Gratitude Story : Grateful to God Even in Sickness



The Bible says, “By His stripes, we are healed.” As I sat in the genetic doctor’s office, these words echoed in my heart. Her voice was calm but carried the weight of the news she had to share: I have the BRCA2 mutated gene. As she spoke, I felt the words hit me like a storm, and tears streamed down my face.

The doctor explained the implications and strongly advised me to undergo a hysterectomy. Fear and uncertainty gripped me. I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. My heart was burdened beyond words, and I asked, “Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song?” But then, like a gentle whisper, the answer came: “Oh yes, He cares.”

I took a leap of faith and underwent the surgery last year. It was not an easy journey, but God saw me through it. His hand was steady and present, even in the darkest moments.

This year brought new challenges—a diagnosis of gallstones. These tiny stones caused so much pain and discomfort, affecting my daily life. Yet, in the midst of it all, I found myself clinging to Scripture, particularly the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18:
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

At first, this verse felt almost impossible to apply. How could I give thanks while dealing with genetic mutations, surgery, and now gallstones? What was there to be thankful for in these circumstances? But as I meditated on the verse, God revealed its deeper meaning. It wasn’t about being grateful for the pain but being thankful in the pain.

This verse reminded me that gratitude isn’t about denying the reality of our struggles—it’s about acknowledging God’s presence within them. It’s a conscious choice to see His hand working even when life feels overwhelming. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is wrong to what is right: God’s faithfulness, His love, and His promise never to leave or forsake us.

I began to thank God for the little things:

  • For the wisdom of doctors who detected the BRCA2 mutation in time to take preventive measures.
  • For the strength, He gave me to undergo surgery and recover.
  • For His guidance in every decision, I had to make.
  • For the opportunity to draw closer to Him in prayer and trust.

Even as gallstones caused me discomfort, I found reasons to be thankful. I thanked Him for the medical care available to address my condition.,for my family and friends who supported me., and for every moment of life He has given me—because each breath is a gift.

Through this journey, I also learned that gratitude is an act of obedience. When Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. he wasn’t asking believers to ignore their struggles. He was calling us to align our hearts with God’s will. Gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect; it means trusting that God’s plans for us are good, even when we don’t understand them.

In the face of sickness and uncertainty, I also echoed the words of Job:
"Though He slays me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).
"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God" (Job 19:25-27).

Despite these trials, I am still alive. and breathing.
for that, I am eternally grateful. Through sickness and pain, I have learned that gratitude depends not on circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God’s love and faithfulness.

I may not know what the future holds, but I know the One who holds my future. And that is enough.


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