Life is already difficult and confusing enough without an unexpected curveball being thrown in your direction. When we are young, many of us choose to believe we are invincible. We believe we will overcome anything we encounter, but that isn’t always the case when that issue or problem is your health.

What does one do when their body is turning against them when they are only in their early twenties? This is what happened with me. I became upset, felt hopeless and was angry at my circumstance. I had already faced so many trials and uphill battles, why would what I have worked so hard for be taken away just as my adult life started?

When you have a disorder of any kind, no matter the age or the severity, it is difficult to see beyond that situation. When you are young and have an illness that is “invisible,” or not easily seen by those you interact with, people will ask:

“What’s wrong with you?” Or my personal favorite, “You don’t look sick.”

Statements such as these feel like it is invalidating how you are actually feeling simply because your illness is not observable to those around you. On top of invalidating your illness, you take a backseat to your own life. While you see your friends, family, mentors and peers entering stages of life that you long to be in, you are consumed with doctor’s appointments, expensive scans and an overall feeling of loss of who you thought you would become.

Illness takes a toll on your soul and spirit. You are missing out on the life you had planned, but not the life that was planned for you. Often times, it is in these little dark moments of your life that God chooses to speak to you.

“Prayer of faith will save the one who is sick.” (James 5:14-16, ESV)

My darkest moment came two months after graduating college and five months after marring my best friend. It came following a magical weekend celebrating our marriage with family in another country. It came just as I was about to embark on what I had planned for in my life. In September 2015, I was officially diagnosed with a chronic disease called Multiple Sclerosis.

The National MS Society defines the illness as “an immune-meditated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.” It is thought that MS affects roughly 2.3 million people globally, with no cure and no confirmed cause.

In short, my immune system decided my nervous system is the enemy - it attacks as though it is a virus. At 24 years old, this diagnosis is terrifying.

“And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.” (Matthew 9:20-22, English Standard Version)

When I was first diagnosed, I was alone. I felt I had lost my health, that I would never be well again. I am reminded now, I have never been alone and that even with this disease, I will be healed.

This passage reminded me that, by faith alone, this woman was healed. She had been sick with a condition for twelve years and was healed by nothing but her faith in Jesus. It reminded me that no matter how dark it got in my life or what was thrown at me by this world, faith will heal any of those who are sick and suffering.

“When He entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened.” (Matt. 9:28-30, ESV)

“No longer will there be any curse.” (Revelation 22:3, NIV).

All of these verses hold His promises to us. Through him, we will be healed. Through Him, we will not suffer. Through Him, we will have peace. There is comfort in knowing that one day, we will no longer be sick.

Whether you are an individual with a medical condition or an individual walking aimlessly in this life, His promises remain true. These promises outline what we have to look forward to.

How do you remind yourself of these promises as you struggle? The answer is pretty simple: faith and prayer.

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matt. 21:22, ESV)

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV).

If you continue reading this chapter in Hebrews, it tells us more of the things that were possible through faith. Rest assured friends, His promises will ring true for all time. Just as we learn that He will provide for the birds of the air in Matthew 6:26, he will provide for us because we are His children and we are worthy.

www.nationalmssociety.org

Find Healing Through Faith