient In Affliction
Chronic illness provides many opportunities to practice patience in affliction.
I remember that many times, I was not patient. Yet the more I practiced, the more I prayed, the more I settled into the loss of my control, the more patience I received. It took a ton of practice and I truthfully never fully conquered it, but I sure did get better at it.
Faithful In Prayer
I simply do not know any other greater resource than prayer.
So many times I was so beyond words that I struggled with communicating with the Lord. I finally realized I don’t have to come up with all the right words. I explained it in Speechless, Our Father... and Sick and Tired, Ran Out of Prayer Power.
During chronic illness, we certainly have the time for prayer. Spending time with the Lord is precious and healing. He already knows our hearts and our struggles. It is okay to let your guard down, be yourself, and openly communicate.
Romans 12 – A Living Sacrifice
Reading God’s word is healing. Head over to Romans 12 and read the whole chapter. God can reveal something new each time we read it when we are seeking enlightenment from the Holy Spirit.
May you be blessed with patience while you are ill,