Hope in Sickness & Disease

Hello lovelies…

Today, I’ll be sharing six things that may bring some hope to anyone who is currently facing any type of sickness or disease. And, I hope it will encourage and strengthen you, your friends or loved ones. So, feel free to share this blog post to whom it may concern.

The Lord is Always With You

As a dear child who takes refuge in God, as evidenced by your obedience to Him, you dwell under his wings like a mother hen cocoons her chicks from attack. Similarly, the Lord shields you (especially your soul) from Satan. This doesn’t mean that God won’t allow you to go through floods and fires, just like you may be going through right now, which Satan hopes will destroy you eternally. It means that God is with you (Matthew 28:20) and won’t allow you to drown or be burnt (Isaiah 43:2). Satan has been disarmed and no longer has any power over you. Any access he has to you is because your Father has permitted it. So, rest assured. God’s got you. He will never leave nor forsake you.

Pray for Healing with Thanksgiving

As you pray for healing, which you should do, trust God with your life. He is dependable. Even though you don’t see it, he is always working behind the scenes. But first, be sure that your lifestyle choices are not responsible for your sickness or disease. If they are, then get off your knees now and go change your health-related behaviors including dropping attitudes such as unforgiveness, anger, jealousy, strife, and anxiety that are known to promote disease. And when you’ve done what you know to do, gratefully accept God’s sovereign will. When you pray, things may not turn out the way you expect but believe that He is working it all out for His glory and for your good. In the fullness of time, it’ll all be made manifest, much better than you could ever have anticipated. This is why you should also be thankful when you pray. God is caring for you better than you could ever care for yourself. God works through your thanksgiving to bring you peace. Peace that guards your heart and promotes healing of your mind and body (Philippians 4:6-7).

Don’t Fear Death

Remember when Jesus was sleeping through the storm while the disciples were fretting (Mark 4:35-41)? The disciplines were afraid of drowning and dying because death was still a mystery to them. But for us, it is no longer a mystery. Better still, to die is gain. So, if you notice that you’re filled with the fear of death, it may be a sign that you are still clinging to this world. What are you clinging to? How much do you long to see God now versus enjoy the people and things of this world for a little bit longer? If death is going to be the outcome of your current situation, what are you afraid of losing? Compared to the disciplines in the boat, we now know that the sting of death is gone. Therefore, like Jesus, absolutely nothing should prevent you from sleeping through any storm. So, deal with your fears. They are unfounded.

Don’t Fear the Loss of Livelihood

If your fear is not one of death but of the loss of your abilities or livelihood, remember the lilies and the birds who are adequately provided for. You are much more precious to God than they are. If you’re in doubt, then you must spend more time meditating on God’s word. This is the only way to know Him, trust Him, know the truth and be set free. Constantly meditating on all of Christ’s teachings and promises (not select ones) will constantly remind you that God will take care of you, which will replace your fear with peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). Trust Him.

Fix Your Eyes on Your Eternal Hope

An atmosphere of peace and joy is the most likely place for healing to happen. Unfortunately, such peace and joy cannot be found in this groaning world. Nothing in it, including the people and the things it offers, can satisfy you. In Christ alone is true peace and joy which flows from the hope He has filled us with. The hope of a better city where there’ll be no more sickness, disease, or death. A place where we will have perfect bodies. By fixing your eyes on this eternal hope, you will constantly be reminded that your situation (no matter how long it lasts) will be rolled away with this world which is just a drop in the ocean of eternity. So, in the midst of your storm, keep your eyes fixed on this hope instead of the winds so that you don’t sink, like Peter did (Matthew 14:27-33). You can do this by continuous meditation on Christ’s promises. And He will enable you to walk steadily on the waves, no matter how violent they may be.

Practice Self-Care

We are partners with God for the outcome of our lives. As you trust God with healing, you must also play your part in living a healthy life. Your part includes taking care of yourself, God’s temple, through adequate nutrition, hydration, movement, exercise, rest, and sleep. It also includes protecting yourself from the elements in your environment, accessing professional care, managing stress, and being in wholesome relationships. As you practice self-care, don’t be surprised if you see yourself begin to get better from whatever sickness or disease you may be facing. Self-care is the first line of defense against sickness and disease. So, practice it.

My dear friends, I hope you have learned a couple of things that might lift your spirits this week and improve the way you’re feeling right now. If you found this post helpful, please don’t forget to share it with someone you know that may benefit from it. Let’s not do life alone.

Have a hope-filled week!