Life can be extremely difficult! As I continue to mature in my relationship in Christ, I’ve learned His grace is quite sufficient.
During these past 80 years, I’ve certainly experienced my share of difficulties, but half that time was spent giving little thought at all to the providence of God.
During my early years, I did not include God in the equation except during the most trying times faced.
That’s not the case these days. In fact, not one day goes by where thoughts of His intimate involvement in my life and the intertwining lives of those He places around me seems constant.
He has become the most pivotal force in all my daily life decisions. I want to be in His will for my life and I have placed my total trust in His hands.
During the past five years, I’ve faced a plethora of physical challenges.
First, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which seems to be under control after three separate procedures.
Then, I spent five days in isolation for COVID-19 celebrating my 77th birthday, and then being released the next day cured yet quite weak. Gradually, God took me through that illness to full recovery.
My current challenging diagnosis is quite different.
Age-related macular degeneration appears to be a much more unique challenge that will certainly test my faith in a new dimension.
The condition is not life-threatening, but the gradual loss of sight requires a much deeper strength than those previous health challenges.
After all, for a follower of Christ, a shortened life simply means being with my Lord sooner than anticipated, while losing sight makes me more dependent on others.
The Apostle Paul may well have been afflicted with some form of eye disease as well. In 2 Corinthians 12, he speaks about a “thorn in my flesh” that he believes was sent by Satan (allowed by God) “to keep him from becoming conceited.”
God does not want those who serve Him to be proud in their accomplishments or their relationships. Paul admits praying to the Lord three times for the thorn to be removed.
Here’s the Lord’s answer to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Perhaps you can relate with this discussion in your own life or the life of someone close to you.
Let’s turn to James 1:2-4 for a bit of wisdom on the testing of our faith: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Let me end by confiding this is by far the most trying battle of my life, but I know that my Lord will see me through it to the very end.
And since I don’t believe the end is all that near, I must persevere for whatever lies ahead for this gracious life my Heavenly Father has planned for the future.
May you fellow followers of Christ do likewise!