Faith Through Trials: Trusting God in Health Struggles

 Suggested Reading: Genesis 22

In my late twenties, after months of abdominal pain and severe symptoms, a doctor told me I might have colon cancer. However, a colonoscopy revealed that I had ulcerative colitis which is an autoimmune disease that weakened my immune system and led to other complications.  During the time my stomach was healing, I also had chronic hives and a severe allergic reaction to xanthan gum, which caused anaphylaxis.

When my health struggled, so did my faith. I wondered if I would ever get better. My gastroenterologist didn’t guarantee that I could live without medication, but he allowed me to explore a natural path to healing and remission. The journey was filled with tears, frustration over food restrictions, and a deep sense of loss. For a time, I believed this would be my life forever.

Alongside a strict diet and regular exercise, I realized another crucial change needed to happen was my mindset. No more pity parties. No more dwelling on sickness. My spirit didn’t have to align with how my body felt. Though my body was weak, my spirit was strong. God wanted me to believe that healing was possible. With His guidance, I could get well. My constant prayer became that of the father in Mark 9:23-25: Lord, help my unbelief.

(God provided the most delicious birthday cake within the dietary restrictions I had to be under)

A little over a year later, I experienced a breakthrough.  I came home with a pizza from Whole Foods, my immune system much stronger. My husband watched me, both reluctant and hopeful, wondering if I would break out in hives. I ate the slice and had no bodily reaction.

In that season, I surrendered my health to the Lord.

📖 I reflected on one of the last recorded stories of Abraham’s life and asked myself: How could he trust God so deeply? When the Lord asked him to lay his only son on the altar, how did he still believe in God’s promise of legacy? Abraham’s confidence was evident in his response when Isaac asked where the lamb was for the burnt offering, Abraham answered,

 “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:8)

I believe what led to Abraham’s obedience was he had seasoned faith that had been tested and strengthened through years of walking with God.

Hebrews tells us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). The first moment Abraham heard God’s voice, he chose obedience. He had witnessed God’s hand over his life, even in moments of failure when he tried to take matters into his own hands. Through it all, God remained faithful, guiding him back to the right path.

Abraham’s Faith-Building Experiences:

• Hearing God’s voice and instruction to move (Genesis 12)

• Promise of a son (Genesis 16)

• God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17)

• Angels confirming Sarah would bear a son (Genesis 18)

• Interceding for his nephew Lot (Genesis 19)

• God correcting Abraham’s deception through King Abimelech’s dream (Genesis 20)

• The birth of Isaac and a future for Ishmael (Genesis 21)

Abraham trusted God enough to lay his son Isaac on the altar because he could testify to His faithfulness time and time again.

This year, as I’ve faced another round of unexplained hives and histamine reactions, I know I can trust God because of my own faith-building experiences. I’m grateful that, apart from being uncomfortably itchy, my autoimmune diseases have remained in remission. Unlike before, when a health crisis would cause me to spiral into fear and self focus, I now look to God for guidance  just as He has led me in the past to the right doctors and treatments.

I trust that He will either heal my body or give me the strength to endure. And through it all, I have peace that surpasses understanding because I’ve seen Him move before.

And in moments of doubt, my prayer remains: Lord, help my unbelief.

❓Reflection Questions

1. What does it look like to walk with the faith of something I do not see yet?

2. What are my faith building experiences?

3. What keeps me from having faith? (ex. Familiarity, disappointment)

4. What does my behavior and my words say about my belief? 

🙏🏻 Prayer

Lord, you are a God who is trustworthy.  Time and time again you have shown me your faithfulness and goodness.  Your word says that whatever I ask for in prayer, you want me to believe that I have received it.  I pray that if it is in your will for me to receive that you would bring my prayer to pass.  When I am in doubt, help my unbelief and remind me that you are a God who is able to do exceeding abundantly more than we could ever ask or think.  I pray your will be done in my life as you provide through an answer prayer or strength to endure.  Thank you for hearing my prayer and being the light that guides my path.