Living with chronic illness has progressively meant accepting limitations. Some have mostly accepting an adjustment in life such as eating a strict gluten free diet or using the elevator at the school where I teach in the mornings. Sometimes it has meant not joining activities like playing volleyball at a picnic. Due to fatigue being a constant issue, I always have to consider if I will have the energy. That has been on my mind as I think about visiting friends in Canada in July whether I should drive 11 hours or fly there.

God can create opportunities for us that allow for us to live with in our limitations. At picnics with friends from other cultures, after accepting that volleyball was no longer a good idea for me, I began just sitting at the tables with whoever was there. Those moments often have been divine appointments to share Jesus with people.
At first I was concerned about explaining my need for gluten free food to my refugee and immigrant friends when they would invite me to their homes. I have found that when I explain why, they have been very willing to accommodate my needs. Not only that but by explaining about my life with chronic illness, it has led to opportunities to share with them.

My prayer life is the key to living within my limitations. I have had mornings that I wake up, drink coffee, and while drinking coffee barely pray-“Lord I am so fatigued today. Please help me be a blessing to my students and fellow teachers.” Those are often mornings that turn out to be some of the best in class and in interacting with my fellow teachers. It has helped me to accept that I have limitations and give them to God.
I still have my moments such as thinking I could dig my car out of 14 inches. After 10 minutes of trying I realized it was not a good idea. So I am not a perfect role model of accepting limitations.
However, by inviting Jesus into my life with limitations, it has created many God opportunities. Paul wrote about his experience in 2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Jesus reveals himself through our limitations. Joni Erickson Tada is a classic example of this. After becoming a quadriplegic, God raised up so many ministry opportunities for her. She has written books, spoken in large meetings, had a radio show, and more.
So if you are living with a limitation or one is new to you, give it to Jesus and day by day see what he does through you.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
It’s really hard to live with limitations but then God reaches us how to do that.
Yes he does
🙏🏻🙏🏻
Limitations are really hard for me. I’m very stubborn. I’m always trying to get stronger and get past my limitations. Sometimes God allows me some success. Other times He puts up road blocks.
I hate having to bug people that I need special food requirements. This still bothers me because I have never been a picky eater. I don’t like to have special treatment. Yeah….
Thanks for being a good example. No body is a perfect example. We all can be a bit stubborn. But you are probably less stubborn than I am.
Love you dad! 😃❤
Letting people know gives them the opportunity to love you.
Love you too daughter ❤️
It’s amazing how the Lord works all things together for good.
Yes it is 🙂
How are you little sister?
Doing well. 🤗
I too changed my eating to gluten free. But I do agree prayer has and does play an important role in managing chronic pain, etc.
Changing to gluten free is an adjustment
Yes, it really is, especially using items with pasta. The taste is different. My granddaughter is Vegan and sometimes that works for our diets, but trying to eat without dairy products and eggs is difficult. Either way both of these ways of eating is very expensive!😣👣
Great verse to go with your post.❤️Praying healthy days for you!!
Thank you for praying little sister 🙂
Very encouraging, Matt. Always find that statement very humbling – My grace is sufficient for you. Blessings to you.
Thank you little sister. It is humbling but so rewarding 🙂