shepherd.jpg
There have been great strides of improvement with new Hep C treatments available today compared to older treatments even from a few years ago. The reality to be cured from Hep C is greater than ever.

I am celebrating being cured from Hep C for over 3 years. Hep C NO longer lives with me! The Hep C giant is defeated. Hooray!!! I am praising God for this great gift. As I unfold the pages of my 2012 Hep C treatment journal, I stopped in my tracks on Day 11, which I titled, Walking with the Shepherd through Hep C.
 
The heart message of what it means as a Hep C patient to walk with Christ through the valley of darkness with Hep C, still holds true for any difficult situation we face. He is there to help us through whatever we face.
 
When David faced Goliath, he recalled past victories where the Lord helped him defeat the lion and the bear. (1 Samuel 17:37) The Lord had been preparing and training him for years for just this battle. May I encourage you to know that no matter what you face, the Lord is preparing and training you for victory.
 
I learned valuable life lessons through this time in my life which will stay with me forever as victory episodes because of Jesus being right by my side.
 
Here’s a snippet from my 2012 Hep C treatment journey:

Today is Day 11 on treatment for Hepatitis C. Each day is a walk in faith with the shepherd. In between the ups and downs, twists and turns of this treatment, His assuring presence has not left me.  It’s amazing that even when I am sleeping I know He is watching over me.  It’s not something that can be properly put into words but I feel it from the depth of my soul. 

The mornings always bring a challenge for the day as I put one foot in front of the other and just keep moving.  The fog is heavier in the morning and my thinking is as slow as my body. But I am reminded each day that the eyes of faith can see what my physical eyes can never see.
 
Each day walking with the shepherd leads me further up the mountain and no matter what is around the next turn, He is there with me. He quiet’s the storms, He parts the waters and He takes my hand. For me that is more than enough. I could not be in safer hands.
 
I am reminded in Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff they comfort me.”  
 
There are three vital elements of this message:
  1. Walk through means you are passing through.
  2. I will fear no evil, (is an intentional choice statement) A declaration of faith.
  3. Because of the presence of the shepherd, I have no reason to fear. He not only protects me but comforts me. You are with me, is literal. He is not distant but right there beside me every step of the way. 
Psalm 138:7 is another great message, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.”

Today I may be moving slow, but I’m moving. I don’t have to shuffle along with my head down. When I rise to take the next step, He comes by my side and holds His hand out to me and lifts me up. The next part is so great. He doesn’t let go. He holds on. And so do I.

What challenge are you facing?

This entry was originally published on Life Beyond Hepatitis C, June 22, 2015. It is reprinted with permission.