CHRONIC ILLNESS by Sister Patricia Mendez

Chronic condition. … The term chronic is often applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months. Common chronic diseases include arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and some viral diseases such as hepatitis C and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Research states that more than 144 million people suffer from chronic illness. Symptoms can range from pain, fatigue, muscle aches, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, hypertension, and asthma. These are only a few of many chronic illnesses that negatively impact the lives of Americans.

More than the symptoms themselves, these illnesses affect individuals in their personal lives and relationships as well. The strain on the body from all of these symptoms leads loved ones who have always been joyful and passionate to become moody, depressed, and apathetic.

Despite these obstacles all that many people need is the Lord. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

1. An annual checkup is needed so that you can understand what causes your chronic illness. Why? When you understand what causes these symptoms you can set limits and learn to maintain our health.

2. Accept help from others. Why? “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20). Receiving brings closeness and belonging.

3. Build fun into your life. Why? When you isolate yourself you allow the adversary to puts doubt in your mind. Don’t forsake the fellowship of the saints. Keeping busy makes time go fast, and being a blessing to others in turn brings happiness.

4. Focus your physical and emotional goals. What matters the most? “Faith, Hope, and Love but the greatest of these is Love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

5. Share your gifts and talents with others. “Greater love has no one that this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

 “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalms 91:16)