For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
This passage from 2nd Corinthians 5:1-5 came to mind yesterday after Craig of Poetic Perspectives at brocraigblog.wordpress.com replied to me asking how he was in my comment section, “I am about the same physically, but have lately felt more blessed and closer to the Lord, spiritually, which is the most important thing. He is ever faithful and loving toward His own and we truly cannot even begin to comprehend the extent to which this is true! Thanks for asking!” Craig lives with chronic illness as do I.
Yesterday I groaned a lot. I missed the bus that would have taken me the mile and half distance from the school where I teach to my coffee shop. Problem is the bus system here is terrible. The bus comes only one time each hour. So instead of waiting for one hour, I walked to the coffee shop. As I walked, my left foot and ankle reminded me that psoriatic arthritis has struck there. My right knee spoke up too not wanting to be left out. By the time I made it to the coffee shop, it felt like I had finished a marathon.
Living with autoimmune issues like psoriatic arthritis and also with fibromyalgia means I feel like groaning all the time. I am looking forward to the day I am in heaven with no more pain. But to be here in this life, even living with chronic pain, means opportunities to share Jesus and his gospel with people from diverse cultures.
One of the first things I will do after I get a different vehicle, thanks to people being generous to donate, will be to join a club again that has an aqua track, It is a walking track of warm water, It is great for people with arthritis.
I will be more mobile again, so visiting refugees/immigrants will be part of my routine again too which is the best part for me. 🙂
So here is to more ministry even though I am groaning.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
Very insightful blog post! I often find scriptures (I think that’s the word) relatable in my life as well. For instance, I groaned a lot yesterday too. I’m in a lot of pain from the jaw surgery I had on Monday and my face feels like a swollen tomato that’s about to burst. I’m feeling at my lowest health-wise because I can’t eat d/t dietary restrictions and being unable to open my mouth. I can’t do simple daily tasks either, so I’m groaning a lot this week too.
I am sorry that you’re dealing with an autoimmune disease and that you’re in pain. I just want you to know that you’ve got a choir of groaners and that you aren’t alone. It’s okay to feel this way.
Praying for you. Yes scriptures is the correct word. Thank you for sharing.
Amen, Matt! Praise the Lord that He uses our infirmities for our good and for His glory!
Amen. And we can be thankful to know that our infirmities are not forever
And how!!
“…and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
Amen!!
It seems like every week I am coming across someone else who is living with chronic illness
more people to pray for
🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜
How thankful we are that God gives grace in our groaning! Hoping you have a great weekend, Matt, and that you feel better.
Thank you Patty. I woke up ready for another day at the coffee shop
I’m sure you have your down moments, but it seems like you stay positive most of the time—about what you can and cannot do. Chronic illness effects, but does not define, you. Praise God your donations came in—and then some! Blessings.
I am so thankful for donations!!!
I like how you said it0 chronic illness effects but does not define
The Lord continue to sustain you every day. Praying for you, brother.
Someone has said, the more we feel weaker and in pain, the more we lean on God.
Thank you for praying little sister. How are you?
I am doing fine, by God’s grace. There are some groanings, too 😊 But God’s peace in us is greater than the groanings our flesh have. Thank you for asking, brother. I wish you will have a pain-free day. 🙏
A pain free day would be wonderful
I can so relate to all the comments. God doesn’t mind when we groan to him; I think he actually encourages it.
He invites us to share with him
Keeping you in my daily thoughts and prayers. God’s grace and goodness keeps each of us going, even when the journey is all uphill.
Thank you for your prayers!!!
So sorry you had to walk so far. 😕 I pray that you will get you vehicle soon.
I got one yesterday. Thank you 🙂
That is great
Thankful for His strength always, and especially when we’re groaning!!
I groan a lot so I need his strength a lot