Chronic illness is hard. Those who battle it know that better than anyone. I write this as a person with multiple chronic illnesses. I have seen the struggle first-hand in my friends and myself. The struggle to allow our focus to be the rear-view mirror versus what is ahead of us. Just as its no way to drive, it’s no way to live either. It hurts us – more than the accumulation of things we face.
Instead of occasionally looking in the rear-view mirror, our focus becomes the rear-view mirror. It becomes almost (or it does) an obsession. Whether we want to view it as such is dependent on each of us, but one truth remains: that constant looking in the rear-view mirror – becomes a hindrance. It keeps us from seeing the good or our potential in our season of life.
- What if our reminder of our old life (in terms of health and quality of life) is acting as more of a hindrance than what it should be – a delightful memory?
- What if our refusal to freely lay it down – keeps us from seeing and grabbing the blessings right in front of us?
- What if our changing health isn’t the hindrance, but our rear-view mirror focus?
- What if we keeping ourselves imprisoned by unwilling to see the good where God has placed us? I realize saying that may catch some off guard. Maybe you don’t believe in God or have a rocky relationship with Him. But, here’s the truth:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God has a plan for us. He has a purpose in all He does. As we seek Him through a relationship with His Son Jesus Christ, He will restore our hope. He gives a hope like none other: a hope that will never be taken away from us.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction
by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation
brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven
character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God
has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit
who was given to us.” – Romans 5:1-5
Further Scripture: Romans 6:4; Hebrews 12:1
Gracefully Overcoming 
One response to “Journal: Chronic Illness and Hindrances”
[…] The last post I wrote was on the hindrance that can keep us from experiencing a more abundant life. Though often unwell due to illnesses, I know my perspective needs work. The questions I asked in the last post were for me, not anyone else. Today, I want to address the dangers of having a rear-view mirror focus. […]