Counting It Joy

James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into [various trials]; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh [steadfastness]. But let [steadfastness] have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” I am learning to view my HM as a blessing. There are things I have learned because of it that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise—things about God and about myself.

If I never had to deal with my HM, God’s presence would not have become real to me. God’s promise to never leave me was the most comfort during my worst times. Sometimes, it was the only thread I could cling to.

If I never had to deal my HM, God’s grace would not have been revealed to me as clearly. Before I had to deal with my chronic illness, I struggled to define God’s grace. Now, I know that God shows His grace through the comfort of His Word and the encouragement of His people.

If I never had to deal with my HM, God’s strength wouldn’t be so obvious in my life. There have been times when the only thing keeping me from doing something very foolish and selfish is clinging to God’s promises. There is strength in choosing to believe that what God promises, He will do. (This is that steadfastness that James talks about in James 1.)

If I never had to deal with my HM, I wouldn’t know how weak I am yet how strong I can be in God. I have seen some ugly things about myself magnified by my chronic illness—to name a few, I am selfish and petty and critical and a whiner. But I have also seen how strong God has made my faith. In times when I have seen other people give up, God has helped me to cling to Him and to not give in.

I have not achieved perfect gratefulness for my HM. There are times I absolutely hate it and how it has changed my life so completely. But I can say that I am grateful for how God is using this chronic illness in my life. I pray He continues to do so.

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