Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Philippians 4:11-13 (AMP)

Acceptance is a delicate subject for those of us with chronic illnesses. Really, it’s delicate for any difficult or trying situation. We can feel like we are weak for accepting certain circumstances. We feel guilty for not fighting it any longer. But I’ve learned that acceptance is a balancing act, and a measure of your willingness and wisdom to let go of inflexible situations. Acceptance is also the point where you can let go, give it to God, and genuinely see the purpose of your particular position. And, from what I learned in 2018, when you begin to accept your illness, you start the process of submitting to God’s will for your life.

Acceptance and Faith

As a Christian, acceptance of an illness/diagnoses/negative situation is a very conflicting and confusing process. We are told to not believe doctors reports, but rather to rebuke diagnoses, and to pray away the illnesses. The Word itself says in James 5:14-15 (NIV), “Is anyone among you sick? He should send for the church leaders and they should pray for him. They should pour oil on him in the name of the Lord. The prayer given in faith will heal the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” When you experience pain, your body is malfunctioning, and/or you cannot live a normal life, you can be made to feel like you aren’t praying or relying on faith enough.

When I looked up the definition of “accept”, I was surprised at how many alternative meanings there were. But one definition caught my eye – “to recognize as true: BELIEVE.” Unlike the definition that says “to regard as proper, normal, or inevitable” recognizing something as true does not mean that it’s normal or inevitable. In other words, I believe that I have Fibromyalgia – my skin literally hurts to touch at times – but I know that it’s not normal - spiritually speaking, it’s an attack on my body and it is not how God intentionally formed my body - and I certainly don’t have to accept it as an inevitable part of the rest of my life. You can recognize your illness as true without compromising your faith. Accepting your illness DOES NOT mean you don’t believe God is a sovereign healer! You can pray, have others pray over you, and believe wholly in miraculous healing AND operate in the realm of life with a chronic disease(s)!

Acceptance as a journey

Coming to acceptance is a journey. And even if you think you’ve gotten to your final destination, you may have some more growing to do. The other day I had an unusual symptom pop up that made me go to Dr. Google (I know, bad idea). I read a couple articles, put my phone down, and realized that I was hoping that some simple illness would explain all of symptoms and that one medication could make it all go away. For real for real, I thought that despite what God had told me about my illness, my blood results, and the diagnoses from experts, everyone was wrong and I had discovered a path to new health! I’m not there yet. I have days where I tell God that He must have been mistaken – there’s no way that this is my life. I backslide frequently; but every time I do, I bring it to Him, and He is able to pour into me and encourage me to keep going.

In 2019, I hope to get to the place in my faith where Paul was when he said “I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). I want the “confident peace” (v. 13) that he spoke of.  My prayers each morning in 2019 will include asking Him to keep me in His will, even if that means continuing to fight my illness. Because I know that as long as I’m walking in my calling, He will work together all things for my good (Romans 8:28).  

Food for Thought: Where are you in your journey to acceptance? What is your vision for acceptance in 2019? Have you reconciled your faith and circumstances? If not, bring it to God. He wants to hear from you AND speak to you.

See you tomorrow for our 2nd day of Preparation for a Victorious 2019!