There is a beautiful path behind the house that we used to live in that leads down to a small, secluded lake. Part of the path is open and flat and dry. Parts of it are covered in brush and marsh and the path gets swallowed up by sinking muck. Some of the path is covered by the canopy of the forest and uneven with roots and rocks coming through the ground. And then there are parts that are long and steep. That path reminds me of life. Life is a journey of many different types of ground that we walk on. Some flat and beautiful with virtually no threats of tripping us up. Yet other areas are long and steep, or treacherous and threat our ability to keep going. It can be tempting to turn and go back…or stop and not go forward…but going forward leads us to the beauty that awaits that we will only see if we keep going.

Chronic illness is not for the faint of heart. Those of us whom God entrusts with it are on a grueling physical, emotional, mental and spiritual journey that feels isolating, lonely and endless. But friend, you are not alone. The news that I would be in pain every day for the rest of my life at the age of 22 was devastating. All of my hopes and dreams were shattered. Over the past 18 years the Lord has continually shown His faithfulness over and over, even when I was faithless. When feelings of hopelessness, defeat and despair overwhelm, the Lord continues to show up in His mercy and has shown me that His grace is truly sufficient…for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).

I am so excited to share The Sustained Path, a roadmap, in the form of a Bible Study, of the journey God has taken me on thus far while coping with multiple chronic diagnoses day in and day out. Wherever you are at on your journey of illness, God has a plan and purpose in it for you. There is hope! It is my prayer that together, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we will throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, so that we will run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that we will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3).

The third session begins virtually on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at noon and there are openings available.  Is God calling you to join us?  Beauty awaits, friend.

Much love in Christ,

Jen