It Is Faith That Moves Us Forward

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) 

  

  Those of us with constant illnesses and disease have the added challenge of not giving in to discouragement as our afflictions weigh us down and drive our thoughts into negativity. 

  We look around us and see cheerful, healthy, active people who take their good health for granted and we are expected to appear happy and join the club despite our pain and suffering.  

  We begin to wonder why so many people are healthy, and we are left with disability, in wheelchairs, bed-ridden, and generally unable to join the tasks of life at the same level as everyone else. 

  Could it be that God expects more of us? Is God trusting us with afflictions to make us stronger, or to make use wiser, or otherwise help us to grow? 

  

"God does not waste an ounce of our pain or a drop of our tears; suffering doesn't come our way for no reason, and He seems especially efficient at using what we endure to mold our character. If we are malleable, He takes our bumps and bruises and shapes them into something beautiful." — Frank Peretti 

  

  One thing is certain: No matter what your affliction or disability if you are a Christian God expects you to be faithful to Him. You are to use the gift of faith He has given you to not only survive but thrive in the best way you can with His help. Faith at its bare essentials is simply trusting God with your fate no matter the circumstances. 

  When we bring our frustrations, health issues, and troubles to the Lord, we are committing an act of faith. You would have no one to go to with your prayers if you did not first believe that God exists, that He hears your prayers, and He meets your needs. 

  Sometimes our greatest need is to merely survive our particular affliction. With God’s help you can do so. It begins by lifting your voice in prayer and praise to the One who can do something about our suffering. It begins with faith. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, our faith often seems small when we consider how little strength we have. Please strengthen our faith and help us to not only survive but thrive as we place our trust in You. Amen.