A few years ago, I came across a prayer blog for a captivating little girl named Daisy. Simply looking at her freckly little face instantly revealed what a bubbly, intelligent, unique soul was dancing around inside of her. It took one peak at a post about her to fall in love with that sweet little kindergartener. Heart warmed, spirits lifted, mind refreshed.
With great sorrow but even greater faith, her family shared that Daisy had been diagnosed with cancer. They shared updates about her grueling battles with the illness, along with very cheerful and touching stories about her life and vivacious personality; a personality as charming as they come! If Daisy’s life could speak for itself, I imagine it would speak with bravery and tenderness as it said, “Cancer is horrible, but life isn’t.”
Just a few days after Daisy was first diagnosed with cancer, her father gave a sermon at his home church entitled, “When My Heart Is Overwhelmed.” This was the first time I had heard Britt Merrick speak, and it touched me in a way that I haven’t been able to forget since that day. He said many things in that sermon, but I felt one of the most powerful and influential things was this:
I will tell you that it takes more faith to endure Christ not healing your daughter than it does to see Him heal your daughter.
This is a truth that I pray warms and ignites in your heart in a way that changes your blame forever. Illness is not a punishment for a lack of faith. Illness brings an endurance, courage, hope, and belief in Christ that far extends the kind of faith that is only present when things are going okay. It surpasses that faith in lavish ways. When you face agonizing circumstances, God is not turning His back on you. God is reaching His hand and His pure heart out to you.
It heavies my heart to share that this year, Daisy passed away. Her family shared her memorial service on their blog, and it was a service of such deep faith and celebration of God that I cannot speak of it without tears of admiration. Daisy’s mother, Kate, walked onto the stage full of daisies with tears and courage both filling her eyes and shared words that I have held deeply in my heart ever since. She said that “Daisy’s faith in God was like a covenant, not a contract.” These words captivate me. A covenant faith; a faith based on promise rather than circumstance. This is what our illnesses give us an opportunity for, the opportunity to grow with God in a way that isn’t shaken by the sorrows of the world, but endures all things safely wrapped in His embrace.
I pray that this story will help you see that illness doesn’t fall upon us because we’re unworthy of good health. Illness touches the hearts and lives of people without consideration of what they believe or how they’ll handle it. Illness comes, and it breaks, and it steals, and it overwhelms, and it even kills, but it does not punish. We are under grace, and filled with it as well. Our gracious God doesn’t strike us down, but lifts us up. I pray that you will accept this bold truth, and let it dissolve the lies you’ve been pierced with for too long.
{If you’d like to read the original post 5 Truths Your Heart Needs to be Reminded, please click here!)
Peace in the Pain 
You write so beautifully.
Thank you so much, Michelle! I’m touched that you think so 🙂
My dear daughter, once again your way with words has captivated my heart. That was beautiful and really touched me as I also thought back at Daisy’s life. I.too remember the first time seeing that cute little face. They are such faithful people and so are you! I am so glad you realize this truth that you have spoken about and I am so proud of you for sharing your deepest thoughts to help others.
🙂 love, Mom
I’m so thankful for your warm words and loving heart, Mom. You can always bring a smile to my face! Your support and encouragement are such treasures!
You have touched on such an important topic. God’s grace prevails in a fallen and broken world and He wants us to be at peace with Him and ourselves. Thank you for sharing this truth. As Christians, we are the light of the world. Matthew 5:9 states Blessed are those who bring peace among us for they are the children of God.
Love,
Dad
Thank you so much for writing about this subject.
I blamed myself for so many years with my illness / disability and the pain that i suffer daily from. Your words have given me such comfort.
God bless.
Hi Julie! Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I’m so sorry to hear you’ve struggled with blaming yourself. I know it’s a very familiar feeling for many of us, and that is so saddening. But there is hope even in these dark corners and I have faith that God will shine it all around you. I’m so grateful that my words could bring you comfort as you daily bear such pain. I am praying for you to be comforted in your illness as this truth embraces your heart: It’s not your fault. Peace to you 🙂