“You don’t understand what I am doing, but someday you will.” John 13:7
Do you ever wonder what God is doing in your life that you just do not understand why? These moments of wonder can be little things such as wondering why you lost your keys? Or a big moment such as why did I get abused when I was a child? No matter what the size of wonder is, God knows well before we do on why He made the outcome He did. It is our job to trust in His timing of all things according to His will.
Think about this.
What if God made you lose your keys not to make you late to an event but to avoid you from being at the intersection at the time of a car accident happening? What if God knew you were to be an advocate for youth who have been abused? You even started a foundation to help those youth succeed in their lives thanks to your story of hope. Think about that. It is not always easy to think like that when we think we know better than God does at times.
“God isn’t asking you to figure it out. He is asking you to trust that He already has.” -Jer. 29:11
I know this to be true for myself. When I was just about to turn 23 years old, I wondered the same thing. Why in the world was I diagnosed with MS, Multiple Sclerosis? My life at that time was fun, carefree, living it up at the time like many young 20 year olds do. It was not the plan for my life to be diagnosed with a debilitating, non curable disease. I know now, it was God’s plan for me all along. It just took me a little bit to discover that. My journey to this realization was one I am forever grateful for.
At the time of being diagnosed with MS, I had lost my way in my faith. I guess you could say after high school, I didn’t put it on a high priority in my life. The wondrous ways of the Lord knows just what we need, when we need it. God knew I needed my faith back and He brought a strength in my faith back to my life that I didn’t even know was possible. Being diagnosed with MS has changed my life for the better. I know you may be thinking, “ Who in the world would think like that!” But it is the truth.
“I made you, and I will care for you, I will carry you along and save you.” – isaiah 46:4
When I was first diagnosed I knew nothing about MS. When I looked the disease up the night I was told I may have MS, what I saw online was not positive. The one word I can describe what I remember reading and/or seeing is the word weak. There was not anything that mentioned, here is how you can live a life with MS or here is some ways to help your life with MS. I thought it was not what was really going on with me until I heard the words, “You have MS.” After a few months of what is kind of a blur, I had my God moment as I like to call it. One day after getting to a somewhat “new normal” way of living with MS, it hit me. It was as if the Holy Spirit slapped me in the face saying, “Wake up! This is your purpose, what are you going to do with it?” My mentality of I do not want this disease turned into, WHY NOT ME? God gave me this disease for a reason, so what good can I do with it?
“Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be anxious, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:10
This powerful mentality has brought my life and who I am to a place I cannot imagine not living. Living with God as my protector and guide. Listening to Him and His teachings to live a life of purpose according to His will and the good for all. I am an advocate for those living with MS and living a life that hopefully inspires anyone to live their life out to the fullest. I am using my own health struggles as a guiding light of hope, strength, faith, love, and passion for God. I know God gave me MS to use as His will for me unto others.
I pray that you may find a light in your struggles that can help others. We are here to live out the works of our Lord. He is using us as his mercies for others. I know you will gain strength, clarity, and determination when you are ready to let God show you the way. He has your plan ready and waiting for you. Trust in Him and trust in yourself. God is good!
Marci Viland
mnviland@gmail.com
630-806-6673
www.marciviland.com
