Women in the Valley: Sandra’s Story

Thank you, Sandra, for sharing your story with us!

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Sandy (Sandra) Joseph, and I am delighted to share my story with you. My husband, Bill, and I met in college and married 42 years ago. Together we have called home the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania since we attended Geneva College, dated, and married. I love three of the four seasons!

We have 3 grown daughters, 3 sons-in-law, and 8 grandchildren ages 2 to 13. Our family enjoys any time we can be together, for there are lively conversations, lots of cousins, and chaos – but lots of fun! 

I enjoy traveling with my husband, listening to audio books (historical fiction is my favorite), and hosting people in our home. My warm-water exercise class feels wonderful several times a week. Any time spent with my family and friends is a sweet gift.

One week after we were married, I got deathly ill and was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This diagnosis caught me off guard, since I was only 21 years old and a newlywed of one week. For years, I struggled with a God who would allow this lifelong, never-ending disease to enter my life at this much-anticipated season of our life. 

Over time, God faithfully called me to learn who He is and how He works. He did so through His Word, His faithfulness, and His people revealing His great love, care, and purposes for me. It has been a lifelong journey of learning to have faith in my Savior. 

Thankfully, God has preserved our marriage and my life for 42 years, although there have been numerous seasons of hardships and struggles. Yet God has always proven Himself faithful, fulfilling His purposes for me, and He will continue to do so.

What has God taught you in your valley of chronic illness?

Oh, so very much! I would not be the woman, wife, mother, grammie, or friend I am today without this struggle of living with a chronic illness. Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at such a tender time in my life drove me (eventually) into the Word of God where I began to understand my great need of a Savior who would heal my ultimate chronic disease – my sinfulness, covered by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

God has taught me many lessons about trusting Him while living with a disease that requires constant daily attention and brings fear as its companion. Because of the struggles I continue to work through, I more easily identify pain and fear in others. I have learned to listen more intentionally to what another is saying, and to pray immediately with someone who is hurting. 

What Scriptures have spoken to you in your times of need?

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 

1 Peter 5:7

To realize that the Almighty, Holy God of the Universe cares for me and my daily needs is such a comfort to me. I want someone who will care when my blood sugar numbers are off, or I am dealing with a side effect from having diabetes for 42 years. God is the only one who understands completely the burden of my chronic illness and cares for me in the manner I need and desire. 

May I also add that there are countless verses that have ministered to me throughout my life with a chronic illness. As I continue reading deeper into God’s Word and learn how He interacted with people, I will often look for people in Scripture who are going through experiences and emotions that I go through.

I relate to Elijah when he is tired from fighting and afraid of Jezebel, how God allows cares for him and grants him a time of rest (1 King 19:1–18). I appreciate the disciples who ask a sleeping Jesus, “Don’t you care?” when the storm hits (Mark 4:35-41). I value my Savior’s cry for his friends to stay awake when he is battling what is ahead (Mark 14:32-42).

I could go on and on. The Scriptures provide a lifeline of stories and verses for me to rely on throughout each time of my need. 

What is the best part of your chronic illness?

God has used my struggles and His care and compassion provided to me to in turn share that care and compassion with others. The promise of 2 Corinthians is my daily call: Who is God calling me to share His hope, compassion, and care with today? Usually, I do not have to look far to find someone to encourage with a listening heart, life-giving Scripture, and a prayer to our only Hope. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

How would you encourage other women with chronic illness?

Get to know who God is by investing time to learn about Him through His Word. His Word brings comfort, wisdom, and strength to continue another hour, day, month, or year.

When you take the time to read His Word (in a translation you can understand), ask questions of those who understand it better than you. Look for the theme of how our greatest need for a Savior has been filled, and grasp the hope of eternal life – and your faith will grow! You will discover God’s purposes for you with a chronic illness!

What resources have helped you?

Here are several of my most go-to resources:

• The Swindoll Study Bible in the New Living Translation Version
• The God I Love by Joni Earerckson Tada 
• Michelle Cushatt’s books: Undone, I Am, and Relentless (I have not read her new book yet, but will)
• Corrie Ten Boom was very instrumental in helping me learn how to have faith when living a life I did not anticipate. She has authored many books, but The Hiding Place is a good place to start.

Can you relate to Sandra’s story? What part of her testimony most encouraged you? Any words you would like to leave for her in the comments?