|
#1 As time passed, I would also call upon His example of patience and prayerfulness in the midst of suffering to cope with the many distressing symptoms I experienced that were a constant part of my life. They were like cruel and ever-present visitors. They were also relentless in their attempts to break my spirit and deny me the precious lessons waiting to be learned, as I journeyed through this trying season.
It was early on in that season when I found that performing the simplest tasks and daily activities began to consume a good portion of my day. Because of chronic pain, sleeplessness and exhaustion, that which once seemed effortless now became nearly overwhelming because I was so physically depleted.
I nevertheless learned that even in the midst of my physical distress I could choose to redirect my thoughts and set my heart upon my God. I could remind myself that He would never permit this struggle or any other to separate us. Knowing that, I prayed, Dear Lord, always keep me near to You and help me to take hold of Your great strength, when I have so little of my own.
#2 As I learned I also desperately continued to seek relief from the multitude of unforgiving symptoms I experienced. Knowing that it was God’s strength that sustained me and not my own brought comfort. That comfort, along with His strength and grace, were always available and always sufficient to meet my needs.
Although they felt like blessed assurances, my days were still marked by pain and exhaustion that were so severe that I felt as if I were dying. These so-called invisible illnesses I suffered from demanded nearly all of my attention. They also robbed me of energy and strength day and night. Even so, I pressed on, praying to have an overcoming spirit. I wanted to learn what the life-transforming lessons from my struggle might be.
The first lesson I learned was that God knew my suffering, often revealed Himself through it and was very near to me in it. In addition, I also learned how blessed I was to have such a loving and committed husband. Tom has always been supportive and understanding during these difficult years which began very early in our marriage. I know what a treasure he is as I am sorrowfully aware of other chronically ill women who were abandoned by their spouses when they needed them most. I have indeed been blessed by Tom’s faithfulness and his loving me in both sickness and in health.
For more on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, please see the Resources and Information page on this website. |
