Things God Has Taught Me Through Health Struggles

I don’t often start a post off by saying why I’m writing it, but because this is a bit different than anything else I’ve ever written, I think I will this time. First off, I’m not writing this post for sympathy. Everyone has different struggles and trials they deal with and I know that there are many who have much more difficult things in their life than I do. I am writing this post in hopes of encouraging other young women who deal with frustrating health issues on a regular basis. (So, if you know anyone who might be encouraged by this, then please feel free to pass the link along.)

I know that this topic is very personal, and to be honest, I hesitated before writing this. But I also know that one of the most difficult things about health problems can be loneliness. Sometimes you may feel as if no one else understands the peculiar struggles you face. So, while I’ll only be sharing generals right now, if you or someone you know has PCOS or asthma, please do not hesitate to contact me here. I’d be happy to share more information about my journey with you and I’d love to know how I can pray for you.

Okay… a little background. I got asthma when I was six years old, and have had it ever since. I think the hardest part of it is how my energy level goes down quickly on a bad day. However, I’m also blessed in that I don’t typically have sudden attacks like some people do. It will often be a consistent tightness that slows me down. As for the PCOS–I was diagnosed with that last year. I had noticed symptoms for several years prior, however. The most frustrating thing with the PCOS is probably the fatigue and also the unpredictability of my hormones (it’s also no fun when my cysts rupture). Again, though, I’m blessed because I have times of feeling very well and having pretty normal energy.

My productivity does not determine my worth.

I’m a doer and a very goal-oriented person. I like to feel busy and productive. However, there are days where I feel blessed if I have the energy to make dinner. There are days where I only have the energy to sit and rest! I cannot base my worth on my productivity. That fluctuates. I must remind myself that what’s most important is responding in a godly manner to those frustrating days and keeping a positive attitude. My to-do list can wait. My worth is in being a daughter of the King, and nothing can change that.

I am dependent on God for everything.

Yes, simple truth–but one I’m prone to forget when everything is going swimmingly. Physical weakness will bring you to your knees quicker than just about anything else. On those days, I must rely on the Lord for grace to keep my spirit joyful. I must rely on Him for victory harder than at other times, because physical weakness and spiritual weakness often go hand in hand. It seems that my physically weak times are prime time for the enemy to attack. So physical weakness causes me to rely on the Lord more, which is a good thing. (Along the same lines, I’ve also learned that it is not God’s will for us to always be on the mountaintop. Sometimes, faith is most tested, strengthened, and proved when we aren’t aware. Our faith is not dependent on our feelings.)

Never judge by externals.

This may seem like a strange one, but it’s super easy to judge others by externals when you don’t know what’s going on in their lives. Maybe the reason someone missed church is because they weren’t feeling well. Perhaps the reason that clerk at the store was so grouchy is because they are dealing with chronic fatigue. Possibly that mom who seemed a little short with her kids is dealing with a splitting migraine. You just never know. Sometimes physical weakness or pain will cause people to act in ways that may seem strange to others, but they obviously don’t want to share the reason why with every random person (Of course, not feeling well is no excuse for being rude or selfish. 🙂) So beware of making assumptions about others. Give them the benefit of the doubt and treat them with the compassion you would want.

God understands, even when others don’t.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14).

If someone is healthy and hale, it’s difficult for them to understand what it’s like to be fatigued and frustrated even if they are a very compassionate person. And that’s okay. But there is Someone Who always understands. The Lord knows the days when you can’t read more than a psalm because of mental exhaustion. He is with you on the evenings when you are just too tired to spend much time in prayer. He cares when the enemy is constantly attacking you with discouragement and racing thoughts. And He understands your weakness. It’s okay to be weak.

Self-pity gets you nowhere.

One of my biggest struggles when I consistently don’t feel well is self-pity. I’m tempted to feel sorry for myself when I drag through the day, have to miss church or a ministry event, or start thinking about what my health issues could mean for my future. But the fact is that the self-pity doesn’t fix anything. It doesn’t make me feel better. And, it usually means that I’ve taken my eyes off of Jesus. Instead of looking at the many blessings He gives, I look at the difficult things. Not good.

So, I’m learning to turn to Him for victory. It’s crucial that I take my eyes off myself and turn them upon Jesus. He has blessed me with so much. He’s always good and always worthy of my praise! Another thing that helps is to think of someone who is hurting and pray for them, and show them love in a practical way if possible. 😊

Ultimately, healing is up to the Lord. I’m so grateful that He directed me to the right medications for my asthma that enable me to live a pretty normal life. I’ve prayed for healing many times, but thus far, that’s not His will. And that is okay. Because I know that He is drawing me closer to Him and that His grace is sufficient. I know that it will be worth it all when we see Jesus! Look to Him in whatever trials you are facing, dear sister. Remember that He loves you and will work all things together for your good.