How does someone not waste their life if a chronic illness has stolen their strengths, taken their time, and put them in bed all day? How can a Christian living with a debilitating disability not waste their life? It’s an important question from a listener named Sarah. “Hello, Pastor John, I’ve enjoyed listening to your podcast for several years. My husband and I actually started our dating relationship by listening to and discussing Ask Pastor John episodes together. “I was very encouraged by your episode ‘God’s Sovereign Plans Behind Your Most Unproductive Days,’ and my question is related. I’ve had chronic illness for several years and am struggling to understand God’s purpose in it. “Five years ago, I left my job to serve as an intern on the mission field in Haiti. After the internship, I started to pursue longer-term positions on the mission field, but doors clearly closed and my health problems began. I settled in at my church, became involved there, and met my husband. I was working at a job I loved and often invited coworkers to church. “But my health continued to worsen, and last year, I had to quit my job. I’ve also had to drop out of serving at church and frequently cannot even attend on Sunday. I have spent thousands of dollars I would gladly give to missions on medications and treatments. Time I would gladly serve the Lord with or invest in others is eaten up by doctor appointments. My energy is very limited and some days I can’t even focus well enough to pray. “I am desperate to not waste my life, but the days, weeks, and months consumed with illness are slipping through my fingers like sand. Five years ago, I had so much to give and now I feel that I have so little. Can weeks and months of sickness spent in bed count as much for eternity and God’s glory as weeks and months spent serving on the mission field? How can I be a faithful servant of the Lord on the days when I can do nothing?” Episode: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/i-have-chronic-fatigue-how-do-i-not-waste-my-life Related Resources: “God’s Sovereign Plans Behind Your Most Unproductive Days” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uo1HzyfLG8 Sermon Series “Olympic Spirituality” https://www.desiringgod.org/series/olympic-spirituality “How Can Elsie Run” https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-can-elsie-run Similiar Resources: “How to Fight Laziness” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLxmoWRh-yg “Ten Principles for Personal Productivity” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFm4U66MsNs “Three Steps to Stop Wasting Your Life” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8Y9DXNqFzc “I’m Exhausted — How Do I Recharge My Body Without Neglecting My Soul?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=055eVmrYQfQ Find other recent and popular Ask Pastor John episodes, http://desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john