Fight for Faith

I'm not one to complain, but the past few months have taken a toll on me, physically and mentally. Since about February I have been loosing weight, about thirty pounds total, with no known cause. Three different doctors have made an effort to diagnose the problem but as of today not one of them has been able to pinpoint the cause. I have had more blood drawn than you see spilled in one of those old slasher films. I have had scans, x-rays, and too many probes to even mention (not that you would want me to). With the exception of a few minor deficiencies, everything the doctors have checked have been normal. So why am I not happy?

To some extent the doctors with their myriad of tests have brought me some great relief. The obvious culprits that cause the symptoms I've been suffering aren't the kind of things you want to find in your body, things like cancer, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. The very fact that I don't have any of these diseases is indeed an answered prayer. Yet, I still remain undiagnosed and suffering from the same symptoms.

Frustration is the key word, I am frustrated with the unknown, frustrated at the prospect of continued illness, and frustrated with the lack of answers. In the grand scheme of things and compared with the alternatives, I should be happy. But such is the state of man, we are an impatient and fickle group. One only needs to read the bible for a few pages to see an example of someone whose life is far worse than your own, yet whose faith remains unshaken.

Consider Job, his whole life was literally taken from him yet he refused to blame God. Paul speaks of all the trouble in his life as if they are badges of honor. Beaten with a rod? It only made me stronger. Stoned and left for dead? It only made me want to preach Christ with more urgency. A thorn in the flesh that God refuses to remove? His grace is sufficient. Thrown in prison? Great! It gives me more time to write.

It was from prison that Paul wrote the following:

"Yes and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." ( Philippians 1:18b-21)

Compared to Paul, the struggles I face are mere bumps in the road. Do I ignore my problems? No, we shouldn't ignore our problems based on the fact that there is always someone who is worse off than you. We face our problems and Soldier On!

The problems of this life are miniscule when viewed in light of eternity. So let's "fight the good fight of faith (and) take hold of the eternal life" to which we have been called. (1 Timothy 6:12)