Health issues suck…
…yet the symptoms are often an alert of something on the inside that doesn't meet God's original design for our bodies. Over the past 4, or 5, years, I've been battling some immense health issues. Before that, I was able to do anything I wanted and also eat anything I wanted.
I was diagnosed with Spondylitis
Spondylitis is an auto-immune disease where the effects of it attacking my body produces an arthritis all throughout my spine. (Kinda cool that Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons also has it and is an advocate for Spondylitis awareness and healing.)
Life is sometimes hard and sometimes amazing
I've tried a myriad of different medicines and things to try to help. Some helped a little. Some made things worse. Stress was one of the biggest factors leading to a flareup. I've been able to work and also have been out of works for weeks on end. It's a new journey every single day.
Because of the rollercoaster of ups and downs with my health, I needed something stable to keep me grounded. Learning that God has given me everything today that I need to serve and love him today has helped so much. I am not expected to do everything I used to be able to do. God has contentment found in today.
"I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
I want that to be my life verse. In any situation, Christ is my rock and grounding. I can do anything because I know that I can abide in him.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
— Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
I am confident that God sees me, loves me, and has great plans for me, even in the pain. Even today! We have next steps. Currently on a new medicine regiment and protocol that I believe is going to do wonders. My hope is not in health, rather, my hope is in Jesus.
I'm so thankful for God, my incredibly supportive wife, our LifeGroup, great friends, and all of those who've had a part in this healing journey. May God use my story of suffering for good.
I can do all things through Christ, who is my source of strength, and so can you.
— from Cam Pak, a spondylitis patient with hope