“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Luke 22:42

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

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Every seven weeks, I watch an IV drip medication into my veins. I often wonder, “Why me?” Why did God choose me to bear this weight? Living with a chronic illness comes with many challenges including regularly scheduled infusions meant to keep me as healthy as possible.

It seems unfair to have to endure the suffering of a chronic illness, but like many things in my life, God allowed it to happen. I may not understand why, but I know God can work it for good.

Before Jesus was crucified, he asked God if he was willing to take away his impending suffering. He knew the pain to come. He knew he was to be tortured and crucified for the sins of the world. Yet his very next words conceded to God’s will. He says “Yet not my will, but yours be done.” Although Jesus knew he faced terrible torture, he knew the greater purpose behind the suffering.

God didn’t take the cup from him, but he sent an angel to strengthen him. Jesus cried out to His Father, and he heard him. He didn’t change his situation but didn’t leave him alone. While God allows challenging things to happen in our lives, he doesn’t leave us to endure them alone. His omnipresent power is always there to hold us through the pain and turmoil.

I accept that I live with a chronic illness. I can ask God to take it from me, and one day he might, but in the meantime, I can take my situation and believe God is working it for good. I already know living with an illness has grown my empathy for others living with chronic diseases and caused me to want to come alongside them in their suffering.

Jesus knew God’s plan, and even though I don’t, I can trust in his ways. Being humble means setting aside pride and the idea that I know how to run my life best. Because let’s be honest, I don’t.  When I instead submit to God’s will, I know his purposes are higher than anything I could have imagined.

Next Steps

What is something in your life that is hard to accept? Bring it to God in prayer. Share your feelings and know you can trust him through it all.