Sick and Tired of Being Sick

Thanks to our sister for sharing the below testimony! God truly does fill those who thirst after Him! - Sister Soldiers in Christ

I recently found myself quite ill. During the worst of it, I must have vomited about thirty times and struggled to keep anything down—even water. As you can imagine, I was severely dehydrated.

Dehydration can cause some crazy side effects, but I came to discover during my illness that God was teaching me something anew. As I look back, I can only credit this life-changing event to the movement of the Holy Spirit. I often find He is there to enlighten and protect me, as He surely was during this awful time.

While I struggled to keep down water, I was compelled to consider my spiritual dehydration in light of rejecting the Living Water. I know many others who do the same thing. As much as we may need it, it’s just plain difficult to keep down the truths that save our lives.

We already know the side-effects from spiritual dehydration. Depression, apathy, doubt, unbelief, and eventually, falling away.

The fresh perspective I gained during this illness gave me a new revelation of the role I can play in my own wellness. The knowledge I gained continues to unfold as I practice breaking destructive and spiritually draining behavior.

My Thought Life.

I realized that everything starts with my thoughts. Too often I receive thoughts that do not line up with God’s truth. This TRUTH is NOT a small thing–it is everything! I’m learning that real transformation doesn’t happen all at once, but one thought at a time. But I must be willing and ready to listen when He speaks.

Discerning Truth.

The Holy Spirit of God is the quiet voice that helps me silence all the lies of the enemy. I can hear Him the minute I choose to refuse what I know isn’t true. He affirms me and encourages me with words I didn’t even know resided on the inside of me. He is God living in me, and He points me to Jesus. I can live in Him freely when I dispose of the lies that prevent me from drinking fully of His truth.

Walking in Grace.

I am an introvert, and I tend to nurse a spirit of rejection. I also minimize my expectations and don’t give God room to move in big ways. Why? Because deep down inside, I doubt my worth. I know God’s truth about me intellectually, but I admit it’s a constant fight to believe that truth for myself and others. Maybe you can relate.

Well, Sister, this is the part where I saw the light. So get ready! The Holy Spirit revealed to me that my worth is based upon value–not on what I deserve. And, my value is determined by God’s grace. It’s that simple.

I don’t deserve it but praise God, I am worthy of a life that brings honor and glory to Him! Why? Simply because He made me, and He made me wonderfully—the Bible tells me so. Now that truth is Living Water! Drink it in!

In Romans 12:2 (NKJV), Paul urges us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to “…be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This instruction includes His will for me. Isn’t that wonderful news? I know I think so!

I don’t have to live in the old, destructive patterns I once lived in. With the help of the Holy Spirit, my mind can be renewed, and I can be free. I don’t have to stay sick. I can receive this good news about the grace that is sufficient, even for me.

My truth was bigger than me. Believing the worst in myself causes me to believe the worst in others as well. Consequently, I was shutting people out. Now I’m learning to trust people in spite of this instinct to withdraw.

That doesn’t mean I eliminate boundaries. God is teaching me to protect myself also. But I’m learning to let people in and discovering how much I need them as well. My love is more genuine, and my relationships are richer than they ever were before my revelation. And, I’m experiencing deeper intimacy with Christ as I reach for new heights.

And you can too, my friends. If you’re thirsty for more of Him, He wants to fill you. Just call on Jesus. He meets you right where you are at.