By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Did you know, the average person takes between 500-700 million breaths in their lifetime? We take our first breath when we enter this world and our last breath when we leave it. Pause for a moment and think about the importance of breathing. Now, take a deep breath. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.
For most of us, breathing is an involuntary function we rarely think about. Yet, it is essential for sustaining human life. “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7).
While breathing is a simple, thoughtless thing to do for most, for others, breathing can be a challenge.
Several years ago, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition that impacts my lungs. It was discovered when I suddenly developed a bad cough that I couldn’t shake. When over-the-counter remedies and prescriptions gave me NO relief, my doctor ordered a series of tests. First an X-ray, then an MRI, and finally, a lung biopsy. The diagnosis was conclusive—Sarcoidosis—a rare auto-immune condition which caused nodules to develop on my lungs. These nodules not only caused irritation (the reason for my uncontrollable cough) but they kept my lungs from functioning normally.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sarcoidosis is a condition that causes tiny collections of immune system cells in any part of the body. These tiny collections form red, swollen lumps called granulomas. Granulomas most commonly occur in the lungs and the lymph nodes of the chest. They also can occur in the eyes, skin, heart and other organs”
My pulmonologist said, based on the large quantity of nodules found on the scans, I’d had the condition a long time. No wonder I was getting out of breath so easily. Walking, biking, and even going up a simple set of stairs triggered out-of-control wheezing and gasping for air. It was embarrassing. But at least I finally knew the reason I had been struggling.
Since the diagnosis, I’ve had to make some adjustments to my lifestyle to help minimize negative consequences. I need to walk more slowly when exercising. My husband bought me an e-bike because it’s less taxing on my lungs. And when I get to the top of the stairs, I have to stop and rest before moving on to the next thing. When I get out of breath it can be a scary feeling. I remind myself that I have to give myself time to catch my breath. I tell myself, God’s got me, and this out-of-control feeling will subside.
It’s good advice for Sarcoidosis. And it is good advice to follow when life throws a metaphorical curveball that socks you in the chest that takes away your breath.
A loved one passes unexpectedly. A doctor gives a terminal diagnosis. A child walks away from the Lord. A boss hands you a pink slip. Your spouse files for divorce. The bank files a lien on your house.
Even less dramatic things can take your breath away: a bad work review, a friend moves away, you’re unjustly accused., a failing grade., a cancelled flight . . .
Life is hard.
We all experience challenges that force us to pause and catch our breath. But just like it is for me when my lungs are stretched beyond capacity, we, too, must take time to slow down, pause, and just breathe. God’s got us, and He will get us through. We need to remember, this out-of-control feeling will subside in time.
So, breathe in; breath out. Breathe in; breathe out. God has it all under control. He knows your every breath and is holding you in the palm of His hand. So just breathe.
And when life gets back to normal, be sure to give God praise.
“The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).
“Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath…” (Job 7:7).
“In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12;10).
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Check out our daily devotional books: Living in Truth Day by Day *** Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit *** Living in Truth: A Christmas Devotional.
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