Walking by Faith

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

Psalm 56:3 (NKJV)

We read in James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (NKJV).

In 2018, I had to have my gallbladder removed. A couple of days after the surgery, my feet and legs started to swell. I could barely put shoes on. Then the swelling and pain got so bad that walking was very painful. Even having a blanket or soft fuzzy socks touch my feet would put me in tears. I soon had to start using a wheelchair due to the pain from walking. I had no idea what was going on. I had never been as afraid as I was then. I prayed and prayed for God to help.

Through a lot of bloodwork, it was determined I needed to see a rheumatologist. It took months to get in somewhere, but God opened a door at Wake Forest. By this time, I was completely wheelchair bound. I went through many tests that I pray I never have to go through again.

In 2019, I was officially diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Lupus (SLE). It took over a year to find the right combination of medications to get the swelling and pain under control. By this time, I had been completely wheelchair bound for two and a half years. I then began physical therapy, and God helped me to accomplish each milestone - being able to stand, walk, bend, and go up and down stairs. Each of those milestones are things I will never take for granted again. I spent 19 months in physical therapy.

As of today, there is currently no cure for Lupus, and I currently receive a monthly infusion to help keep it under control. Through His mercy, He gives me strength day by day.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV).

Being a Christian does not mean we will not go through trials. When we do, we know that we can put our trust in God because He will never leave us or forsake us.

 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV).

He will always be with us step by step, giving us strength to endure.