Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash
Made for a Purpose
Recently, a friend told me I reminded her of Hannah, Samuel’s Mother, from 1 Samuel in the Bible. Hannah was the most loved wife of her husband, Elkanah, even though she was childless. Hannah’s rival, Elkanah’s other wife would taunt her out of spite. When she went to the temple to pray she pleaded and cried for a son. She vowed to the Lord that if He gave her a son she would never let a razor touch his head. I’ll stop here.
I was diagnosed with three rare diseases, one is very painful called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This medical condition causes parts of the body to feel like they are on fire 24/7/365. If you take a bowl of water and ice and dip your hand in it for 60 seconds, you’ll get an idea of the pain. It’s almost two-times more painful than childbirth without any medication to help.
CRPS also affects internal organs. It messes with the central and peripheral nervous systems, so I deal with a plethora of what I call minor diseases, like Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The other two rare disorders are Ehlers-Danlos Type 3 and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. They come with a whole other host of issues, like an inability to regulate body temperature and random falling.
So, back to Hannah. I’ve cried to the Lord to be healed. Others have taunted me, saying things like maybe you can ask the Lord to reveal the sin you need to repent for; telling me not to say “I have” these diseases; suggesting I have a few SOZOs; and the like. As if I haven’t tried these things over the years…. I’m here to say, I’ve tried everything I know how, but I am still hopeful and willing to learn. I know God won’t abandon me in this forever.
That said, God asked me if I would drink this cup (Another thing I’ve been judged for doing.). I’ve said, yes. I know no greater honor than to suffer for the sake of the body of Christ. Look at 1 Peter 4:1-2 (AMP):
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves [like warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world], 2so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God.
This is only one of the Scriptures talking about suffering. There’s Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (AMP) saying:
7Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].
I’ve been told that Paul’s thorn was not physical, and at this point it doesn’t matter. Either way, I’ve cried over my illnesses with Paul and this Word, which has helped me tremendously over the years. The point is that I have received from God a mandate (Psalm 96) with promises attached for the betterment of Christ’s followers and I am all in. My purpose is to “Proclaim good news of His salvation from day to day.” And I will.
Here it is: You have a purpose too. You may not know the specific details of your call, but you know that you are also supposed to share the Good News. I implore you to dig deep and ask Jesus for your purpose as only you can give to the world. After all, you were knit together in your mother’s womb by God (Psalm 139:13). He designed you for today. He designed you with a purpose. He loves you always and wants the very best for you. If I can do it, so can you.
Be Blessed,
Jana Rawling ♥
Hardwired for Life 
Fantastic testimony. Thanks for sharing
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