Conquering over trials with Hep C treatment and daily battles, is there a key? Yes! Guest Writer and Hep C Warrior, Colleen Davis shares with us what it takes to conquer over the trials before us.

Guest Writer & Hep C Warrior: Colleen Davis
Guest Writer & Hep C Warrior: Colleen Davis

“...Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid...” Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV

As I prayed for God’s guidance on this devotion, the book Running the Midnight Marathon came to mind. Written by former Illinois pastor, Craig Brian Larson, this paperback is subtitled Ten Reasons to Persevere for Those with Every Reason to Quit.*

Larson notes the trials and tribulations of life can sometimes seem like an endurance test. “In such situations we feel like runners in a long, dark night, unwilling entries in a midnight marathon. We can’t see where we’re going, yet somehow we must finish the race.” The author explains as we hang on during times of trial and affliction, “God seizes the opportunity to reveal to us tremendous, eternally significant spiritual truths.”You or a loved one may have been diagnosed recently with HCV (Hepatitis C virus). Perhaps you are in the midst of HCV treatment or, having finished the race, are coping with post treatment recovery. As a child of God, wherever you are in this journey, He is there. Persevere, do not be afraid, and when doubts and fears surface, seek the Lord and His strength. Pour out your heart to Him.

God knows we can do all things through Him and that under our own power we are weak. Suffering, pain, depression, the unknown...all these conditions can lead to feelings of helplessness. God sometimes allows situations of physical and mental distress in order to gain our full attention, to reveal His power and love. He wants us to fall upon Him for strength, to take hold of His hand, surrendering everything.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV

“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 NIV

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually”! 1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV

An old hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, tells us: “We should never be discouraged. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms he’ll take and shield you. You will find a solace there.”

May God Bless You~

* The book is out of print but is available online through used book suppliers. Available through Amazon, new and used.

Have you ever felt like you were running an endurance test? We’d love from you. Please reply in the comment section below.