Living with Chronic Illness and Faith

This post is part of my Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis series.

I believe:

• God loves me.
• God created me for a purpose.
• God has a plan for me, which includes rheumatoid arthritis.
• my R.A. diagnosis did not take God by surprise.
• God can use this pain-filled disease for my best, if I allow Him to.
• praying for healing is OK.
• God can heal me this instant, or any instant in the last 10 years, but is choosing not to.
• my disease is not a punishment from God.
• God does not find joy or pleasure in my disease.
• God can handle my "why" questions, fears, anger, and frustrations.
• God wants me to tell Him my "why" questions, fears, anger, and frustrations.
• when I get to Heaven I'll have a new disease-free body!
• I may never understand the 'good' in my disease.

Do you have a chronic illness or some other overwhelming circumstance in your life today?  If you have a faith in God I recommend you also write down an "I believe" list.  I know it helps me when I feel overwhelmed.  

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." 

 - 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NASB)

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor do I pretend to be one on TV. This post is intended to tell my experiences NOT to serve as medical advice. If your symptoms sound similar, please consult a physician.

Disclaimer: I have not been asked by a pharmaceutical company or any related organizations to write these posts. I have not been compensated for these posts in anyway (including money, medication, or medical treatments).