Unity

“Now, this is going to hurt just a little bit.” Most of us heard these words. Sometimes it does hurt “just a little bit.” Usually it hurts more than the medical specialist let on. Because if he said, “This is going to make you want to scream like crazy we’d yell “stop!” I’ve lost count of the number of times it’s hurt much more than just a little bit and I have a pretty high tolerance for pain.

Suffering comes. It’s inevitable in our world that is filled with sin. But consider this for a moment: Suffering does not have to be accompanied by fear.

Imagine knowing something was about to hurt more than you were prepared for but you felt a complete lack of fear. No fright, nerves, anxiety, or dread. No trembling, cold sweats, apprehension, dread, hesitation, or worry.

How is it humanly possible to know pain or suffering will come, yet not feel fear? It is not–not humanly possible. Only through the presence of the Holy Spirit can we ever feel peace in the middle of pandemonium. Only through our relationship with Jesus,  can He provide serenity instead of shock, tranquility through the trembles.

Chronic illness could leave us with immense anxiety every day. We can worry about everything from getting through our plans of the day, simply getting around, the side effects of medication, the bills that continue to arrive in the mail, disappointing those we love, and the list goes on. Don’t surrender over to the fear or it can not just overwhelm you, but envelop you.