So often as spoonies we can feel useless. Maybe we don’t always use that word, but it sure seems like we can’t serve God or other people very well while chronically ill. Other people can volunteer at summer camps and lead Bible studies and go to 4th of July parades, evangelizing.
But not us.
We’re too sick. Too unable. To mentally unstable or foggy. Too old. Too young. Too limited. Too fragile.
And so we feel guilty. We feel like we need to be doing more. We listen to sermons about how important service and being part of your community is, and we cringe. Because yeah, we agree with all that. But we simply can’t.
If we did, we’d crash and get worse and honestly, that’s not life. You can glorify God while in a flare-up or at your worst. Of course! But intentionally, regularly doing things that will make you worse for the sole reason of feeling like you should be serving God the way everyone else is — most often, that’s not serving God in the best way. That’s not being wise with your time or ability or talents.
Yes, there will be times when we’ll need to push ourselves even when there are health consequences. I did that when I hosted Diamonds 2019. I did that when I pushed to get my book published on time.
But I do that when God leads me, and I do it wisely.
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing to serve God and make an impact in people’s hearts and lives for the kingdom of God. You can still serve God despite being chronically ill.
There are so many ways you can do this with just a little creativity and common sense, but today I want to share four practical ways you can serve God while chronically ill.
Use Your Words
I know, I’m a little biased, being a writer. But writing books isn’t the only way chronically ill people can use words. You can write letters to people in tough situations. You can talk to your friend on the phone. You can participate in or host a Bible study online. You can start a YouTube channel. And all of this you can do from bed. I know this from personal experience. Sure, brain fog and such may interfere a little. (Or a lot.) But for much of that, you can plan what to say ahead of time, and people tend to be more forgiving than we fear.
Mentor
The internet is a huge tool for spoonies. Mentoring can feel difficult for a chronically ill person. After all, we tend to have a lot of spiritual struggles and questions, and can feel like hypocrites. But God can also give us deep spiritual truths and lessons through our trials that we can share with others. Being less busy — sometimes a side effect of illness — gives us more time to offer people who often just need someone to listen and point out some simple Biblical truths.
Evangelize Your Doctors
I know you’ve probably heard this a million times. It’s something people like to tell us to do. But . . . it’s true. Through our illness, we’re put in special positions to reach people who otherwise might not move outside their circle. Nurses, receptionists, other patients . . . and doctors. It can seem intimidating to share the gospel with such “educated” people, but when we hold on to the truth in the midst of such darkness, God’s power and grace are more clearly shown.
Pray
Yeah, yeah, don’t give me that look. I know you know prayer is important. But seriously, it’s such an important part of fighting for the kingdom of God. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesian 6:12 NIV)
We may not have a lot of strong flesh, but that’s okay because our physical capability is not as important as our spiritual capability. So, pray chronically ill warrior! I mean it.
You have incredible ability to serve God — even as a chronically ill person. Don’t let any lie tell you otherwise, okay? Remember, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.
