Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross...Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2–3

You may find yourself terribly ill and at the same time battling difficult emotions or nervous conditions. You get confused easily and are overcome with great anguish and fear, with the result that your whole body grows weak and heavy. The more you strive for clarity, the more confused you seem to become. Everything seems to be slipping away from you, including feeling the Lord’s presence.

When your spirit gets darkened like this, it is important to remain quiet and composed. You must not get overly anxious when this happens, even when you feel worse and worse physically. Remember, dark powers are always at work, trying to lead us into despair, away from our true destiny. None of us is ever completely immune from such attacks. But if you worry too much about them, you only make things worse.

Instead, ready yourself to be steadfast in night and darkness. Change the night into day by keeping your sights set on the Savior, who is the final victor – the first and the last. With Jesus, daylight always returns. Consider him who endured much more than you ever will. And when you know of someone else who is especially under attack, assure them of your intercession. This is always a big help.

As you pray, hope that the time will come when the great victor, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, will break through the night for all people. Then all the children of God will live in the light and be truly free. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36) – it all depends on whether we love him fully. So be patient with joyful hope.

from The God Who Heals