Walking by faith, not by sight

The other day, I was analyzing several events that I have experienced in the past years with my health, and a question jumped into my mind: How have I managed to get here? In addition to the Grace and Mercy of my God, the key to persevering has been walking in faith. It has kept me firm without giving up, has been that no matter what the circumstances around me are, no matter what my eyes are seeing, no matter how difficult the road is, I decide to walk by faith and not by sight. Without it, I would have hung up my gloves a long time ago.

It has not been easy because sometimes I have reached such a degree of fatigue that I have been about to throw in the towel, but the Mercy of my God is always so great that it does not leave me; it motivates me to continue. I have to admit there are days when I have to crawl instead of walking and force myself to believe. There are days that I question him and ask him why. That doesn't make me less, even Jesus prayed and cried to God to allow him to pass the cup, but the key is that He said, "you will be done and not mine." He saw beyond His problem and surrendered to His father's will. 38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. Matthew 26:38,39,42.

Walking in faith implies sacrifice, doing things that seem crazy, but in the eyes of God, it is a vote of confidence. We should tell God to do His will and not ours; it is a sign of complete surrender to Him. Remembering all the promises that God has given me helps me continue walking with faith; it helps me get up every time doubt invades my mind and fatigue wants to take over. God is going to fulfill his promises no matter what. 19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it. Numbers 23;19-20

Seeing beyond your problem brings peace into your life, the peace that surpasses all understanding. You can say that I am crazy, but all the experiences, tests, and situations that I have faced have brought me here. Each test has made me stronger than before; it has given me tools to help others, it has given me school, yes, it has taught me to roll up my sleeves and stand on the front lines to fight for my blessing; fight for my healing. What are the things that I still have to learn? I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn. What are the things that I still don't understand? Many things, but I understood that my duty is not to understand; I must obey and trust, and above all, BELIEVE! I must face everything with the certainty that He is by my side and is stronger than any circumstance. To believe God's Word in Romans 8:28 when it says: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." What happens is that we think that what we want is always better. For example, how can not having hands and legs work for good? Look at the life of Nick Vujicic; do you think he would have achieved everything he has achieved if he had his two hands and legs? Would his testimony be just as impressive? Would the same number of people have come to the feet of God? For many years, he prayed for his healing. It was not until he realized that God could use him as he is, and surrendered to the will of God, that he began to see that even without receiving what he asked, God was working miracles in others throughout his life.

In my case, I thank Him for being alive. Most of the time, people who go through a Pulmonary Embolism do not live to tell about it (and I have survived 4, thanks to God.) How can I thank Him? By using my life to help others believe in Him. Using my testimony to help sick people who are already tired of fighting, bringing faith and hope. By taking care of my health a little more, eating better, etc. I could decide to give up and no longer believe; I could drop the gloves and become bitter and blame God, but no, the key is in your attitude when you are in the middle of the process. When everything is right is easy to believe; it is when you have the water up to your necks that we show what we are made of. My situation has also made me value my life and everything I have more, and it has made my husband and my daughters treasure what they have more. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

The other day, I was asking God how I could change everything that has happened with my health into something positive. What should I do? My job is to use everything I have learned to encourage others who, like me, have health issues. I must comfort others as I have been comforted. I must fight for the sick, pray for them, encourage them, and love them. I must be an instrument of God's love, peace, and mercy. Not for Sylvia to boast, no, I will do it all for the Glory and Honor of our Lord Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would not be here. I owe God everything I have and who I am. We should use what the enemy did to destroy us and turn it for the Glory of God. Transform what is supposed to cause death and destruction into a blessing.

Try today to see things with different eyes, see beyond your problem, and cast your cares on the One who gave His life for you. Ask God, What do you want from me in this situation? And I know that, like me, you will receive an answer. It's up to you to decide what you're going to do with it.