Heather Bellamy spoke with Steven Harris about what he endures every day because of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the joy he has found in the midst of his suffering



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'You created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.'
(Psalm 139: 13-16)

He also said that:
'And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.'
(Hebrew 9:27)

So God determines when we die. We have no right to determine when that time is. There are still a lot of unanswerable questions that only God knows. When human beings commit abortions and help people kill themselves, it's murdering the image of God because we are all created in His image, (Genesis 1:27):

'God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.'

Heather: If anyone is reading this and is also struggling with a life threatening or debilitating illness, what would you like to say to them to encourage them?

Steven: I just wanted to let you know that God has a purpose for your life and does hear your cries for mercy and assistance. You may not always understand the purpose of suffering, but God always has a reason for allowing it. Even if you don't think so, God has a plan for you to minister to others. I can show you some promises and things that God says. I encourage you to remember that we are not gonna be on this earth forever. Listen to these words that Jesus said:

'Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'
(Mathew 5:3-10)

Here are some more promises and reassurance that God gives us in His word:

'For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.'
(Romans 8:18)

'And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.'
(Revelation 21:4)

Ways to stay encouraged are to read the word everyday; find some good godly music and gentle Christian music for especially rough times. If all you can say is Jesus, He hears you and knows your need. The Lord will help clear your anxiety if you struggle with that like I do sometimes. Here's what you can remember in your times of anxiety and suffering:

'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'
(John 14:27)

'And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'
(Philippians 4:7)

Well I hope this encourages anybody that's reading.

I want to leave you with just one more encouraging scripture:

'But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.'
2 Corinthians 12:9 CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.