LORD, GIVE ME STRENGTH!

I’ve probably prayed this prayer a million times in the last thirteen years of battling a chronic illness.  I’m sure many of you have prayed this prayer also.  Those of us who are sick find it impossible to keep up with the rest of the world.  We may be able to complete several chores or activities, but then our stamina runs out and it’s back to square one again:  resting to rebuild our energy.  Lack of stamina and a low energy level are just two of the many frustrations we face daily in living with a chronic illness and/or pain.

In I Chronicles 12, David was still a fugitive from Saul and needed men for his army.  God sent many mighty men from Gad, Benjamin, Judah and Manasseh to join up with David.  These men were extremely fearless, ambidextrous (they could shoot arrows or sling stones with either hand), very strong and swift as gazelles in the mountains (1 Chron. 12:2,8).  They were also brave enough to cross the Jordan river when it was overflowing (I Chron. 12:15). 

Above these four hundred or so mighty men were three generals.  Their incredible exploits are recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8-12.  David’s chief of the generals slew eight hundred men with a sword in one day.  During a battle with the Philistines, another of David’s generals stood his ground after everyone else had retreated, and struck down the Philistines until his hand grew tired and froze to the sword (2 Samuel 23:9-10).  Most of us can only imagine having that kind of strength!

Does that make you envious?  It does me.  On days when I have to rest, I sometimes dream about having unlimited energy like David’s mighty men, but that’s not where God has me right now.  He is more concerned about building my spiritual strength than my physical well-being.  I can honestly say that I am thankful for CFIDS because through it I am learning to depend more on Christ, slow down, and enjoy every moment of life.  Living with a chronic illness and/or pain takes courage and strength also.  So, for today my prayer continues, “Lord, give me strength!”

Dear Jesus:  Thank You for the strength You give us each day!