Benefits of Illness

“God would prefer we have an occasional limp than a perpetual strut. And if it takes a thorn for Him to make his point, He loves us enough not to pluck it out.”
Max Lucado

Here’s something I never thought I’d say a year ago: I’m thankful for the health challenges God’s given me.

I wouldn’t have a relationship with Christ without illness. I’d have the head knowledge that He died for my sins and everything I learned growing up in church, but I wouldn’t know Him as a real person. Someone who set me free of my old ways and helped me understand that He’s all I need. Illness has forced me to recognize that God’s always with me, whether I acknowledge Him or not.

I continue to ask the Lord to give me the motivation and desire to read His word every day. I'll admit that often times, especially in the past, I've found the Bible a bit dull. God’s been faithful to answer my prayers and open my eyes to the beauty of what’s in His Word.

The Bible is the most exciting book I’ve ever read, and it’s come alive for me. I’ve been blown away by how much God speaks through it and how it applies to my life. Anything we can ever imagine doing is found in these pages.

I’m not too concerned at the moment about being free of illness. The Lord will heal me when and if it pleases Him.

If you aren’t ill, try substituting the word “illness” with another word that represents a challenge in your life. Where would you be without it, and are you thankful for it?

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Romans 8:18