Health issues can really test one’s faith.

I say this not because one tends to lose all their faith when faced with their own mortality, but more because one is tempted to do so. And there is a difference, because not everyone gives into despair just because their health outlook is bleak.

Recently, my wife’s friend underwent an operation, the removal of a benign tumor that threatened her reproductive system. It’s not cancerous, but it will likely grow back, so if she and her husband want a child, they need to decide that relatively soon. Like between the next six to 18 months. Talk about pressure!

At the same time, I’m dealing with a wealth of health issues that are slowing me down. From high blood pressure to frequent migraines to allergic reactions to some of the meds they are putting me on, I’ve been put through the ringer.

I don’t think I’m doomed by high blood pressure. It’s actually not that hard to overcome, even though it means permanent lifestyle changes, which are hard to stick to long-term. But when one gets hit with two or three bad health issues all at once, it can be tempting to give in to frustration, anger, depression and even grouchiness.

That’s where my wife’s friend was an inspiration this week. Within an hour of her own surgery, she was asking about my health, my wife’s health and far more worried about others rather than herself.

That’s impressive. It’s called passing the faith-test.