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This writer has preached the gospel for thirty years and served churches in five different states, while being privileged to preach in evangelistic meetings in nine different states across the U.S. Presently I am a 54 year-old man, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis since April of 1995. I am house bound and confined to bed, totally dependent on family members to wait on me day and night.

When the doctors announced that it was a debilitating disease, imagining my life changing so dramatically caused great anxiety. For one to be active and engaged in such a demanding schedule, and suddenly has his life turned upside down was a shock. Being reduced to a family member unable to accomplish the simplest of tasks was an humbling and at times humiliating experience. . . .

People have often asked how do you cope with such a confining existence. The answer is, "Taking one day at a time," without trying to think about tomorrow or next week. Taking one day at a time, is after all, the only thing we have and should not think about tomorrow (James 4:13-15). This is the problem many have when dealing with adversity. Following my diagnosis at Mayo Clinic, it was four days later when our daughter, Bethany Ann - 16, suffered a fatal automobile accident.

We were devastated with such an unbelievable hurt that defied words that we could not speak. My wife and I were in days of shock, followed by disbelief, denial, and blame, while pursuing peaks and valleys of coping with such a loss. We found ourselves acknowledging we have made the adjustment, only to be crushed farther. People are all different, having divergent timetables in making the adjustment at such a loss. My wife took a week off following the death of our daughter and then returned to her teaching position at Barkley Bridge Elementary.

Faith in God is the only sustaining power that allows one to overcome diversity of any kind. This writer has drawn strength especially from patriarchs like Abraham, Job, Joseph, and others who could look above and know that God was in control of His universe. Giving up was not part of my agenda, although days of depression were difficult to manage. Paul’s immortal words gave me great strength, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). We must all seize life in whatever form and refuse to complain, but take advantage of whatever opportunities come our way.

During the close of my third year of convalescence, although keeping a positive attitude, it was becoming more difficult to handle the depression and stress of confinement. This writer can say with certainty that during this time of confinement, my prayer life had become richer, deeper, and more intense than at any previous time of my Christian pilgrimage (2 Cor 4:16-18). Though the outward man was decaying, yet the inward man was being renewed day by day and kept me strong.

Whatever our circumstance in life, to overcome the hardship and tribulations of life we must seek God. Paul wrote, "When we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass and ye know." Paul was confident that troubles would come. Should we expect any less? The secret is accepting them, so that we may use them as a stepping stone to enhance our spiritual growth. This writer wishes you well and prays for peace and blessed assurance as we overcome this temporary trial during this life. Our Lord will be with us every step of the way, so we must live close to Him. Godspeed to all my suffering friends and brethren, and "take a day at a time."

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