Hep C can often be a long season in our lives. New Hep C treatment brings hope for a cure from Hep C and a new life beyond Hep C.
For each Hep C patient the season length is different. Mine lasted 20 years. Consisted of 3 treatments, 2 liver biopsies, countless tests and plenty of up and down moments, but one thing remained constant through it all, God was and is and forever shall be my God through it all it.
At times I felt my season would never end, I didn’t know what my future held but I trusted the one who held my future as He held onto me. The tears I shed, He shed, the fear I faced, He faced, I was not alone. Ever.
When a season drags on we often fall short sighted. Within Hep C itself there are many phases and seasons. Treatment and recovery for Hepatitis C is a unique season. Each week and month can be a time of change.
Our days are filled with challenges. When I was in Hep C treatment and recovery my weeks were full of waiting, resting, moving forward, pushing through and pressing on.
Do you ever get tired of the season you’re in? I relate. When I was in the heart of my season of Hep C treatment and recovery, I felt beyond ready for it to be over. But the more I thought about it I realized when you’re physically feeling bad it’s sometimes hard to see past the season.
I am reminded of the verse in the Bible, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Time does not stand still. We are moving through this season!
Some days I looked in the mirror and said to myself, “Today, I am moving through this. It is temporary. It’s just passing through. It’s just a season.” Think about it. That applies to every part of our lives no matter what we are dealing with. Even through difficulties, we must never give up. Life holds hope.
In the midst of this season, great things are happening. And most importantly, God is in Control. I believe our first step to moving forward through our season is our focus. We can’t move forward while looking back or looking down. We have to look up and see past the moment.
If you have been diagnosed with Hep C, or in Hep C Treatment or recovery, may I encourage you to look up and grab hold of the courage God has for you in His strength. He can help you do what you could never accomplish on your own. He’s bigger than Hep C or any difficulty in your life.
Here is a great truth from the devotional book, Streams in the Desert, “We are destined to fight certain battles, and we think we can never be victorious and conquer our enemies. Yet as we enter conflict, One comes who fights by our side. Through Him we are ”more than conquerors." Romans 8:37
“God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope.” ~Catherine Marshall~
Walking through my season of Hep C, was a life changing experience. Through Hep C, I had to focus on all the good things each day brought and never give up hope for the future. I claimed God’s promise, God was for me.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 30:7
We can’t see past today, but God does and He is preparing something great just for you.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19
Recently, I celebrated 3 years cured of Hep C. My friend, you can move past this season in your life, whatever it holds, you are not alone, God is making a way through your desert and will provide streams in your wasteland, just for you.
What season of Hep C are you in?
This entry was originally published on Life Beyond Hepatitis C June 8, 2015. It is reprinted with permission.
1 Comment
1 Comment