Cheryl: My friend Gina was struggling with an unknown health issue. We were both in our early twenties, but she was struggling with joint issues that were making it hard for her to walk and do normal daily activities. She had been tested over and over for arthritis but always the tests were negative. Her family told her she was just lazy. She called me one night and was so frustrated and depressed over not knowing what was wrong with her. I remember hearing the desperation in her voice. I prayed. I didn’t know what to say to her. I prayed for the right words to say and was very surprised when they came to me. I don’t remember how but I just started telling her that she would receive a diagnosis soon but that it wouldn’t be the end of her struggle. It gave her some relief. A few weeks later she did get her diagnosis of a very rare autoimmune disorder called Wegner’s Granulomatosis. She was given a ten-year life expectancy. It’s been over 25 years now! That day holds a special place in my heart because I felt God in such a real way. He used me to comfort Gina and it was such a blessing to both of us.
