I have been suffering from an autoimmune disease for more than 6 years. This illness causes my joints to be inflamed and causes me a lot of pain. It has affected my daily life – even simple actions such as opening the door or holding a pen are painful and difficult for me. Hence, I felt very helpless and troubled when I first had to live with this illness.

Over the past 6 years, I often looked to the Lord for comfort because I know that He understands what I am going through. “In all their affliction he was afflicted” (Isaiah 63:9) – the Lord goes through all difficulties with me; He is with me every step of the way and He feels what I feel. The cross is the greatest proof that He understands how I feel – His sufferings on the cross were far beyond what I could ever imagine and ever experience.
I also know that He will not cause me to suffer unnecessarily. In Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”, I know God will cause all things that happen in my life to work for my good. He causes me to grow to be more glorious and to be more like Him. I trust that what He plans for me is the best.

Not only do I know that the Lord understands me and is with me, I experienced Him answering my prayers many times! For instance, He healed my wrist pain very quickly right before my final exams started and I received more subsidies for my medical bills. In addition, miraculously, the price of one of my medicines has dropped several times over the past few years such that I no longer need subsidies for it! The Lord truly understands my needs and is my providence.

Even though I was recently informed that my illness worsened, I was not anxious at all and I had great peace in my heart. I turned to God immediately when I first received the news and He told me that it will be okay. Even with a crippling and lifelong illness, I can be joyful because I have the Lord by my side! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7). These Bible verses remind me to trust, pray to God, and to give thanks in all circumstances!