If all you did today was hold it together - well done

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

I will admit, I am tired of living with so many health concerns. It has definitely been a very challenging time. I keep pushing and trusting a breakthrough will arrive because God is present and supportive during these trials, so we are never alone in our struggles. It is important to remember, being concerned about your health is normal, but one mustn't let health anxiety take over their life. God has provided me with comfort, strength and companionship daily. This is available for all who will give their lives to Jesus.

If you are like me, human, health concerns attempt to steal your peace and can stimulate our thoughts to spiral out of control. As a result, I ask God to teach me and lead me to recognize these anxious thoughts the moment they start. If you feel tangled, worn thin, take hope from this, you are exactly where you are supposed to be. You are not failing and you are the very reason Christ came.

I am fed up with appointments and doctors' visits, and having no answers, even though I do love my new physician; she is amazing. We must except, much of this is about waiting and being patient. Life in general is about the way you handle things. Whether it be health concerns, conflict with family, (even church families), rejection, debt, even those tangled Christmas lights, the enemy thrives on people who never slow down, can't stop moving, or who keep themselves entangled in worry. Jesus invites us to rest, a rest which actually restores us.

At Christmas time, I had pneumonia, a kidney infection, an ear infection, a ruptured ear drum (with muffled hearing), dizziness, and I was also experiencing shortness of breath. It was horrible, and I continue with many of these same health issues as we enter into March. I have had three treatments of prescribed antibiotics, and nasal sprays, along with Tylenol for pain. I've tried so many alternative options, to assist me with a speedy recovery and healing. The worst part is, I can't sleep at all, while lying in bed or laying down. I have little or no sleep, and here I am, once again, on my couch awake for hours, praying, sitting, and crying.

I know it is important to keep a positive mindset, breaking down those obstacles into smaller pieces, and seeking support. I have finally accepted this situation and am adapting to changes as growth opportunities rather than insurmountable barriers.

God didn't promise us a life without pain, struggles, or hardships, but He promised to give us strength to get through it, live in it, and still love amidst it all. We aren't called to know it all, we are called to know the God who does.