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What‘s Faith Got to Do With It?

7/27/2015

10 Comments

 
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This week I am deviating from my plan for my blog due to an unforeseen event that had a profound effect on me.  On Saturday, one of my fellow warriors in this battle against ALS conceded after a long, hard fight. 

It was hard for me because he had been fighting about the same amount of time as I have and, for a time, it seemed like he was doing better than I was.  He was about the same age as I am and he also had three children.

At the end, he suffered daily and was not able to breathe which is how he died. It is similar to drowning. I understand that reality, but it is difficult to expect that as my future. It is scary and I am afraid. I find myself wanting to be done with this fight. I have to hold on to hope otherwise I will fall into depression.

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I realized through Steve’s death that I cannot live my life comparing myself to other people.  Their story is not my story.  Even though we share similar circumstances, our journeys are not the same. 

Every person’s travels through life are truly unique.  I continue to hope that the ending to my story will not be as a result of ALS.


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The worst part about my comrade dying is that he was an amazing Christian and a pastor!  I say this is the worst part because there seems to be a belief among certain people that if we only have enough faith, we can be healed.  Surely, of all people, a pastor would have the faith required for a physical healing!  

For quite some time, I have had people encouraging me to have faith and then I would be healed.  To some degree that hope is encouraging but since the healing hasn’t come, I have begun to question my faith and, as a result, even my salvation.  Worse, I questioned my family’s faith because people insinuated that because of THEIR lack of faith, I wasn’t being healed.  Really?  I can’t control that! 

This week I came to the conclusion that yes, God can still perform miraculous healings.  I still hope and believe for that healing for myself every day.  I also understand that sometimes in spite of our faith and obedience, God simply says, “No.”  Why?  Because if we are Christians, our purpose here on earth is not to fulfill our own desires but to serve God in whatever way possible.  Sometimes that means suffering gracefully to show His power within us, thereby glorifying Him.   

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Some people question whether or not my ALS may have been brought on by my sinful life or perhaps a generational curse from my parents’ sinful lives.  In John 9, there is a story of a blind man that addresses this. 

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. "


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Basically, I take this to mean that my ALS is with me so that the works of God can be displayed in my life.  Those works may be a miraculous healing or they may simply be showing the world the love of God’s people as I am cared for during this illness.

My point is we don’t know if God’s glorification will be shown through our miraculous healing or through how we handle our suffering.  All we do know is that ultimately God is in charge and we are not.


10 Comments
Chadd
7/27/2015 11:33:12 am

Yes, yes, yes...

Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3. In vs 17-18 they say God CAN save them, but even if He doesn't, they will still be faithful to Him.

Death and suffering will come to all of us (unless Jesus returns first). How we deal with it gives God the glory.

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Akhil
8/5/2015 02:47:35 pm

How amazing our savior is? He is always with us even though we don't feel it. Thanks for the reminder.

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Henni Provence
7/27/2015 11:35:46 am

Henni Provence Akhil, I'm praying for you and your family. You are such a powerful witness to so many people. Don't listen to the voices of Job's friends in your own head. We hear these voices when we go through through suffering, but theses voices are not from the Father. I think that people mistakenly make such comments, because we all fear the inexplicable and unfair suffering and somehow coming up with explanations is a way of coping. You, Laura and your girls are shining stars in this dark and fallen world. Blessing and prayers for your friend's family as they mourn his passing. He made it through the finish line and into the arms of Jesus.

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Akhil
8/5/2015 02:51:17 pm

I want to understand why people get so opinionated about something that is not supposed to be a formula. God will do what he wants when he wants whenever he wants. Thank you for your comment.

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Deb Leahy
7/27/2015 03:19:57 pm

Unless we have heard from God Himself what His future plan is for us, we do not know it. Neither do others, most especially those who would burden the suffering with challenging the quality of their faith when healing does not come. God asks for our surrendered heart to Him. Your testimony is powerful Akhil. So is Laura's. Your faith remains strong as you do not deny your God. Your heart is His. No guilt remains for you, washed in the blood of the Lamb, life given to Him. Let no man challenge your faith. Your healing may come in this world or the next, but it will come. Testify on in boldness and power. May God be merciful to you in these most difficult of days. Blessings and peace to you and your family.

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Akhil
8/5/2015 02:57:05 pm

We are in a very special club. A club no one wants to join. It is the club where we have suffered. I know you are so precious to me. I remember the letter you mailed me when I was diagnosed with ALS. Your words are full of wisdom. Thank you for writing.

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Fuzzy
7/27/2015 07:30:22 pm

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Susan Jones
7/28/2015 01:46:31 am

I can't agree more with or say it better than Henni and Deb! You are a true example of what God requires of his children and what it takes to live up to His expectations. You have lived through the daily battles of ALS, with Laura at your side, giving glory to God and depending on His strength to see you through. You will never know how much you have reignited my faith and, I'm sure, the faith of many others just by sharing your love for Christ, your fears, and your blessings on this journey. God bless you, Laura, and the girls!

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john
7/29/2015 04:49:51 pm

Hi brother,

I am encouraged by your trust and dependence on the Lord in the midst of this great trial you are enduring. I believe it takes faith to be able to say that God is good in the midst of our suffering, even if the Lord should tarry in his relief of our suffering. But that blessed day is coming brother, whether 5 days from now, 5 months from now, or when He receives you to glory, He will make you whole. Our God is a great God and He is with you.

From my guts and the bottom of my heart I exhort you, don't lose confidence in the Lord's faithfulness and promises. They are good and sure. I too have questioned my faith and struggled with doubt for the past 4+ years. But I am realizing by faith with improving confidence that my acceptance with the Father has nothing to do with me, my zeal, my genuineness or even the measure of my faith (Titus 3:4). It's all about His mercy, His kindness, and He receives all without restraint who will receive Him. So, rest brother. Rest in the finished work of Christ. You have been bought with a price. And God does not keep receipts.

Praying with you,
John

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Akhil
8/5/2015 03:03:44 pm

I don't know who you are but your message brought me to tears. I wish I knew what the plan is. Unfortunately, no one really does. I suppose we have to trust our creator. Thank you so much for your message, I am so thankful for people like you.

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    The video is Akhil's journey with ALS.  Painful to see but the faith his family shows is uplifting.
    ​
    God continues to show his love for us through his people.  Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us, prayed for us, visited Akhil, brought us a meal and served us however God led you to serve.  Continue to follow those urgings from God in serving those who are struggling.

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    Akhil and Laura Jhaveri

    Applying the skills they've learned in over 20 years of marriage, this couple faces the challenges of ALS together. MND or motor neuron disease is deadly with no known cure.  The Jhaveri family has to endure this battle and show the world God's love!

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