“Trust Me.”

I hear God saying this to me today. And on many other days. There are many things that I need to trust Him with, but one area in particular where I need to do this is related to my digestive health. 

For several years, I’ve had digestive issues on and off. There’d be an occasional incident here and there, but it wasn’t really a pressing problem for me. However, it has evolved into a more serious issue with flare-ups being more common in the last of couple years. I haven’t talked about it with many people because it’s embarrassing and can be draining just to think about. 

It’s been frustrating to say this least, but there is a purpose behind it. God uses the pain we experience. Although I don’t know of an overarching reason behind what I’ve experienced, I have seen blessings result from my situation. 

1. I have had to minimize eating out and have developed a love for cooking as a result.
2. I have needed to read the ingredients in everything more carefully and have discovered a variety of new brands and products.
3. I have developed empathy for those with food allergies. It has been difficult for me with my sensitivities, but I know it’s even more challenging for those with allergies.
4. I appreciate still being able to eat certain foods because I personally know a few people who have gone through periods of time when everything they ate hurt their stomachs. 
5. God is providing me with many opportunities to trust Him as I have faced having many questions without answers. 

The only thing I can do is trust Him. However, although I know this is what I should do, it’s easier said than done. How exactly do I actively trust Him? 

Part of it has to do with my mindset. When I’m feeling overwhelmed by needing to make a decision about what to eat or buy from the store, I should choose to pray. Additionally, sometimes I just need to make a decision. The in-between space where I’m trying to decide what to eat can be an uncomfortable, almost suffocating place to be. I might end up making a decision I wish I hadn’t made, but I also might learn from it. 

This whole thing is a actually a learning experience for me. And as challenging, confusing, and emotionally tiring it has been, I think I can say that I wouldn’t change it. I believe I have matured and had to pursue joy in a more intentional way because of this challenge. And I’m thankful that God will continue to bless me during my struggle.

If you have ever dealt with something like this and you want to talk to someone about it, I’m happy to talk with you or pray for you.

“‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” (John 16:33, New International Version)

Pictured above are photos I have taken of dishes that I made. Please do not copy or repost them without permission and credit.