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Conquering Our Fears
In the Word
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:35a, 37).
Of the Word
After years of struggle and suffering, my husband’s debilitating illness was finally named. It was bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression. We learned that the ailment is genetic, hereditary, and permanent. There are medications and treatments, but no cure. We had to learn to live with it.
With the diagnosis came other questions: Christians don’t have mental illness, do they? What will our friends and family think? Why did God allow this to happen? Who should we tell?
We decided to be honest and open, to share the good days and the bad. We decided that God can use us to help others face the pain and uncertainty of living with brain disorders. We accepted the fact that the disease is a permanent part of our lives, but so is a loving God, who will help us conquer our fear. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid” (John 14:27b).
Walking with my Lord
Lord, thank You for always being with me. Nothing can keep me from Your love. You share each moment of my life, the good and the bad, the joyful and the tearful. Thank You that You love me and can use me just as I am. Take me, wrap me in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and send me out to show the world that God is love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Helen Roenfeldt. 23/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
