Sara Frankl
About the Author

Sara Frankl entered into the arms of Jesus on September 24, 2011, but her legacy of choosing joy lives on. Her blog, Gitzen Girl, is about her commitment to embracing the story God had for her. Her illness stripped her of the potential for a job and family and status,...

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  1. “I’ve learned instead to want what I’m given.” wow…that line is doing a number on my heart and I SO want my thinking to be changed to that.. love this post and your heart!

  2. Thank you for your honesty. This article really touched me. May you continue to experience God in the middle of it all, may He be your comfort, lover and reward. He’s all we really need.

  3. Your post touched me to tears. Thank you for opening your heart to open my eyes. Surrender not adapting, makes so much more sense. Showing our love for God in trusting Him.
    Your grateful sister in Christ,
    Corie

  4. Tears are slowly falling…not ones of pity or sorrow, but of pure thanks for who our God’s making you in every moment that you continually surrender. This post? A gift to many. You, in any shape? A gift to all of us.

  5. I believe you wrote this post just for me… and don’t tell me otherwise because I won’t believe it. 🙂
    Be ever so abundantly blessed!
    Ruth

  6. Surrender is difficult especially when you have vivid dreams as to how you want life to pan out. Yet…it is best to just let go and let God. Thanks for the reminder…I get stubborn a time or two myself. I’m trying to surrender and find myself in the midst of His love knowing exactly how he wants me to serve.

  7. Thank you, i really needed this. It sounds so much like you are talkin just to me. I believe sent this to me on thisday via Dayspring Devotionals. Surrender not compromise or adaptind. Thank God!
    Darlee

  8. I am very touched by your story,as I struggle each day with ulcerative colitis and fibromyalgia.
    It is so difficult to plan ahead for anything,as you cannot know what each new day will bring. One thing which is hard is to explain to even those closest to us is exactly how we feel both physically and emotionally.
    Your feelings are dead on. Self pity is just NOT in the cards if we stay positive ( and FEISTY ) and if we rely on our faith.
    Thank you for strengthening my quest to do both.
    Kristi

  9. Hey Sara
    You are a Rock Girl. You are showing to all of us how beautiful and noble is your attitude never blaming our Lord for anything in this world, even when we can not understand His purpose. I know,as other reader that life has not beeing easy for you, but all of us have very hard moments to scalate. The lesson that you left to me today is: GoD is always in the center of our storm.
    I will keep you in my prayers. I am sure that our Loving Jesus has talked a lot to you, in a very nice experience that is not easy for you to put them into words.
    WE ARE CHILD OF GOD> HR LOVES US!!!!!!!!!

  10. Thank you Sara for sharing what the Holy Spirit is teaching you. I cried while reading your experience in surrender because I have been there for many years(75 yrs old)and still learning. My physical problem is different, but it changed my life of “doing”: the Holy Spirit became real to me and has taught me to be a “be-er”. The word says we are “earthen vessels” and Christ has been placed in us to manifest through us. When we are so busy being a “doer” how can He live His life through us?
    Your sister in Christ, Norma

  11. Sara, I too have learned through suffering how to just accept whatever God sends my way. I surrendered my life to Him but it wasn’t until I fully accepted my life as it was, that I found that peace that surpasses understanding and joy in every trial. It is so freeing, I pray this all of you.
    God Bless,
    Deb

  12. Hi Sara,
    Thanks for sharing the lesson that you have learned through your sickness. After reading your blog which was sent to my e-mail address I felt in some way as if you was writing about me a little. I was in a situation where I woke up one day with this severe pain in my back and that pain brought me to my knees over and over again, I was admitted to the hospital 4 times in one year, have taken every pain medication you can think of and I mean drugs that was so strong I could not take them at times and go anywhere. I thought for a while that I was being punished so I was made to suffer. I was at the stage of my life that I could not even put my own clothes on at times, I could not sit, laydown or stand up properly, I would cry day and night, but When I could by the grace of God I would go to church try to go to work and try to do soemthing for myself….the one thing I did not do was to give up, I constantly prayed and last December God delivered me and the doctors finally figured out what was wrong with me. My back is now pain free and I am off all the pain medications which was causing me so much problems, I am now able to walk,bend, sit run if I have to after a whole year of not being able to do so….thank God for his saving grace I can now put down my walker and I can truly walk again, so I am with you I have surrender all…..Praise God. Keep the faith and keep on keeping on, may God continue to bless you.

  13. today is my 35th birthday and i am sick and childess and no husband, but i too am learning to accept the life that GOd not I has planned be strong.

  14. Thank you, Sara, for helping me think about surrendering instead of adapting. I love that! There’s alot more peace in it . . .
    love, Deb

  15. you’re saying what i’ve wanted to say, but couldn’t find the words for until now. i’ve found that kind of surrender has to happen on a minute by minute/second by second basis some days, while other days it’s on a daily basis.

  16. Thank God for making it possible for you to share this. All I want to tell you is that the God I serve is still in love with His children. He doesn’t want this for you. He doesn’t lack the ability to restore you completely. And it is never late.
    Visit http://www.vpa-tv.org and get in touch immediately. Your time to testify has come.
    Reject the lie of the enemy that you should adapt to his affliction. TRY MY GOD!

  17. Thanks for this, Sarah! I have fibro, lupus, and mixed connective disorder and understand about the pain and the need as one said just to “be.” God shared with me recently through the Holy Spirit that the purpose God made man was to live in relationship with Him. It would not matter if I could not speak, hear, or move at all – as long as i have my mind and heart, I can fulfill my purpose which is to be in an intimate love relationship with Him. For taht and for your devotional today, I thank Him…

  18. Your post is very humbling for me. I want to surrender instead of adapt also. I pray God will help me see the difference every day. Thank you for sharing your heart. You inspire so many…

  19. Sara, wow, you are amazing. You did not say what autoimmune disease you are suffering with. I also have autoimmune diseased and it is not easy somtimes. Your faith in god is what will sustain you and encourage you. I will pray for healing and enlightment for you.
    God bless Sister.

  20. How on earth have I not managed to come across your website or any of your writings before? While I am (only by the grace of God, and I’m still in awe that God has allowed me these blessings) both a wife and mom now, I could relate to nearly everything else you wrote. I’ve lived with Fibromyalgia since I was about 15, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since I was 18
    (nearly 20 years now) and recently tested positive for the XMRV retrovirus (same family as HIV) that I’ve likely has since I was at least 8. I was nearly totally bedridden from 1990-1992 and again for about half a year in 2007, with various degrees of ability off and on since then, but always well within “disability” qualifications (though I cannot draw disability from social security because I have never been well enough to enter the work force and pay into the system).
    I’m headed to find you on Twitter and to read through your blog. Would love to have you visit me at http://www.HarvestingHope.blogspot.com and http://www.InfertilityMom.blogspot.com if you ever would like to drop by. I’m prayerfully asking God to open doors in His timing to help me write a book on the life of Paul and his “thorn in the flesh” and would love to pick your brain on these topics as well! Thank you for your perspective on Godly surrender. Praising the Lord for the way His strength shines through your weakness!

  21. Thank u Sara. Your life truly reflects the scripture which says ” The Lord Chastises those whom he Loves”. I will say we are so privileged how God deal with us all. In pain He comforts us. And in victory, health and wealth, He teaches us to be humble. And above all He ensures we don’t compromise our eternal destiny in as Joint Heir with Christ Jesus.

  22. Dear Sarah,
    Thanks for sharing such a touching story. I have to command you for your surrendering your sickness and your life to God that way. It certainly isn’t an easy thing to do. God will without doubt compensate you for your trust in Him.
    God bless,
    Ligia

  23. You are a truely inspirational woman and have a beautiful gift of sharing your heart that touches my heart profoundly. I also struggle with autoimmune disorders and I struggle to let go and let God work in me. I want to surrender to Him completely so He can do His good purpose in me. I will pray for you and ask you to pray for me and others. May God continue to bless you and sustain you.

  24. Thank you for such a postive,uplifting view on your life. It made me stop and think, it isnt about what we cant do of dont have, it is about what we can do and what we can share with others. God meets us as we are, what a blessing. In His grace we can live and rest, thank God for all he has given us, so that we may share it with others and encourage them on this journey we share together!

  25. Sara – Thank you so much for sharing your story and teaching me about surrender. You are so strong and inspirational! I pray that God will continue to use you for His purposes and have strength & courage for daily life. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

  26. “So I no longer adapt, compromise or adjust. I surrender. I simply trust that whatever is in front of me at any given moment, He is in the center of it. And there’s no place else I’d rather be.”
    Powerful words. Especially the surrender part. I have lupus. And while it’s relatively mild compared to what many deal with, its certainly changed my life.
    Thanks for sharing this. I am not very good at this. But I’m working on it.

  27. Hey Sara,
    A lot of wisdom in your words. In the darkness remember this light and love God has given you. Don’t be afraid to dream with God. He has something beautiful for you.

  28. to the beautiful woman that posted today is her 35 birthday, happy birthday, you are loved and valued and a gem in Gods eyes! i send you prayers for health and healing, and all good things. may God Bless you as you celebrate another year of life! Mark 11:24

  29. you already know i love you. you already know that i am going to find a way to get to iowa. (wow, what fun the two of us would have..ha)
    thanks for this line “i’ve learned instead to want what i’m given”. i am crying as i type it, that’s not me, i am still fighting. i wonder how sweet true surrender really feels.
    you inspire me.

  30. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to respond to each of you, but this will have to do for now. 🙂 Thank you for showing up and reading, and for all of your kind words. I’ve gotten so many emails today from so many of you who are struggling, and I just want to make sure you know that you’re not alone. It’s a daily process, one that many of us go through, one that many of us find joy in the midst of. I’ve learned since starting my blog that there is nothing that helps more than the support of others, and I want you all to know I will be praying for you.
    To answer the question of a few: my disease is called Ankylosing Spondylitis. It’s a genetic autoimmune disease that affects everyone differently, but is systemic so can affect many systems as well as fuse joints [particularly the sacrum and spine]. But many different autoimmune diseases have similar symptoms so I am sure many relate in different ways.

  31. i know i tell you this all the time, but it’s true. i learn so much from you, fritz.
    and while my story is, of course, extremely different, i find myself at the crossroads of adapting and surrender. and as i read your words, all i keep thinking is HOW?!
    how did you learn to embrace the pain and the solitude and the ever-present change? how did you stop trying to adapt between what you want and what you have? how did you learn to want what you’re given?
    i need to do all those things, but all i can do is stare tear-filled at the screen and ask HOW?

  32. Hi Sara, thanks for sharing I have Lupus for 20 years now. To God to be the Glory,great things He hat done and still doing for me. Much Blessings to you. Jacque Phillips.

  33. dear Sara,i see that u are an inspiration to many and would like to encourage u. much as it is essential to surrender our all to God, He has made available His resurrection power in us
    through the gift of His Holy Spirit. Don’t let people talk u out of your essential fighting spirit against sickness and disease to see complete recovery either by using(speaking in faith) God’s unfailing promises for you in His Word over your life. Also check the side effects of medication u r taking. take the medicine of God’s word as per the Greatest Physician’s instruction.
    It is the thief that comes to steal and kill and destroy. Jesus said,” I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”(Jn.10:10)
    Matt 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.(NIV)
    Mark 9:23
    “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”(NIV)
    what would u have Jesus to do for you… He WILL for on the cross He carried ALL our infirmities and bore ALL our sicknesses and by HIS stripes u ARE healed. u may want to visit http://www.awme.net
    read some articles and ‘NEVER GIVE UP,GOD IS FAITHFUL’….asha,India

  34. Dearest Sara,
    I’m writing all the way from Singapore. In this time of Lent, leading up to the celebration of Easter – your blog reminds me of just how wonderfully good and gracious God is to us – even when we think that we’re having a difficult time. It’s so close to our faces, in fact in our faces, that God is with us in every difficult step that we think we trod alone. But indeed He is with us every step of the way.
    From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your sharing and reminding me not to adapt but to adjust. You have already been blessed with His Grace, Mercy, Love and yes – Joy.
    I wish you the Joy of the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter.
    Andre G J A (Singapore)

  35. Hi Sara, Have you read the books by Jennifer Rees Larcombe. She is british and has been quite challenging to me in my illness. In 2006 she wrote” Journey into God’s Heart ” others by her are Turning point and Unexpected Healing. Her main theme is itimacy with God at all costs. afor me they were very challenging.

  36. Thank You Lord, for showing Sara these blessings and helping her to share it with all of us. Sara, as a fellow sufferer of autoimmune disease, I send you (((hugs))). I will keep you in my prayers. God bless you!

  37. Sara,
    Like many other’s, I too feel you are writing my story. I was in a car accident when I lost the 4 lower disc in my back and had to have many surgeries which two were full back fusions with rods and screws. As a result, I lost my career and my boy friend of 12 year’s and a tom of friends from work as they forget about you once you have been let go after 6 months of missing work. I suffer from so much pain myself not being able to sleep and walk without a walker at 37 and then to go through menopause due to the shock and get fibro. as well. I can say I have felt the same way for a long time, was God punishing me as well? I did not get to have the baby I had dreamed of having and no husband still while the entire world goes on without us… I felt so alone physically. and the weight gain and now I suffer from a condition that causes me to sweat so much that at times between all of the above as well as losing my hair from all of the morphine and fentenyl I am taking I wonder if I will ever find a human companion or not.. I guess time will tell, however for as long as we all keep our faith in God and pray for each other and keep reading the word then we should be remember to be thankful for everything we do have. I feel blessed still in different ways and I can see you are blessed as well and you have touched so many people with your story. So thank you for reminding us all to just surrender rather then adapt and yes, keep on keeping on as it could all be much worse.
    God bless you Sara and all of our sisters and brothers who are suffering in pain. I love you all.

  38. You are such an amazing person – and so inspiring to me as always. I love that you share the journey to where you are today. I think it is easier to understand HOW you can be the way you are and HOW you can surrender when you share your struggle to BE that way. In an extreme situation where I would fight too you find such joy. It inspires me to find joy and surrender in my life as well. So thanks. 🙂

  39. No words can describe how I felt when I read your blog.It seemed like God is talking to me through your words.Thks for the inspired message.

  40. Beautiful post, Sara. Thank you. And thanks to Robin for linking this to FB. 🙂

  41. Sara, I thank God for leading me to your posting today. I also have an autoimmune disease that has changed my life dramatically, and I have also had a hard time with the whole adjusting vs. surrendering thing. Your life story – told straight from your heart – touched me and gave me direction. Praise GOD!! Sharing your story with my friends and family will help them understand my life’s challenges much better. You explain it so perfectly…thank you. I have had a hard time putting it into words. I feel so alone at times, but it is moments like this – randomly coming across your story – that I know God is right beside me every step of the way – if I will just look up! (Nothing happens just randomly!) Prayers and blessing coming your way, Becky

  42. Sara…THANK you for sharing your revelation with us…..you will most certainly be prayed for as I have dealt with pain myself (pelvic congestion syndrome,varicoe veins and addiomyosis (sp?) ) that has caused me to “miss” certain things in life…….the LORD is on HIS throne…HE will use this for HIS glory, as HE alreday has with your blog and your willingness to share….Blessings and prayers…J. Powell

  43. Dear Sara,
    Thank you for sharing your heart. I too have a a redirection of my life. I must truthfully admit that I was adapting and resentfully so. but somewhere along the way I learned to “be” as Norma said, and in “being” found that lost relationship with God, that an every day life had crowded out. Thank you again for a glimpse of your heart…I find new ways each day to reconnect with the world outside. Sometimes the loneliness and isolation is more than can be adjusted to anyway…but God is still there,so patiently waiting to comfort me. Aren’t reminders from other sister’s and brother’s in Christ so wonderful? He speaks in so many ways… How is it that we still can’t hear at times? I thank Him everyday for my disability…for the thing that brought my close relationship, to Him, back.
    Yours in Christ,
    Ruth

  44. Thank you, Sara, for sharing your life. I’m all choked up because I know God wanted me to read this today. Be blessed as you surrender. That is the true love of God.
    Love in Christ,
    Cheryl

  45. I have also suffered with chronic pain but I refuse to embrace it. I know that it didn’t come from God to make me stronger because I know that we have an enemy according to John 10:10 who comes to kill, steal and destroy and a Savior who came that we might through Him have life more abundantly.
    As you surrender your thoughts unto the Lord this means that you are going to think and meditate on His promises, not on your condition or your circumstances, because when we trust that God is greater than our situation this is true faith.
    His Word teaches us to not lean to our own understanding but to acknowledge Him in all of our ways.
    This is surrendering.
    The fact may be that I am in pain but God has said that He sent His Son into this earth that I might be healed through His shed blood.
    Isaiah 53:5, 1Peter 2:24 I believe this and this is what I will embrace.
    It’s our faith in what God has said in His Word that gives us the ability to receive healing.
    Meditate Matthew 9:22 the woman with the issue of blood.
    I pray that this helps.
    God Bless

  46. What A Story . Its like my own . I have copd and have learned to be alone and grow in Jesus as my journey in life takes me hand in hand with him . ..God bless you… Paula

  47. For Mrs. Frankl and all who have chronic health issues……..
    Although Scripture makes clear many types of health issues, i struggled for clarity on what i had invited in and what was of God. Read a book, last year, which SCRIPTURALLY, set me free. I hope and pray, anyone who follows my recommendation on reading “A More Excellent Way”, by Pastor Henry Wright, will at the very least, be set FREE, from roots of illnesses and diseases, too! ***if it shakes and challenges what you have always perceived, you are not alone……just like a blind man, being able to truly see, for the first time.***

  48. Thank you for sharing . One of the hardest things to do is to surrender. I pray for the strength and the grace to be able to surrender to the Lord’s plans for my life .
    The way you have shared your life actually shows that “to surrender” is actually a sign of strength. HE makes us strong when we are weak.
    May you receive abundant grace to cover the pain!
    Rita

  49. I have been questioning God alot. I have read everything possible to try to make sense of my life. I have suffered with fibromyalgia for 22 years. Always been active but the last 4 have been rough. This year I am in bed more than I am out. I envy you with friends for when my sickness got worst they left. As I read this blog the words “I fought because I was stubborn and wanted my life to be the one I had planned.” Talk about a gut check. You also said”I’ve stopped trying to adapt between what I want and what I have…and I’ve learned instead to want what I’m given.” How do you do that? I most stay in torment and I know it is me. I feel like Jonah but what ever the lesson God wants me to get I seem to be missing it. I don’t want to live like this anymore. I need help but there seems to be none except God’s word and your blog but I don’t know were to start. I see nothing good out of screaming and crying just trying to move. Thanks for listening.

  50. great post…I consider it to have been sent by the Lord. I’ve been praying the last few days about a health issue that has been wearing me out. I know I need to acknowledge that the Lord has His plans and they may not be what I had in mind.

  51. hi Sarah
    I have been ill with stomach pains, what I thought was an ulcer turned out to be gastrities, I had pains and aches all over my body and a herpes that didnt seem to go away, I was ill from top to bottom with overall aches, I looked at my lfie and my lifestyle and I had terrible memories of a horrible past that was depressing and shameful, one step at a time I started to change all that with the help of a bible, a church and worship music, the lord had sent people to help me and i took the opportunity cos a life in pain was not worth living for me, that is when i decided to become a cristian at least a more realistic one in my eyes. I have been healed of all types of illnesses. Feel a lot much better and now i can tell you that i wont go back to destroying my body with drugs and desruptive behaviour. My life has changed and even though I feel I have preogressed I still find myself lonely and in despair, i need love from my family and i cant never see them that makes things even worse. I feel like I am on my own, it os now that i need the lord more than ever and i think i will never live without God in my life otherwise I would be dead.
    Jesus is the way the truth and the life, trust in him has changed my life greatly.

  52. Thank you so much for putting into better words than I have so much of how I feel. No matter how much we hurt, God makes something positive out of it if we let Him. Just read SURVIVING THE SIFTING OF GOD by Johnny Willis. Everyone in these shoes needs to read it. Bless you so much.

  53. I can’t fight back tears ! You have made my day
    by sharing your “Beauitful” story !
    To God be the glory, and may he continue to bless
    you ! !
    Sister Connie,

  54. Blessings to you, Sara! God is gracious in giving us only what we can handle – in him. I’d like to encourage you to keep fighting for God’s will in your life – it’s far better than anything we could ever think of on our own. I, too, fight daily to allow God control of my life – my illness is Lyme Disease and it’s sad how similar it looks to yours and the rest of those who have posted here. I’ve had days/weeks of confinement to my home, crazy pain that makes no sense, fatigue that leaves me longing to do the simple things in life, neurological issues and stomach issues. It may sound crazy, but the specialists are saying that many with Lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, ms, parkinsons, alzymers, lou gherigs disease, and autism actually have Lyme Disease in its mid to late stages. If you fall in this catagory, please feel free to get in contact with me. I’d love to help you as you’re helping and blessing so many others.

  55. I stopped by to take a break from some chores as I was feeling a bit down…but now I am so ashamed…as I am so blessed and Thankful. You truly inspired me. Thanks and may God continue to bless YOU!

  56. We serve a holy and awesome God. When we give it all to him He turns it into something beautiful. At my church we are currently completing the 40 Days of Purpose journey through the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, so when I started to read and then saw the line “And there should be no compromising when it comes to God’s purpose.” I decided to continue reading the article and I’m glad I did. May God’s blessings continue to be yours as you surrender your all to him and bless others through your sharing. Thank you.

  57. Sara,
    I was blessed by what you said about being “so present in the moment that adaptation isn’t necessary.” I loved the entire post and can relate as I’m walking in the same journey of health issues that have drastically altered my lifestyle and ability to work full-time. God bless you.

  58. “I have learned instead to want what I’m given” Wow! Thank you for your transparency, your honesty, your humility, and allowing God to inspire others through you! I forwarded this devo/blog post to as many of my Wonderful sisters in Christ (and brothers) as I could think of.
    Yes, and God IS in the middle of it all, and you can see that your heart IS to want what He wants! Thank you for sharing this so beautifully!! And for touching and changing our hearts and our attitudes (hopefully to be more understanding, empathetic, grateful, loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, gentle, faithful)
    I also love what one commentator said about “Be-ing” instead of “Do-ing”.
    Blessings, Prayers, and gentle hugs~

  59. Sara thank you so so so much! I felt as if God came into my home today to speak with me.. I have a situation coming my direction and i too was not surrendering the Way God wanted me too.. Now I see that compared with your situation although mine is very very life changing, it still does not compare with yours.. I pray God will enable me to embrace my situation the way you did…
    You are an inspiration to all.. and especially to God…words could not tell you how greatful I am to your testimony!
    thank you…..
    Bernadette

  60. Sara, I know you wrote this just for me. How did you know this is what I needed today and all days? I have MS and what you have said is a real blessing. God sent you at just the right time. How does He know these things ? 🙂 Thank you, Margaret

  61. Your Times are truly in His hands. He’s not done with you yet. Thanks for your inspiring piece. God bless

  62. surrendering –
    surrender to God’s plan. His plan is not to cause you pain or sickness. His plan is that he already healed by his stripes. Sickness is not of God or from God and God does not bring sickness to “teach” his sheep lessons in life. Only the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. I do believe that it is God’s will that you rest in Him Sarah, that you surrender to the truth of God’s word.
    However, please don’t surrender to the status – quo of your physical disabilities. Don’t let the enemy lie to you that this has become your portion.
    I am saying so because I was there like yourself. The tendency might be to journal the experience and “learn” as much as you could from it and all that is good. However, let God’s completed work be lived out in your thoughts and renewing of your mind. Accept, adapt to and rest in what our good Father wants for you, his precious daughter.
    Christ has already done enough. His finished work on the cross is the authority by which I speak.

  63. Hi sara, I live in Australia and have just read this morning your testimony. I want to thank you for your willingness to share this. The older I get the more I realise that we are getting ready for Heaven. The Lord is good and He understands your situation very well.
    There are times when we face physical pain, emotional and spiritual pain but our dear Lord takes our hand and leads us. I speak from experience and He has never let me down yeat and He won’t. Currently I am reading Ephesians. I have found this a great joy. May I suggest you read it again or get someone to read it to you.
    I will pray for you every day. Love in Jesus Merv

  64. I am so blessed by your writing! Keep up your ministry, please, and I am here praying for you.Kathleen

  65. “Dear Lord, some how be with Sara and her situation. Where ever each of us hurt and feel weak, may your grace move in and touch us all.
    Let us never forget your Word is still alive and active and take the seeds of weakness and grow somethng into a new and living body. Amen!!!” Charles

  66. Wow! All these comments. Mine would be similar, surrendering, rather than adapting. Help me Holy Spirit. I’ve had a song in my spirit by Jacki Valasques, called “I lay it Down”. Reminds me of your blog, Sara. Thanks for being a blessing.

  67. your blog was truly a gift for me. as a double amputee and triple bypass woman, all in 2 1/2 years, i know i have to not only adapt to a very different life than i had imagined, but also surrender to God and let his place for me to be embraced..

  68. This was just what I needed. I am almost 72,diagnosed on 50th bday with MS. It has been a wonderful last 20 years,but then these last 2 years,not so. Trying(and sometimes winning!) to live with pain,no balance(scary!)and knowing its all going downhill,as it would,but also trying each day to offer it all up. Have a wonderful husband as caregiver and good kids/grandkids,etc. And friends……..oh what a gift they are. But still trying to get past the pain,tiredness,along with very bad “case” of restless leg syndrome. Some days,yes…and others,no. Thank you for sharing your story.
    I really needed to read this.

  69. I UNDERSTAND TOTALLY BEING IS A SIMILAR SITUATION AND MY WALK WITH GOD
    I HAVE AUTOIMMUNE HEP AND WAITING FOR A LIVER TRANSPLANT NOW 2 YRS AND I AM SINGLE AND NOW 39YO. I WAS DIAGNOSED AT AGE 24 AND NEW MEDICALLY WHAT WOULD HAPPEN AS I WORK ON THE MEDICAL TEAM IN ICU UP TO 2YRS AGO
    WAS INDEPENDENT BUT NOW DEPENDENT ON MY MOTHER AND FAMILY
    GET THROUGH LIFE TRIALS AND BLESSINGS WITH GOD
    FAMILY GOOD FRIENDS AND CHURCH FAMILY.
    SURRENDERING IS MY GOAL BUT IT IS DIFFICULT AT TIMES

  70. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. I’m especially touched by the phrase “Forgiveness is giving up the possibility of a better past” in your blog. May your talent in writing continues to encourange others. God bless you.

  71. Dear Sara,
    If God Leads You To It, He Will Lead You Through It. I truly believe that.
    On our 50th Anniversary my left eye burst and I had to have it removed. I now have a prosthetic one. I lost it due to the Shingles virus. Thank God it was my left eye and not my right one as my left eye has always been my weaker one.
    Take care.
    God Bless
    Jan

  72. thks Sara n 2 all of u 4 yr inspiring comments. we all r in need of encouraging words especially in difficult times. God bless

  73. if you ever have a moment when you feel you are not doing anything useful or impacting others…come back and read thru these comments, my friend.
    oh, how God is speaking mightily thru you. your post is full of life and permission to live.
    i love you so.

  74. Thank you Sara for your testimony…keep in mind that you have inspire others to don`t ever give up.
    God Bless you!
    If you wish to hear about my own story I invite you to contact me anytime.
    H

  75. Dear Sara,
    there are many more women with worser conditions than yours. The world you live in is much better…there is priviledge for the less abled and the diseased. In our country every single day someone or the other is dying due to lack of proper health care facilities…not that it is not there but there isnt enough money to get yourself a ticket to proper medications.
    You are a beautiful lady : and i do get the dayspring emails always on my mail box. Am so glad you created this space for all to express and to view the expressed….
    God Bless you and your friends.

  76. Thankyou for being faithful & writing this. I am in a very similar situation to you, since 1975, through all these years I had never looked at it quite this way. Today of all days I really needed this word, so again – thankyou.

  77. Dear Sara, thank you so much for your insight. All of us are suffering one way or the other and emotional crippling is worse than a physical one. We all need to learn this truth and the sooner we do the easier it will become to face any situation. Having said that, don’t you think we need to understand what ‘surrender’ actually means? For sure it does not mean passive giving in to what is happeningnbut yes ‘in every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ!’ God’s WILL is clealy stated in the Bible and we have to find that and surrender to that. Jesus came to give us ABUNDANT LIFE whereas the Evil One comes to steal, kill and destroy.
    I pray dear Sara that as you submit to God, His will for your life will be manifested in your body too.

  78. sis Sara, thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful insight and a humble heart surrendered to God’s purpose…i am much encouraged…thanks again and may the Lord’s hand continue to touch your life in many amazing ways..

  79. I too have an auto-immune disease (SLE), but as you said I started by learning to adapt to the situation, then realizing that God wanted me in this situaion to surrrender and leave it up to Him. For me surrender brings results. People see and are amazed when they find out I have SLE. Most of them thinks I look too good and I go about with a ready smile and you know what that’s because of my surrendering to God.

  80. Dear Sara,
    It’s my first time here and your faith in God is really inspiring! May God guide you through and continue to reveal His love to you 🙂 Pray for you so that you’ll have strength!
    Rebecca

  81. This was a beutiful article. As I’m typing tears won’t stop. It’s funny how God knows what to place before you. I too have an autoimmune disease, and like you I went from outgoing, and working to being confined to my home because of my disabilities.
    Thank you for article, I now have something to go back to to help me.

  82. I too am on disability at 36. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and arthritis five years ago and instead of fighting for what I had which I was pretty mad I couldn’t teach anymore I dove into a pit of depression. I surrendered to the pain and fatigue and medication. Healing for me has been coming gradually and I think we all want the instant miracle. I have come to realize that God is healing me in His time as I allow Him to. The amount of smaller miracles that He has performed in me, my family, and those I witness to amount to so much more than the instant fix. I don’t take 12 medications anymore, I don’t walk with a cane. I am a mother of 4 and wife of 1 man who has never left me because I couldn’t be the woman he married. A sound mind as well. Now I am a minister and renewing my mind from all kinds of abuse prior to my marriage so I can allow God to use me to His fullest. Surrendering to trusting Him is a moment to moment task. My body may not cooperate sometimes, but my mind is being healed. God has renewed my youth and has a better plan for me! Glory to God!

  83. I can’t wait to share your entry “I surrender” with my class. We are studying “Lord change my attitude” by James McDonald. You are such an example of one who is choosing to express true gratitude in all things at all times…no matter what our circumstances. Thanks for sharing.

  84. I am a cancer survivor–and most days I am simply surviving. Thank you so much for what you said–as I believe I have yet to surrender what I was to God and allow Him to let me be what He wants me to be now. Until I do so, I will never know how greatly He can use me, and I will never get the peace I seek. I’m here for a purpose, even though the cancer took so much from me. I am still left with life–and I need to use it to glorify God.

  85. Hi Sara! This is the first time I have read In Courage. It just popped up when I was looking for something. I feel like God wanted me to read your article, because it sounded like you wrote it about me. I have had Lupus, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, kidney disease, etc. for 20 years now. I have done everything my Dr.’s have told me to do & I only keep getting worse, after 12 major surgeries, many bones broken in my back, shoulder, legs, arms etc. spleen removed, blood clots, I could go on & on. I walk with a walker barely & hands & feet are all very deformed with the rheumatoid arthritis. I’m so sick of being sick & I don’t understand why when I try so hard to get better. I did surrender to God, but nothing has changed. I feel like I must not be praying right or doing something else wrong? Thanks for listening! Nancy

  86. I too have a life changing illness so your words are so comforting..I have been were you were at and I am prayfully trying to get were you are now… Take care
    In His Love,
    Keena

  87. Your transparency has so blessed me today! I feel challenged and encouraged to continue walking this “less desirable” path in my life as it truly is…a gift from Him. Thank you for helping to lift the veil so that I may see Him!

  88. I’m facing this lesson right now. Thank you for allowing God to use the gift of suffering He’s given you in order that you may help others. God bless you, Sara. Your reward will be great in heaven.

  89. Sara-I too am living with God’s decision on how my life will be, as my kidneys are failing and I await a future of transplant?, dialysis?,uncertainty for sure, death?, or whatever He deems appropriate. It’s hard not to be angry and seek surrender. Thank you for sharing your struggles. Not MY will, but His WILL be done. I pray for the grace to accept and adapt. In His time…N.J.W. 3/17/2010, 3:50PM

  90. Not sure why your blog came onto my computer today except that it was God’s intent. I, too, have an auto-immune disorder and it has also changed my life. A life I’ve wanted to have back for the past 20 years. I know I need to pray and be in the scripture, but find that I avoid it way too much. I love it when God isn’t confined to what we might have done in the past, but finds new ways to touch and reach us each day. I’m grateful for your words today……. much to commune with God about.
    Thank you! Jeanne

  91. Thank you Sara…GOD bless you for demonstrating through words what loving GOD enough to surrender to HIM is all about. Therefore surrender to GOD and resist the devil and he will flee from you.(James 4:7).
    Love to you…forever and a day!

  92. Sara-Your blog touched me deeply. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall and have been going through treatments. I agree with you! Surrendering to His love for me was the best thing I could do! I have never felt so peaceful. It has not been an easy journey but I also know that I am not alone. There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Just know that he continues to hold you in the Palm of His Hand!
    Suzy

  93. Dear Sara,
    Thank you for your sharing. i am also struggling my desire and God’s plan. Doubt, fear and hopelessness strike me like flood sometimes,i just couldn’t control them. i cried to God for helping me. He comforts me with his words and later i have great rest. God is with us. We are just heavenly passangers on Earth. Let us be a blessing tool towards people around us. i pray for you. Dory from China. Shenzhen.

  94. Hello Sara,
    Your real life story, just came at the right time and moment. I do also need to accept certain changes in my lifestyle. Thanks to you today, I pray to God to give me inner strength to live each day by day.
    And God Bless you for being such an inspiration!
    Lydia

  95. Sara:
    God is testing you just as He did Job. The devil is betting God that you will give up. By your comments, I see that you are a strong soldier. Your faith compares with the centurion that Jesus commended. You have elevated my compassion and sent it to another level. I pray that the Lord will heal you, in the name of Jesus, and restore you to be a mobilizwed solder to tell your story. God cares for you and will take care of you during your test time. To me, you have passed the test. I will stay in touch with you.

  96. I made a mistake. The word should be mobilized. A mobilized soldier.

  97. Dear Sara,
    Praise the Lord that out of your situation you have come to be light shining through the weary ones who got enlightened from your heart. Now I am learning to surrender myself to the Lord and forget to be a manager of my own life.
    In Christ,

  98. Have you been reading my journal??? We’ve been living the same life thousands of miles apart!
    I have been to pain clinics but what you’ve shared made me feel that I’m not alone. There are different levels of disability due to pain and I have seen the same valleys as you have.
    But there always is hope in the Lord. Not only to live each day with His grace and mercy, but for a full healing. Miracles happen suddenly, healings happen over time. Continue to Lean on HIM and Believe in HIM. Blessings my sister!

  99. Thanks for your insight Sara. I too have found myself in continual pain and your perspective reminds me that God is in this too, even in the pain. I too have been fighting for “my life” but want dearly to surrender to His! Blessings!
    Patti

  100. Thank you for sharing your life. My son was diagnosed with AS when he was 11. We have found the Spondylitis Association of America a great resource.

  101. Sara, I think i find myself in a similar state of mind with you and will need a total surrender to go on in life. I have been full of life and dreams i will work any extra mile to achieve but i was diagnosed with afb a month ago and the thought of the infection makes me feel very bad. i am both psychologically and emotionaly down and my present financial needs havent helped issues.

  102. Evverything you wrote could have been me. Actually it seems so much like me its scary. You said something that really speaks to me. You spoke of embracing the solitude, I find that so hard to do. Please keep bloggig.
    A Sister Who Has Lupus.
    Holly

  103. Hi Sara, you are an inspiration to the many hurting souls out there. I personally had to learn to let go and let God take charge. Its in surrendering that we truly understand and experience what God’s purpose and plans for us are.Its so fulfilling knowing you are never alone both in good and bad times and like is promise to us is, “Never will i forsake you never will leave you”
    God bless you.
    Grace

  104. It is ironic yet liberating to realize how fighting the good fight of faith can only be won by surrendering. And that having nothing else but God can open our eyes to the truth that we actually have everything! Thank you for sharing this. May you daily find God’s grace ever sufficient for you. =)

  105. This was encouraging to read, as I have a disability also. It relates to taking up our cross with the help of our Lord Jesus, and realizing that it’s not only the happy times that count. You might find help at my site at http://www.soulwellmall.com/health.html since sometimes the body has deficiencies that need to be addressed.

  106. Sara,I’m a nurse and I have to smile at the picture of you in the hospital hooked up to your meds and typing away, probably not paying any attention to the nurses who tell you you need to rest 🙂 More importantly, your post brings this to mind:
    Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God
    You speak of abandonment to the will of the Father; surrendering your will to His, hoping in God. That’s poverty of spirit – I’m praying for you as I type this. God bless you with abundant graces.
    Thanks for posting your story.

  107. I too have an autoimmune disease, and have discovered so much in the solitude as well. It turned my life upside down! But it also led me to the best experience of my life. One day being so ill that I could not get out of bed I literally wanted to give up. God had a different plan for me, so He literally put His arms around me & I heard Him say “everything is going to be alright.”
    I thought I had lost my mind.
    I have gone into sort of a remission from my illness. I finally have a career that I love and I feel like He has so much more in store for me.
    Thanks for sharing your story. It’s nice to know there are others that have been through difficult times and know that God is in the middle of the storms and the blessings. And I too choose to embrace all that comes into my life.
    Many blessings to you!