Have you ever prayed about something very specific and never received an answer? How about prayers for an ongoing sickness, a rough marriage or relationship, family problems, addictions, or even depression? I know I have prayed for all of the above. Even have I received answers to these issues, while finding the strength to overcome them but one. What I deal with on a day to day basis are my sinus issues. Every day I wake up and I am fully congested. My nasal passageways are generally both clogged or just one, while my throat is very sore due to having to hack out the crap in it. So yeah, I have gone to many doctors and been prescribed different nasal sprays and nothing really helps long term. And lastly, they mention sinus surgery, in order to remove the nasal polyps from my nose as well. This should help, but they can’t guarantee that I will stay healthy long-term. So I am considering this even now. Now, when it comes to this chronic illness, I have just dealt with it over the years, even though it really sucks to be sick all the time. Many people have prayed for me and that hasn’t helped. Even I have prayed continuously for the healing of my nose, throat, and lungs, but nothing has ever happened. This has been a big struggle throughout the last many years of my life. I have even felt like I would die soon because of it. However, my faith has not gone undone and I know that God still loves and cares for me. If I am supposed to be healed by Him or not, I will still continue to praise Him.
Even now as I write this message, I am not feeling well and could use prayers for my behalf. But again, this is my everyday life and I have just had to deal with living in pain. I see this as something very similar to what Paul had to go through when he wrote the following… “For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:6-10) And just like Paul said, I am weak in the flesh, but strong in the Lord. Satan may try to cause me to doubt God because of a chronic illness, but that will never happen. I know that one day I will be with the Lord, Jesus, who is my God, forever in heaven. And in that place, there are no more tears, sickness, or death. I am meant to suffer in this life and then in the next, it will be all over.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that my ongoing chronic sickness will one day be healed. That You will bring restoration to my nasal passageways and my throat and chest. It is difficult living with constant nasal and throat congestion and to find no relief. People have prayed for me and I have not been healed yet, but I know that if it is Your will, this will one day happen. But if that is not the case for me while in this life, then I will continue to preach the gospel and witness to the lost in my dire state. I will not let an illness hold me down from carrying forth the gospel message to the lost. Satan desires to have me, and for me to doubt You because of my afflictions, but that will never happen. Just like Job never lost hope in You, I will never stop praising You and calling upon Your Name. You know I love You, Lord. I live my life for You and am Your willing servant. So as Your servant, I will go out continue to write daily devotionals and to bring lost souls unto You. If I am still sick years from now, this may be more difficult in the flesh, but not in my heart’s desire to serve You. And Lord, I do pray that many people will join in and pray for me and others also. I am not the only one who suffers from a chronic illness, day in and day out, and cannot find relief. This type of life is terrible and others also need not only Your healing power over them, as I do, but also a relief. We trust that You will come to our rescue and lift us up when it feels so dark. One day, all this sickness and disease will be over. Because You have said it, I believe it. I can’t wait to be with You in heaven, Jesus, and no longer have to experience sickness or death. I love You, Lord. I give You praise and honor, this day and forever. Amen.