I related my treatment for Hepatitis C like climbing a mountain. I knew my focus needed to be on one step at a time, not on the entire journey. My prior two Hep C treatments helped prepare me mentally but even though I felt prepared in many ways, I knew I could not do this on my own. For me, my reliance was on God’s strength, not mine. I knew He had gone before me to prepare the way and was by my side every step of the way.

I wrote this message the day I began Hep C triple therapy on April 9th, 2012.
You are beginning the ascent of treatment for Hepatitis C but you are not alone on this journey. Remember the strength of God’s mighty presence goes before you and is beside you every step of the way. He has been preparing you for this time. You can do this.

“Be Strong and Courageous; Do not be afraid or terrified for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” –Deut. 31:6 NIV

Rely on His strength. Armor up! Stay connected to Him daily through his word. Use scripture to fight the enemy of anxiety. Listen to Christian music and meditate on what is positive and good.

Write down each day ten things to be thankful for in your journal. Visualize the Lord holding your hand today. With a Listening Heart hear him say to you, “I am here right beside you. I am here to guard and protect you. Feel my strength flow through you. I have prepared this journey for you and you will be victorious. You and I together will do this and you will get through this a champion. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. -Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

“With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.”
–2 Samuel 22:30 NIVOpen in Logos Bible Software (if available)

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." –Philippians 4:13 NIV

Dear Lord, Thank you that you have gone ahead of me to prepare this entire journey. May I feel your strong hand in mine. Help me to keep looking forward with my gaze fixed directly on you as we climb this mountain together. Give me strength, courage, determination and perseverance beyond measure. Wash your word and spirit over me when I get tired and weak. O Lord, God, if you will, please grant success on this journey. May Christ’s spirit rest on me. In Jesus name I ask and pray. ~Amen~

Over 5 years has passed since I began Hep C triple therapy, and today I continue to be Non-Detected and clear of the Hep C virus. Treatment was full of challenges, but with God I met those challenges and completed treatment. If you are beginning your treatment and climbing to the summit to the finish line, let me encourage you, you can do this through Christ who will give you His strength. If you are not a believer, may I encourage you to be open to finding out more about Christ and how to have a relationship with Him. He is there for you.

How about you, Are you preparing, beginning or have finished treatment for Hepatitis C?

This entry was originally published on Life Beyond Hepatitis C, and is reprinted with permission.