Have Faith and Hope

But I will have sure faith that I will experience the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living! Hope in the LORD! Be strong! Let your heart take courage! Hope in the LORD! Psalm 27:13-14 (CEB)

This devotion lesson came directly to me for me! Off and on since October I have been troubled with an awful cough and laryngitis. It would last about 2 weeks and get better only to rebound again within a few weeks. Recently, it was back but this time with chest congestion. Off to the doctor I went and found that I had bronchitis, and probably had the virus in my body since October just never getting rid of the problem. I would get better, but still the issue wasn’t solved.

As I write this today, I am considerably better and improving daily. I don’t think I have ever been so worn out at the end of a day! I didn’t want to do anything in the house, didn’t want to cook and if I did, I sure didn’t have much appetite. Short tempered and snappy according to Brooks as well. Thinking about what to write I was drawn back to a devotion by Sara back in December in which she felt much the same way due to her bout with COVID. She said in that devotion that she’d had herself a pity party…well, so did I. Then today I opened my Bible and a note fell out. On that slip of paper I had written the scripture above! Boy, God has great timing!

This message was exactly what I needed this morning. Yes, I am still coughing some, I have an off and on stuffy nose and I still tire easily, BUT I have a new attitude! I have faith, hope and courage that the Great Physician will continue to pour out His healing and provide strength day by day.

We pray for the sick and rest, knowing God can restore health! He has the power to heal us, and He has the power to comfort us and give us new hope. He gives us rest when we are weary and peace when we are uncertain.

If you’re experiencing sickness in some form today, may this prayer from crosswalk.com be medicine for your heart and soul.

Jesus, you control all the parts of my body, and you know when they’re not working at their best. Sickness leaves me stressed and steals time from everything I want to do. I’m honest, Lord. I don’t like to be sick. But times like this also make me rest in you, so I thank you for this chance simply to wait on you.

Teach me what you want me to learn during these unpleasant times, Lord. Help me not to take out my discomfort on those around me, and show me how to be a good patient while I’m recovering. In these days of sickness, Lord, I’m trusting you and asking you to make me well. And when you’ve restored my health, give me wisdom so I can treat my body as the temple of your Spirit. I’m eager to get back on my feet serving you, but I realize that even in sickness, I can still draw near to you.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen!