Living with Chronic Illness: A Journey of Resilience and Faith

 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.”—Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

Chronic illness is a relentless challenge, testing not just the body but the spirit. For nearly three years, I’ve been living with kidne

y failure, and for the past two, my body has produced little to no urine. Prostate issues and low testosterone compound my struggles. Every 40 minutes, I’m struck by an urgent need to urinate, yet nothing comes. Sitting down briefly eases the sharp, stabbing pain at my bladder’s exit, like knives twisting within me. In recent days, a stubborn cough has taken hold, resisting every remedy I’ve tried

.“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” —James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Explaining these symptoms to doctors has been an exercise in frustration—they often don’t fully understand the toll this takes. Days like today are especially heavy. My energy is sapped, and even moving from one room to another leaves me exhausted. Yet, I refuse to see this as defeat. Each day is a gift, and I strive to embrace it with gratitude, leaning on the promise of God’s presence.

This week, our county fair is in full swing, a time of joy and community. As the facilities manager for our local fairgrounds, I’ve poured my heart into maintaining the grounds—overseeing our Facebook page, caring for the buildings, and keeping the lawns tidy. Recently, though, my health has forced a change. The fair board hired one of our 4-H kids to help, a gesture I deeply appreciate, even if it makes me feel my age. It’s humbling, but I’m reminded that God’s plan often includes others lifting us up 

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”- Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Through every trial, I know God holds me in His hand. His strength sustains me, even when my body fails. My deepest prayer is to feel better, to feel human again, but I trust His timing. As it says in Isaiah 40:31 (NIV), “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I hold fast to this promise, moving forward one day at a time with faith, gratitude, and resilience.