At age 26 and after years of graduate study, I was newly married and beginning my career.  I was young, happy, and ambitious.  Then after unexplained pain and months of uncertainty, I was diagnosed with a rare disorder.  The disorder has become a lifelong combination of days of discomfort and remission.  During the pain, I would worry that it would not go away, and when in remission I would worry about when it would come back.  Though I was raised a Christian, I was not actively worshiping at the time of my diagnosis, and I dealt with my disorder with fear and uncertainty.

Now at age 45, I am a practicing Christian.  When I look back, I realize that this disorder has actually brought me joy by turning my focus to God and encouraging me to raise my two sons to have faith.  I also have witnessed God’s grace through the medical professionals who have provided me with relief when and where I least expected it.

This disorder has helped me to grow in my faith, showing me the ways God provides me with the support I need to endure so that I no longer live in constant fear.  In turn, my growth in faith has shifted my focus away from my own discomfort and troubles and toward helping others. 

Prayer: Dear God, in times of discomfort, help us to see opportunities to grow in our faith.  Amen.