Blog - Amelia McNeilly

Joy In the Midst of Suffering

We all go through trials and struggles and we will continue to do so until we reach Heaven. As Christians God never promises an easy life but He does promise to carry us through whatever it is we are facing. Lately, I have been very overwhelmed. I’ve been dealing with these chronic kidney/bladder infections for so long, and the past few weeks have been difficult. I feel like I can barely keep my head above water. Even though this week has been one of my hardest, God has shown up and reminded me that I am not alone. As I was beginning to have my own personal pity party, God reminded me to “be still and recognize that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). He is the author of life and the creator of the universe and when I’m dealing with worry, fear, and allow my emotions to be defined by my pity, I am basically saying that I don’t trust that God is big enough to handle my situation. The Devil loves for our thoughts and actions to be defeated, and wants to stop us from allowing our pain to be used for God’s glory. Recently after feeling sorry for myself I spent time with the Lord repenting and crying out to Him and while my circumstances did not change, my perspective did. The best way to battle these issues is by soaking up the word. Every time that I go for a while without reading the Bible, the negative and worrisome thoughts begin to creep in my heart and mind.

Several things that have kept me sane and at peace during this season are:

reading or listening w Bible
Crying out to Jesus in prayer and to pray His Word.
Talking to friends and praying for them
Fill my mind with good things by listening to sermons and reading encouraging stories of people who have suffered well for Jesus.
Writing – each day no matter how hard, I try to ask God to show me what I like to call “little joys” and I try to write them down when I can.

When I am faithful and consistent in doing these things, God is always faithful in giving me what I need to make it through. The times that I make excuses about not feeling like reading the Bible or praying, that is when I needed it the most. I am grateful that in this world we will have trouble but we can take heart because God has overcome the world (John 16:33). Because encouraged my friends. Spend some time with Jesus today and allow His peace to flood your heart. He always give us reasons to “hope a little more.”

Disability

Hope a Little More – Latest Health Update

Hi friends and prayer warriors! I had an appointment yesterday with a new Infectious Disease doctor in Charlotte. Unfortunately though, I got sick Tuesday evening and was in severe nausea and pain yesterday. Because of that I was unable to make the long trip. Jodie, my hospice nurse, agreed and called the doctor to explain. We were getting discouraged because we had not heard anything by end of day.

Then yesterday evening, Dr. McCurdy, my new doctor called me himself. He told me that the full culture results he ordered on Tuesday weren’t back but he was already seeing at least one bacteria in my bladder and he thought I needed to start antibiotics asap. While this might not be the best choice, hopefully this med will work well enough to keep infection from worsening before he gets the full results on Friday.

The Dr. was super nice to talk to. I’ve hardly ever received a call from a Dr. directly. He was very concerned and is willing to work with hospice to help me which is amazing. This Dr. is a Godsend and an answer to prayer! Thanks for praying. and pray things do not worsen and that we will know more soon. I am so grateful and love each one of you and I will keep you posted! Just remember that no matter what circumstances you are facing, He is still good. #hopealittlemore