Finding Christ in the Struggle: Encouragement for Those With Chronic IllnessPrimjer

“Day one: trouble eating, swallowing and severe fatigue. Day two: trouble walking and balance issues ...” I wrote in my journal as instructed by my physician. 

As if I don’t have enough physical ailments, I’m also highly allergic to the contrast used in diagnostic tests used to determine whether I’m experiencing a flare-up of my chronic illness. So I’m left with taking copious notes and jotting down my symptoms on a daily basis.

Living with multiple sclerosis makes it difficult to plan ahead. As a single mom, I force myself to press on despite how I feel physically, mentally, or emotionally. My diagnosis isn’t just chronic, it's progressive, meaning my worst day in one week could be my best moving forward.

It’s exhausting and enough to drive anyone to despair, but then I read Christ’s words, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34) In this, I’m reminded not to be weighed down by any given day’s hardships. 

Imagine Christ, knowing full well the agony that awaited Him, saying not to worry. He embraced His fate, a barbaric crucifixion for our sake, being secure of His future. 

Chronic illness is real. Mine, in particular, is degenerative. One look at my journal would illustrate that. Still, I can remind myself not to worry. Not because tomorrow will be painless. Just the opposite; it’ll serve up its own special blend of trouble. 

But, it simply doesn’t compare to the glory we’ll experience on the other side of our physical suffering. We can find comfort in knowing our eternity with Him awaits.