Our doctor informed us that my husband might only have another 10 years to live. He could be confined to a wheelchair in the near future. Even more, the doctor gave us the shocking news that our children would have a 50% chance of inheriting this deadly condition. I had a hard time imagining simultaneously pushing both a wheelchair and a stroller. This was not the life that I had imagined us living together.
In the following years my husband’s health got worse…and worse. At times he couldn’t walk down even a slight incline. Several times he nearly died. How was I supposed to change the world or live courageously? Sometimes I struggled just to get through my day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Sometimes I asked God: “How can I do this? How am I supposed to get through this?”
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness..’” 2 Corinthians 12:8
This scripture has strengthened me through many times of vulnerability and faithlessness. During the last 12 years I have seen my husband very weak in his physical health, sometimes on the verge of death in the Intensive Care Unit. I have cried many tears and at times been very discouraged in my faith. Each time, I pray again for God’s grace to be sufficient for me. Each time He proves faithful. His grace is sufficient. Our son is now seven years old. Will he one day show the symptoms of his father’s illness? Perhaps so. For now and into the future, God’s grace is sufficient for me. As a reminder to us and to our son, we named him “Zachary” which means “God remembers”. He has remembered us. He will continue to remember us. For now, fears and struggles are still present in our lives. Yet, peace and joy increase all the more. To God be the glory for his faithfulness in our lives. Amen!
Jody Leung
Hong Kong Church of Christ
If you have stories of faith, courage, and perseverance, please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
