Getting the diagnosis of a chronic or autoimmune illness is beyond overwhelming and definitely life-changing and altering. When you’re a person of faith, you want to believe that things will be as Romans 8:28 states and that all things will work together for your good because you believe. But then there’s that clause about “being called according to your purpose,” and this matter of a life-altering diagnosis does not appear to fit what we consider to be purpose.

However, God wastes nothing and can take what devastates us and use it for His glory and honor. Having been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition in 2007 at the start of a promising career, author Takhia Gaither knows how it feels to look at what you’re being told and experiencing and not immediately be able to see the good of it. Finding comfort in the word of God, she put pen to paper and created a series of journal entries that not only provide a source of encouragement but allow the reader to grow and strengthen their relationship with God. It gives hope and a new view coupled with reflective activities that allow the reader to create and build their encouragement bank as they traverse the unknown waters of their illnesses.