I've always been a very active person, but several months ago I had a stroke and now I'm confined to my home. I feel so useless. I want to do things like I used to, but I can't, and it's frustrating. I can't even go to church. — D.P.

I suspect this is one of the hardest things you have ever had to face - if not the hardest. No one likes to give up the things they love to do (especially if they've been very active), and yet most of us will have to do it someday, if we live long enough.

The most important thing I can tell you is that God knows what has happened to you, and He also knows your frustration (and even anger). But listen: He also loves you, and He wants to help you and give you the strength to overcome this situation. This doesn't mean He'll necessarily take away your disability - but it does mean He will help you accept your limitations and adjust to them, if you let Him. The Bible says that "patience is better than pride" (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

Instead of focusing on all the things you can't do, thank God for the things you still can do. Ask Him also to help you discover new ways you can serve Him - ways you never explored before. Some of the greatest men and women of prayer I have ever known were invalids. Some of the most cheerful and encouraging people I have ever met were confined to a wheelchair or sickbed.

Most of all, let this be a time when you draw near to Christ, and turn your mind and heart toward heaven. The Bible says, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).