I get a daily devotional in my e-mail inbox from Max Lucado. Here was today’s:
“In 1965 Howard Rutledge parachuted into North Vietnam and spent the next several years in a prison in Hanoi, locked in a filthy cell breathing stale, rotten air trying to keep his sanity. Few of us will ever face the conditions of a POW camp.
Yet, to one degree or another, we all spend time behind bars. After half-a-century of marriage, my friend’s wife began to lose her memory. A young mother called, just diagnosed with Lupus. Why would God permit such imprisonment? To what purpose? Jeremiah 30:24 promises, “The Lord will not turn back until He has executed and accomplished the intents of His mind.”
This season in which you find yourself may puzzle you, but it doesn’t bewilder God. He will use it for His purpose. Please be reminded…You will get through this!”
I read this and thought, “I don’t want to be behind bars!” This sense of self imprisonment could apply to anyone at any time in their life. What stood out to me was lupus (i.e. autoimmune disease), behind bars, and God. Let us not put ourselves behind bars at any point in time because of our physical battles. Lord, please….
I can’t help but feel sometimes that we are hand selected in a good way to carry certain burdens. It has certainly impacted every little corner of my life to be faced with the loss of my health. It is important to me to try to keep it in perspective. I can’t personally do that without God.
I pray this finds everyone free today!
Rheum For God 
RA is my burden to bear and like you, without God, I am not sure how I would be able to do. I hope you are feeling well these days and I am happy to see a blog post from you.
Kelli, You are a godly woman who encourages me in my faith. Thank you for reminding me that Jesus, our savior, is near and comforting and uplifting. He will not let us fall no matter what happens. God bless you!
Hey I have a quick question about your blog, could you email me when you have a chance? Thanks! -Cam
Sent an e-mail your way. 🙂