"God has given me His strength"

“I’m Kirsty and have been attending Croydon Vineyard for approximately 5 years. I live in Croydon with my partner and our daughters (4 years & 2 years). In his early 20s my partner was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Over the past 20 years he has had 5 major operations. The most recent one was in February. During the surgeries parts of his digestive system are removed after becoming inflamed with ulcers caused by the Crohn’s.

Whilst he was in hospital at the beginning of this year suffering with a particularly bad flare up, I was home with both girls. I am also a secondary teacher so was also juggling teaching remotely.

At times the pressure and weight of the situation felt unbearable. However the presence and hand of God never left us. It caused me to seek Him in a way that I have never before and has deepened my relationship and understanding of him more than would have ever happened if I was in a place of comfort.

Through the difficulties and struggles God has grown me and given me His strength to carry on.

It has also given me the opportunity to pray with and for my partner and persevere in prayer when things seem impossible. Whilst he is not visibly healed yet I truly believe that God has healed him and it’s only a matter of time before we see the manifestation of His healing powers.

God reigns and however much longer we have to endure this illness I trust in His timing and in His plan. We have the rest of eternity to live with Him in His Glory free from sickness and pain.”

Kirsty