A Chronic Illness is not a disqualification from God’s calling.
During Lent, we focus on surrender, sacrifice, and dependence on God. We often talk about giving something up, but rarely do we talk about the things we would give up if we could, but cannot, such as physical struggles, chronic illness, and limitations that shape our days.
This season of reflection prompted me to share something personal. I live with ongoing health challenges that sometimes make ministry and daily life harder than I would like. If I’m honest, there are days when those struggles whisper excuses to step back from what God has called me to do.
Lent is a time for me to remember that weakness is not the end of usefulness in God’s kingdom. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV); “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Chronic Illness
There are days my body does not cooperate with my heart’s desire to serve. I don’t talk about this much, but I suffer from IBS-D and degenerative disc disease in my neck. One brings sudden and urgent interruptions to my day, while the other causes ongoing pain along with headaches. Things like planning ministry events get complicated with trying to manage my symptoms. One way I manage IBS is to avoid eating before a speaking engagement, which is not the healthiest option, but it works for me.
I don’t let my chronic illness stop me from doing the work God called me to do, but frustration with the situation and the unpredictability of these issues causes me to question God’s call for me on occasions. There are moments I wonder if I could serve more if my body cooperated. And in those moments, I must choose to trust that God is not measuring my faithfulness by my stamina.
Then I remember that when no one understands your pain, Jesus does. Hebrews 4:15 (NIV); “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” This reminder helps me to get going.
Struggling with Chronic Illness and Service
Do you struggle with an illness that impacts your ability to serve God? Many people do, and it leaves them feeling guilty for doing less than others who don’t understand the unseen health issues. Some might feel as though they are letting God down when they decline an invitation to take part in a ministry. I know I’ve felt tempted to step back completely. But there is always hope.
God knows our physical frame because He created us, so our limitations do not surprise Him. Our calling doesn’t disappear when capacity changes, but He will provide a way to fulfill the calling when we say yes to Him. God also provided examples in the Bible of people who struggled with such problems. Let’s look at a few of them:
- Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23): Paul notes Timothy had frequent ailments or stomach illnesses. Despite this, he carried out his duties as a young leader and pastor in Ephesus.
- Paul the Apostle (2 Corinthians 12:7-10): Paul had a thorn in the flesh that brought him constant pain, for which he prayed for removal. God did not remove it, but taught him that grace is sufficient and power is made perfect in weakness. Despite this, he continued his intense missionary work.
- Jacob (Genesis 32:25-31): After wrestling with a divine being, Jacob suffered a hip injury that left him limping for the rest of his life. Despite this permanent disability, he continued to lead his family and fulfill his role as a patriarch.
God used them and gave them strength, and He will do the same for you and me.
A New Perspective
Sometimes, it is not possible to do some of the ministry work, but we can learn to ask ourselves what can I do in this season? Maybe the question is, how can I serve from where I am?
There are many examples of ministry work that can be done when chronic issues restrict some of life. For example:
- Prayer ministry.
- Writing encouraging messages for others.
- Performing small acts of kindness.
- Serving in ways that fit within our health realities.
Do you have other suggestions of ways to serve while dealing with chronic health issues? I would love to hear them.
Biblical Encouragement
Don’t give up or become discouraged because we find God’s strength in our weakness. Seek faithfulness over productivity during seasons of health struggles. Maybe God is calling us to a period of rest. Trust in Him and find encouragement in the scriptures. Psalm 73:26 (NIV); “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” This promise holds true even in our health struggles.
Hope Amidst Chronic Illness
God is not calling us to do more when our health limits us. But He also doesn’t want us to bury our gifts behind the disease. Our role still matters to God and His kingdom, so He uses willing hearts, not perfect bodies. We may need to slow down or even stop for a period, but God is not done with us yet.
What has God placed in your hands for this season?
Prayer
Lord, help us trust You with the bodies and seasons You have given us. Teach us to serve faithfully within our limits and rest when You call us to rest. Remind us that our worth is not measured by output, but by obedience. Amen.
Enjoyed this post?
💌 Get weekly encouragement in your inbox
📚 Explore my books
🙏 Send a prayer request
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Additional Resources:
Thank you for this message. God knew I needed inspiration and reassurance today. I never know what my pain level will be when I wake. I understand the degenerative disc issues. My neck and spine are in very bad shape and have been that way for many years. I’m thankful to be able to shine His light even when I’m in pain. Have a blessed day dear friend.
I’m so sorry Melissa and I’ll be praying for you. But glad neither of us let these problems stop us from sharing His light. We are never alone in our struggles. Blessings to you dear friend
We must all have a no-excuses mindset. When you believe you can’t, you can’t. When you believe (in accordance with God’s will) you can do ALL things.
Amen. Thank you for commenting
Yvonne, I’m so sorry for your daily health struggles and appreciate that you were vulnerable enough to share them with us. It gives others, who also may suffer, hope for the journey. You are such an inspiration. Knowing this and knowing your ministry in the states but also overseas shows how much you desire to minister and depend on the Lord. God bless and thank you.
Thank you Karen. It has taught me to fully rely on God and that is actually a good thing. Prayers the Lord continues to strengthen you through Mike’s health journey. God bless.
I love this: “…weakness is not the end of usefulness in God’s kingdom.” That’s such a profound and counterintuitive truth. And it is how we serve God best. Weakness, humility, availability, trust… Some of the things we need to service God well, yet much of what doesn’t quite translate in the world’s measure of usefulness and success. Thank you for opening up this reality in your life to us here and for your continued service to God. Blessings to you and yours.
Thanks Stephen. I think it is important to remind ourselves that we are useful no matter what our condition. We must remain open to God’s leading as long as we have breath. Blessings to you.
You are right–there are times when health issues, both physical, mental, and emotional interfere with our quest to serve Him to our fullest. Thank you for this encouraging message, Yvonne. Praying for you
Thank you Katherine and blessings to you
Yvonne, I like how you turned around giving up what we want to living with what we don’t want. Your story of perseverance encourages me. I have some weaknesses that impact how I minister too. One is my hypersensitivity to fragrances which can take my voice and breath away and give brain fog. Rather ironic to be called to speak to women who wear scented body and hair products as well as scented detergent-washed clothing when scents can do this! I’m reminded His power is made perfect in my weakness.
Wow, I’m so sorry. That would be difficult but so thankful you persevered in Christ and continue to serve Him. God bless you and your ministry.
Wonderful, encouraging article, Yvonne! I’ve always had the utmost admiration and respect for those who serve the Lord through chronic pain or difficult circumstances. Joni Eareckson Tada is one example. Thank you for the example you set for us all- to God be the glory!
Thank you Cheryl. She is an amazing example that we can all follow. Blessings to you.
Amen amen amen!!!! I struggle with migraines, fatigue, and chronic neck pain. The migraines are the toughest. For me, I have come to understand that these are things I am to endure and push past, refining me for God’s work. I see the way the enemy tries to use these issues to get me to stop doing God’s work, but I refuse. I pray, and God gives me the strength to persevere. I know truly that is it ONLY through him that I can. I will pray for you, my friend!
Thank you Jessica. You are an inspiration and I will be praying for you. May we all continue to shine for Christ even in the midst of the struggles. Blessings
Thank you for speaking from your heart. What an encouraging message for all of us.
Thank you Sarah. Blessings