Faithfulness in the Midst of Chronic Illness

Yvonne Morgan

3 months ago

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.