Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isaiah 41:10
How do you answer these questions from your own child? “Does God not care about me? Then why am I always sick?” Those were the questions our 11 year old asked me last night. And they were tough ones. Having dealt with my own chronic health issues since I was 13 years old, I ran from doctor to doctor for almost thirty years. With few answers, and left completely demoralized, I, too, have wondered this at times-days when I couldn’t bear the agony any longer.
Those many, many days when I felt as though I was on my deathbed, truly wondering if I would see another week, I wrestled with God about being chronically ill. “Why, God?” “Why?” And while I still have my good days and bad days, with my baseline far from perfect, God gives me the strength I need each day to get through. This isn’t just about me though.
To see my own child suffering through something very similar, is heartbreaking. Multiple mysterious symptoms. Several doctors. Numerous specialists. No concrete answers. And then, the questions that I can’t answer. “Mommy, when will I feel better?”
I wonder, how do I fill others with hope when I don’t see an end to their situation-especially my own child’s? This is where faith comes in. It is believing, even when we cannot see. It is grabbing onto Him and trusting, no matter what. When my daughter asked me if God cared about her, I had to remind her that of course He did, and that God is good no matter what.
The questions she asked did rattle me a bit however, I have to be honest, because I saw her in me. I don’t want what I’ve gone through for my daughter, yet these past few years, she’s been living it. Our family has been through a lot, and yet we persevere with God by our sides. So, if she takes away anything from me, I hope she sees that in my weakness, that I’m learning to depend on Him wholeheartedly, and that God is her hope and strength. And while I will do whatever I can to get her better, through it all, God is still good, because He is. We can’t let our faith be shaken in these instances. God is still who He says He is, even in times of testing, and I’m thankful for this.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” -2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain.” -John Henry Newman
**I would love to hear how you would answer the questions above if you were asked. Leave a comment below! And for anyone willing to lift our daughter up in prayer-prayer for good health and full healing, I would be extremely grateful.
Wavy and Anchored 
Praying for your family, Aimee. ❤
I hope this short reading plan by my friend help answer your question:
Tasting Dirt: When You’re Disappointed With God
http://bible.com/r/6og
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Thank you, Temi! Blessings to you!
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Sister Aimee your post touched my heart. As someone who has recurring health issues which come and go a bit like a rollercoaster, I understand the questions we ask ourselves and even ask God. In all that happens I trust Him, knowing He loves me and can use me in strength and in weakness. Our grown up daughter has been diagnosed in the last few years with Lupus and all that brings; it hurts us a lot to see our little girl (regardless of age) on her own rollercoaster but we keep telling her she is loved by us and God. In my opinion we can say anything, but it is the demonstration of His love through us which have the greatest effect on our loved ones. I will remember you, your family and specifically your daughter in prayer Aimee. May God bless you and wrap you in His love.
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Thank you, Alan, for sharing all of this. I especially loved this reminder-he “can use me in strength and in weakness”. I will lift up your family in prayer as well! 🙏
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And thank you so much for your prayers, brother! Truly appreciate them!!🙏
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Such valid questions Aimee. ❤️
I have struggled through similar Q’s with health challenges myself, and for my sister who has MS but doesn’t yet know the Lord.
Do you have a particular healing scripture you are standing on? I would like to agree with you in prayer if you don’t mind sharing it. 🙏
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I have not had a particular healing scripture I had been standing on, but wonderful idea! I especially like these:
“But I will restore you to health and heal your
wounds,’ declares the LORD” ~ Jeremiah 30:17
“LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” ~ Psalms 30:2
“Heal me, Lord, and I
will be healed; save me
and I will be saved, for
you are the one I praise.
~ Jeremiah 17:14
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Amen Aimee! ❤️
I will pray these scriptures in agreement!
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Thank you, Jo!
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Hi, Aimee.As one who has also dealt with chronic illness, I can relate. There are many days of frustration as my body won’t do what I want it to. All I know to go back to is His faithfulness. It is unending, even in these hard times. As Paul says, His power is made perfect in our weakness. I don’t completely understand everything we deal with in this life, but I do know His unending love through it all. In the end, we live for His glory. If someone can see Him reflected in me, it’s worth it. That said, I know how hard the day by day can be. Sending prayers to you and your family. May you each feel His presence.
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Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Yes, the many days when our bodies won’t do what we want them to is so frustrating. I especially loved what you said here-“As Paul says, His power is made perfect in our weakness. I don’t completely understand everything we deal with in this life, but I do know His unending love through it all. In the end, we live for His glory. If someone can see Him reflected in me, it’s worth it.” Amen to that!!thank you for your prayers!
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