"Ulcerative Colitis" A life application devotional by Kay Cameron from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

A few years back I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It is a nasty disease that affects other parts of the body besides the colon. Since that diagnosis, I have had several surgeries for various problems, developed arthritis, and have days when I feel pretty lousy.

I used to take 16 pills a day to control the disease and keep it in remission. When the pill-makers came out with a higher dosage pill, I was ecstatic! I would only have to take 8 pills a day! Yeah! But, guess what? The pills were much bigger, and harder to swallow. It seems that for every step forward, I take two steps backwards.

Would I like to be healed? You bet! Have I prayed for healing and had others pray for me? Yes! Is my colonic disease still in remission? Yes! Yet it still affects other parts of my body. It is like a thorn in my side. I have often wondered why the Lord doesn't take it completely away.

Sometimes the thorn in the side doesn't go away. Paul knew about this. And he persevered, never wavering in this faith. Sometimes we just have to keep on going, always in the knowledge that the Father knows what He is doing. Let's see...I keep better track of my health now, I watch my diet, I exercise regularly, I really enjoy the good days, I keep in close touch with my Maker, I realize that each good day is a gift.

2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

"7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." KJV