How do we respond when we receive bad news, news of misdiagnosis or medical error causing further issues, or challenges being caused by others, or more weakness and limitations?

A recent visit with a new doctor indicated that I may have an additional issue going on. It is one that is easily missed as it closely mimics one of my other conditions and is commonly missed due to this. We are still in the waiting stage as we await proper referrals and testing, but my life the past four years may have been different had we known sooner. There are currently a lot of “what ifs” and “wait and sees.”

As I pondered the amazing-ness of this news that my life may change for the better, I realized that some may wonder if I would be bitter about the missed diagnosis. You see, I have been here before. Misdiagnosis or missed-diagnosis causing issues. When I told a friend, she even mentioned that I was the “Queen of Misdiagnosis.”

As I turned my heart to Him, God began to speak to my heart through Scripture. These verses came to mind. While the way they spoke to me is not exactly what the verses are in context, God used them as I face these new changes.

• Hebrews 12:15, KJV: “¹⁵ Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” I think especially as disabled, we must guard against the root of bitterness. If we give in to it, many will be defiled. It doesn’t just affect us.
• Esther 4:14b, KJV: “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Are we called to this place of isolation, disability, and chronic illness by God for this time to do a special work for Him?
• Luke 16:10, KJV: “¹⁰ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Will we be faithful in our small strength, our small resources? If we decide not to be and waste what little strength and resources we have, how can God use us for greater things?
• Ephesians 4:28, KJV: “²⁸ Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” OK, I don’t think we are going out stealing or robbing banks, but… are we stealing by not stewarding our bodies and strength, our talents? What if we looked at our situation differently and decided to work to use what health we have for Him to give to others?

These verses can help change our perspective. They can help us keep our eyes focused on Him.

These are the verses that have been on my heart this past week. How about you? What verses is God using in your life to keep your focus on Him despite the everyday hard?