Hi. I’ve had a number of challenges with my health and have been unemployed for over two years. I feel so defeated. People tell me I have to have faith, but so many people with faith have such hard lives anyway. How would the Lord like me to react in my situation? Should I feel defeated, or should I fight, even if there is no cure?
One Response to “How can I not get discouraged with my illness?”
Samuel Prado
2013-08-04 15:15:53
Hi Carlos. Thanks for your interesting question. In the past I too have had medical problems, though in recent months my health has thankfully improved. I understand the feelings you've described. Health challenges can indeed be very discouraging.
Back when I was struggling, I sometimes started to wonder why God lets bad things happen to good people, but that's not a fair question. God never promised that our time here on earth would be easy and comfortable. In fact, He specifically promised just the opposite. He told us that we'd face many challenges, and that those challenges would help us grow spiritually, if we let them. Why should we get angry at God for permitting precisely the challenges that He said He'd permit?
Anyone can remain dedicated to God when it's easy. When life is going as we expect, when we're comfortable, we have no reason to question God's influence in our lives. However, we really demonstrate our love to our Heavenly Father when we remain dedicated to Him even during difficult times. That's when we get to prove our faith. Are we God's fair-weather friends, or are we true disciples?
Brother, I invite you to reach out to your church friends for emotional and spiritual support. Chat with your bishop, your home teachers, and other priesthood leaders. Perhaps the missionaries could also talk with you to offer support.
Don't think for a second that God has abandoned you or that He no longer loves you. Nothing could be farther from the truth. He weeps with you during your moments of greatest challenge, but He knows that through those challenges, you can be spiritually strengthened.
God bless you during these hard times, brother. I'll pray for you.
Back when I was struggling, I sometimes started to wonder why God lets bad things happen to good people, but that's not a fair question. God never promised that our time here on earth would be easy and comfortable. In fact, He specifically promised just the opposite. He told us that we'd face many challenges, and that those challenges would help us grow spiritually, if we let them. Why should we get angry at God for permitting precisely the challenges that He said He'd permit?
Anyone can remain dedicated to God when it's easy. When life is going as we expect, when we're comfortable, we have no reason to question God's influence in our lives. However, we really demonstrate our love to our Heavenly Father when we remain dedicated to Him even during difficult times. That's when we get to prove our faith. Are we God's fair-weather friends, or are we true disciples?
Brother, I invite you to reach out to your church friends for emotional and spiritual support. Chat with your bishop, your home teachers, and other priesthood leaders. Perhaps the missionaries could also talk with you to offer support.
Don't think for a second that God has abandoned you or that He no longer loves you. Nothing could be farther from the truth. He weeps with you during your moments of greatest challenge, but He knows that through those challenges, you can be spiritually strengthened.
God bless you during these hard times, brother. I'll pray for you.