Soul Scientist

Romans 8:38-39 ESV For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Even though I’m a fourth-generation rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient who’s seen firsthand how RA can ravage lives, I’m still surprised at how much my life has changed since my own diagnosis. I remember seeing family members struggle to walk or perform simple tasks. And that has become a part of my own life.  

Even though I have access to good medicines for RA and lupus (and my other associated diseases), I’m still surprised at how much my daily routines have changed since my own diagnosis. I remember seeing family members take handfuls of pills with seemingly little effect from the medicines. And I sometimes think the same about my own handfuls of pills each morning.

Even though it’s been thirteen years since RA diagnosis, I’m still surprised at how much my life can change with each diagnosis of a related disease. I remember hearing my family members talk about what they used to be able to do before RA. And I find myself thinking the same way many days.

I could say far more about how RA has changed my family and me.

But what I should be saying is how God has changed me through RA. Only God could take what the world considers as terrible and use it for growth in trusting Him.

For even if the most unexpected and unwanted changes might occur in my life, be it from RA or something else, I can rely on these truths from Scripture:

1. There is nothing bigger or stronger than the power and presence of God in my life.
2. There is nothing that can change the strength and sufficiency of God’s love in my life.
3. There is nothing that can defeat the good plans which God has for my life.
4. There is nothing that can separate God’s love from me in all parts of my life.

And that nothing includes RA and other chronic illnesses.

I’ve been diagnosed with fourteen chronic illnesses, so far. Yet none of them can ever impact the righteousness given to me by my Jesus at Calvary.

Do you have a story of how nothing can change God or His love in your life?

Do you know of someone who might be encouraged by your story? If so, please take a little time and share your story with that someone. Or do you have a Bible verse or 2 you can share with someone today? The truth and love found in Scripture can do a good work where nothing else can.

Please make sure and return next week for part 2 of nothing. If you want to guarantee you don’t miss part 2, please sign up for the blog if you haven’t already done so. Here’s the link to sign up:

sign up to follow the blog here

written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2024.