Grant Me Lord Jesus with Unwavering Faith: A Journey Through Pain and Hope

Lord Jesus, please grant me unwavering faith in You. Prevent me from succumbing to temptations and keep Your goodness ever present in my heart. Provide me with the strength and courage to confront all the trials in my life. Amen.

 

The severe pain from my wounds caused by the enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) due to Crohn's Disease brought me to the brink of considering ending my life. However, through God's grace, I overcame it by praying for unwavering faith to endure the pain.

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Experiencing significant pain has often led me to cry out and seek divine intervention. I have been enduring this illness since 2009, and it worsened when my physician informed me that my chances of surviving beyond December 2018 were minimal. Nonetheless, I am grateful to be alive today.

I regularly pray for faith, hoping it will give me the strength to keep my hope alive. Despite my faith in God and my belief that He is aware of my suffering and distress, I often feel deeply troubled whenever I experience pain. Sometimes, the extent of my pain prevents me from sleeping due to persistent worries, making it a struggle between holding on to my faith and losing it completely.

I realized that I must demonstrate strength. If I truly love my wife and son, I need to be resilient and convey this to my family, even when I feel vulnerable. I aim to secure a stable income and save for their future. That's why I am hoping and praying to God for guidance and support in all my endeavors, so I can give them a better life and provide everything they need.

Managing Crohn’s Disease is challenging and requires a thorough understanding of your body and its needs. I must be cautious about my diet, as the food I consume can either weaken or strengthen me. When Crohn's disease flares up, it causes considerable pain and discomfort. While you can find information online about recommended and avoidable foods (Cherney, 2022), it is important to note that this varies case by case. For instance, some individuals with Crohn's disease may find rice easier to digest, but in my experience, it has exacerbated my condition. It is crucial to monitor our dietary choices, as what we consume significantly impacts our overall well-being (Mahmoud, 2024).

As the Bible advises us, and as St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we should love and take care of our bodies, for they are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Being body conscious does not indicate vanity; rather, it demonstrates an appreciation for the blessings that have been bestowed upon you. It is important to be careful with your diet, particularly if you have been diagnosed with medical conditions that require specific attention.

Maintaining physical health is crucial as it can positively impact emotional wellbeing (CDC, 2023). Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor. My 74-year-old mother visits her doctor every quarter. She wants to ensure that her laboratories are within normal.

Consuming nutritious foods in moderation is highly beneficial. It is important to avoid overeating as though there will be no food available tomorrow. Admittedly, I am sometimes guilty of overeating, particularly when the food is exceptionally appealing to my taste. On such occasions, I occasionally lose track of how much I have already consumed. It is important to note that overeating, also referred to as gluttony, is considered one of the seven deadly sins. Gluttony involves the excessive consumption of food and beverages. As stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of God." Therefore, while it is important to enjoy your meals, it is equally essential to be mindful of the health implications of overconsumption (CDC, 2023).

Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Sleep deprivation can result in severe health issues over time. When you have numerous tasks to complete, it may be tempting to forego sleep to finish them. However, this approach is detrimental to your well-being. Without adequate sleep, focusing becomes difficult. Taking breaks is beneficial. Listen to your body to prevent severe illnesses (Mayo Clinic Press Editors, 2024).

I hope this advice helps you. Despite my Crohn's Disease, I believe that God will grant me a long life and that this illness won't consume me. May God bless you!

 

References:

Check-in with Dr. Cohen. (May 26, 2023). Taking Care of Your Body. Retrieved from [CDC How Right Now]

Esraa Mahmoud. (October 1, 2024). The Role of Food in Health and Wellness. Retrieved from [Amazing Food and Drink]

Kristeen Cherney. (October 21, 2022). Crohn's Disease Diet: Nutrition Guid. Retrieved from [Healthline]

Mayo Clinic Press Editors. (December 19, 2024). The essential guide to sleep: Unlocking its vital role in our well-being. Retrieved from [Book Excerpt | Living Well]