I've recently been reminded of a woman who's story is similar to many of ours.
She didn't have Lyme (that we know of); her condition was probably caused by something else. We still don't know for sure exactly what was causing her problems. She was bleeding. For 12 years straight. Doctors couldn't figure out why or what to do to stop the bleeding.
In fact, like many of us, she had spent ALL her money on different doctors and treatments and nothing worked. She was broke. And nobody knew what to do. I can only imagine the hopelessness and despair that she must have been going through for 12 years. I'm only getting close to a year of sickness myself and am getting much worse, and I know many of you have been suffering for many, many years.
And then one day, she was well! She saw Jesus, and touched his clothes, and then she was well. She finally found what worked.
After 12 years of suffering, now her suffering was suddenly gone. She was healed. Jesus looked at her and told her that "her faith had made her whole" and to go in peace. God healed her.
Why it took so long, why she had to suffer for so long, who knows. I'm certainly not saying that we are all sick because we don't have faith. Sometimes we just have to wait, and one day he'll show is exactly what we need to do to be well.
I do know that God has taught me so much through my intense suffering already. I've actually become thankful for my sickness (even though I cry in pain every day) because I know I will be a better person when this is over. Can't believe I'm actually thankful for this; I just lost my house! But I am, although I do hope it ends soon.
I will be selfless. I will love. I won't care so much about things that won't last. I'll help the sick and the broken. I'll lead my family well and together we will focus on eternal things rather than earthly things.
Not sure what you all believe, and I pray I'm not offending anyone, but I just wanted to share this encouragement with those of you who might find it helpful. If we keep our faith in Christ, I believe we WILL be made whole. Whether on this earth, or in heaven, we will be well again one day. We might have to wait 12 years or more before it happens, but I have faith that it will.
You can read her story in Luke chapter 8.
Hope you all have a very blessed day.
Sam
Posts: 748 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2015
| IP: Logged |
posted
I apologize in advance for the raw emotions and feelings that came out when I read this post. Thank you for sharing.....
I know everyone has their own set of circumstances and beliefs, but this is my experience. It is not meant to offend anyone.
Last Monday, I was in a women's bible study and our focus was on this particular story about the bleeding woman.
While we were discussing the situation...It Hit Me!!!
I have never been able to let go of my control and trust in the Lord. I heard it was a freeing thing and I did not think it was possible b/c of my past circumstances.
As a child, I had to be the grown up. I could only rely on myself.
People told me that was a lie and that God would catch me if I would just let go. I told them they did not know what it was like to grow up without basic needs being met. How could I trust a God that allowed so much pain and neglect when I was a child.
But..
This disease is so scary, complex, and has so many unknowns that I am being forced to give up trying to figure it all out and just trust in the Lord. (obviously I'm doing my part like nutrition, taking supplements, and going to the doctors. But I do not control the outcome of this disease. It will either take me down or I will be able to get healthier....I have no control over that. But I can control what I choose to hold onto....I can choose to hold onto fear and panic or I can choose to hold onto the Lord and trust in him)
It took me getting this disease to start turning it over to him b/c I know that I CANNOT do this alone and that I do not know the right choices to make with all of these different treatment options.
The only thing left for me to do is trust in God and listen for him to lead me.
Sicksam,
Thank you for sharing this b/c it is something I am currently experiencing. This disease has become my professor and is teaching me so many lessons.
The disease does terrify me, but it is giving me the opportunity to open up and allow God to show his love and care thru complete strangers, friends and family. It is a humbling experience when I have people making me dinner and/or buying me a few organic veggies from the market b/c they know I cannot afford to eat as healthy as I need to b/c of the high cost of medical bills.
I cried b/c I was embarrassed, I have never needed a handout. But I am choosing to be grateful and realize that this is how God is taking care of me and fulfilling his promises to me.
Someone told me that I am only alone in this if I choose to be.....
I am opening up, becoming vulnerable to those around me, and they are showing up to love and support me. Thank you, JESUS!
Posts: 26 | From Houston | Registered: Mar 2015
| IP: Logged |
posted
Amen to all of that, almost the exact same for me! We have a ton of ppl helping us in so many ways. I hate needing it, but I am so thankful that God has sent each of them to us.
If we look back, God is still using the same ways of teaching us that he has for a long time. The sick, broke bleeding woman who had seen so many docs is so much like us. Her faith was built. Many others were too. Just wonder what kind of treatments they offered her back then...
I hate every minute of living in this disease, I wish I could be rid of the pain and could walk well again, but I'm learning so much and trusting Him more and more every day!
Romans 5:3-4 ...we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Boy, I certainly am developing perseverance...
Posts: 748 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2015
| IP: Logged |
posted
Very humbling experience to be chronically ill. I've had severe health problems off and on my whole life... it just ramped up hard and fast about 23 yrs ago.
Jesus has held my hand the entire way and led me to people who could help me in one way or another. Blessings untold because I listened and I walked.
The journey of life is long and difficult but with our Lord and Savior beside us, it so much easier!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
momindeep
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7618
posted
Yup...we are supposed to count it ALL joy...hard to do...at least we don't have to by ourselves.
Posts: 1512 | From Glenwood City WI | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
yes, Jesus is the only one staying with me.
the devil is hard at work to make me forget that.
you that have people in your lives that actually help you are really fortunate.
I have no one. everyone is too busy. the only person that keeps telling me to let her know if I need anything is a person with a rare terrible cancer attacking her entire body. how could I ever accept help from her? I am ashamed to think she can help me and I am useless in helping anyone.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic