Denial Is No Solution

 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:32

    No one likes to think about getting older and wearing out. No one likes to think about disability and illness. And this might be why some preachers denying these realities are very popular for doing so.

    Early in my disability I tried ignoring, denying, and “believing" my way out of illness. But the reality of my health issues refused to disappear. Denial is no solution for disability and disease. Yet we have a culture today that goes on living as if illness, disease, and death are far removed from our everyday life.

    Today everyone is supposed to be happy. Whether through external stimulus, or through use of medication (or self medicating), or simply denying the challenges we face each day. There is nothing wrong with being happy and optimistic, and nothing wrong with praying and believing God will provide for and take care of us and heal us.

    Yet the act of denying and pretending our illnesses are gone when in fact they very much exist can set us up for disappointment and even despair.

    Faith and belief in God are wonderful, and trusting in God through difficult circumstances should be a way of life for Christians.

    Nevertheless, denial, refusing to accept reality, and foolishly pretending a very real illness or disease does not exist is no way to survive and endure affliction. Facing our challenges head on while trusting God to see us through is a recipe for success and thriving despite our afflictions.

    We all need hope to live with our illnesses and afflictions. We should never discount God when it comes to our diseases and cures. Yet merely pretending our illnesses and diseases do not exist is a sure path to frustration. Trust God, ask Him for healing, but do not ignore or deny very real issues that need attention and help.

    Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be both optimistic and realistic. Amen.