I won't lie - it can be very discouraging and depressing to think I have lupus. I've struggled with widespread pain and exhaustion for 10+ years. I went through tests upon tests upon tests as a kid to determine the "why" of it all, without ever finding out why. But now I know why. At least, I know the cause of my debilitating symptoms. I can deal with the pain. The fatigue is the worst. No amount of caffeine helps. No amount of green tea. Nothing helps the fatigue. I just have to muddle through the day until I can crash - hoping that tomorrow will be better. But I really never know if it will be.
Job had some major issues in his life. He lost everything - family, friends; even his own wife told him to "curse God and die." He was covered in boils and blisters at one point and was miserable beyond comprehension.
But he stayed faithful.
"My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined." Job 23:11
I like how Job mentions in chapter 23 that God remained in control of his situation.
"But he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him." Job 23:10,14
Job also mentions that God chose to lead Job into the darkness. He didn't keep him from it.
"For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me: because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face." Job 23:17
God doesn't always promise deliverance from tough situations. He doesn't promise it will be easy. God does promise - and has promised to me - that he will be with me and walk with me through this.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
God is with me through this. I know I'm in his hands - through my "good" days, and especially during the awful ones.
I will choose this day to praise Him - no matter the circumstance.
