I don't like being ill. I don't think I know anyone who does. It hurts. It drains. It's a stark reminder of the fallenness of the world in which we live. And it confronts us with our own mortality.
If we're honest, many of us don't respond well to those days, weeks or months of suffering that we are called to endure. Grumbling, bitterness, impatience, self-pitying, discontent all seem to thrive when we're "laid-up".
But it doesn't have to be that way!
The 19th century Bishop and writer, JC Ryle had a far more biblical take on illness. He said "I know the suffering and pain which sickness involves. I admit the misery and wretchedness which it often brings. But I cannot regard it as completely evil". He reminds us that illness is an opportunity to learn and grow in our relationship with God. And it's worth reflecting for a few moments on the 9 lessons set out in this link - a transformational way of thinking about poor-health and suffering that deserves a read whether we are in the thick of illness or fit and well!
And if that whets your appetite, you might like to dip into Ryle's little booklet, Sickness to learn even more lessons from the school of ill-health.
