“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” (Psalm 54:5 NIV)

I’m having one of those days. You know the kind. A day where there are multiple pain sites on my body, some of them severe enough to slow me down. A day where between the pain and fatigue, I realize I’m just not up to par and I can feel my plans for the day slipping away into the realm of “not possible.” What to do?

One thing we all can always do and my first step today is to give thanks. I’m thankful I don’t have as many days like this as I used to in the past. I’m thankful my physical situation isn’t worse. Truly.

I know of someone facing back surgery, a pastor friend in pain with a kidney stone, a friend just diagnosed with bone marrow cancer and another one waiting for a liver transplant. We all know others in pain. While their pain doesn’t minimize ours, it’s important we not get too inward even if we’re hurting. It helps when we pray for others.

After securing a thankful heart, we can walk in faith. We can choose to believe the Lord is actually our help, meaning He will help us accomplish all we need to do. This is the time to exercise faith for the To Do list. I have a lot on that list this week and I can’t afford to lose a day, but I’m not going to worry. Instead, I ask the Lord for help and then choose to believe everything that needs to get done will get done.

And let’s trust Him. As we meditate on the verse above and even speak it out loud, we will build our trust. The Lord is the One who sustains us. He is with us and we can rest in His sustaining power.
Praise the Lord! Whatever happens or doesn’t happen today, we can rejoice not only in His strength, but also in the fact He extends that strength to us.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your help and grace available to us today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Erica Faraone lives in Whitefish, MT with her husband, Scott, and their three teenagers. Erica has Fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and inappropriate sinus tachycardia. She has also dealt with infertility, migraines, TMJ and depression, but she gives God glory for much improved health. The Lord is her strength and her song! Connect with Erica at http://ericafa

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 NIV)

When I am in the middle of a chore, I become frustrated when there is an interruption, whether it is a phone call, or the doorbell, or the kids yelling for me to “come see this.” Regardless of the urgency, I hate to stop what I am doing.

The other day, my parents called right when I was about to prepare dinner. I let out a long sigh. To be honest, I wanted to let the answering machine take the call. I rationalized that I would return their call when I had a more time to talk. However, I couldn’t ignore the ringing.

When I answered the phone, I believe that my mother heard my hurried tone, because she immediately apologized for disturbing me and asked me to call her back later. I felt bad because she had detected my frustration/impatience. I turned off the stove and sat at the table, closing my eyes and praying for God to remove any feelings of distraction.

Mama wanted to thank me for a card I had mailed to her and Daddy. We talked for an hour. She told me about church activities and her neighbors. When she put Daddy on the phone, he and I talked for another half hour. When I finally got off the phone, I kept a smile on my face for the rest of the afternoon.

That night, as I thanked God for my parents, I remembered my frustration from earlier in the day. I asked God to forgive me for almost throwing away the opportunity for Him to give me the joy that I so frequently pray for. He used my parents to bring a much needed break and lots of laughter into my day.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the little interruptions in my day. I praise You for the people who follow Your prompting to call or email or drop a card in the mail. Help me to see these times as the blessings that they are.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dorothea lives in California with her husband and their two teenagers. Although she has endured the challenges of several chronic conditions for over 20 years, she trusts in God’s grace to help her get through each day. You may email her at: dorothea.love@…, or leave a comment and read some of her other works at: www.restministriessunroom.ning.com/profile/DorotheaLove

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 NIV)

When I am in the middle of a chore, I become frustrated when there is an interruption, whether it is a phone call, or the doorbell, or the kids yelling for me to “come see this.” Regardless of the urgency, I hate to stop what I am doing.

The other day, my parents called right when I was about to prepare dinner. I let out a long sigh. To be honest, I wanted to let the answering machine take the call. I rationalized that I would return their call when I had a more time to talk. However, I couldn’t ignore the ringing.

When I answered the phone, I believe that my mother heard my hurried tone, because she immediately apologized for disturbing me and asked me to call her back later. I felt bad because she had detected my frustration/impatience. I turned off the stove and sat at the table, closing my eyes and praying for God to remove any feelings of distraction.

Mama wanted to thank me for a card I had mailed to her and Daddy. We talked for an hour. She told me about church activities and her neighbors. When she put Daddy on the phone, he and I talked for another half hour. When I finally got off the phone, I kept a smile on my face for the rest of the afternoon.

That night, as I thanked God for my parents, I remembered my frustration from earlier in the day. I asked God to forgive me for almost throwing away the opportunity for Him to give me the joy that I so frequently pray for. He used my parents to bring a much needed break and lots of laughter into my day.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the little interruptions in my day. I praise You for the people who follow Your prompting to call or email or drop a card in the mail. Help me to see these times as the blessings that they are.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dorothea lives in California with her husband and their two teenagers. Although she has endured the challenges of several chronic conditions for over 20 years, she trusts in God’s grace to help her get through each day. You may email her at: dorothea.love@yahoo.com, or leave a comment and read some of her other works at: www.restministriessunroom.ning.com/profile/DorotheaLove

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” (Exodus 23:20 NIV)

I learned about God from my mother and maternal grandmother. I’ve an early recollection of a prayer about a guardian angel appointed by God to be daily at my side. In time, I came to hear about other angels – the fallen ones,the demons, who seek to destroy. However, I came to understand that God uses His Heavenly angels: Cherubim, Seraphim, Guardian and Throne angels as His messengers. As I matured, I became aware of God’s own presence with me and within me giving his guidance.

Scripture honors God’s angels,they are His messengers and are never to be worshiped. He used them to give his directives or to announce life-changing events, chiefly among them a visitation to Mary. With her positive response to the angel’s message, God’ s Son Jesus became flesh – the Incarnation. Angels’ songs filled the night air heralding His birth.

God wants each of us to be blessed by the presence of His angels. “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways . . .” (Psalm 91:11a)NIV.

What can we learn from them? Are we also messengers of God? Are we called upon to help those we love and even those with whom we are in casual contact on various occasions? I’d say, “yes”! Even a timely smile can lift someone who may be struggling and bring them hope. Often we are the message – our lives an inspiration to others in ways we may not even realize. And I know we can all count many whose lives inspire us.

Angel notes are all around: in Scripture, in music, in others being prompted to bless us and in our guidance to minister God’s love to them. The “hosannas” of heaven can be transposed to earth if we are willing to sing along.

Prayer: LORD God help me return my praises to heaven as I ponder the ways You are manifested to me each day. Angels of old inspire me. Your angels now help lead me on your prepared way bringing me your care. All these blessings are cascading from above to earth and straight into my heart. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 26 years of living with daily physical challenges.

“Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn.” (Isaiah 51:1)

I love this verse. This passage helped me through some of my most difficult days after my thyroid cancer and the onset of my anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I would speak it to myself over and over.

There are times in my life when I forget the spiritual roots of my new nature in Christ. When I am in the midst of a setback in pain, anxiety, or depression, how quickly I revert to my old nature of doubt and unbelief. I need to remind myself not only of Who lives within me, but of my Christian “family tree.”

Hebrews 11 is the great Hero Hall of Fame in Scripture, bearing testimony to the believers who lived by faith, regardless of their physical circumstances and sufferings. Our Lord himself was the perfect example of faith and trust in the Father’s plan, never fearing or wavering during times of trial and temptation.

We are “cut” from the solid rock of Christ. I see the stones in his “quarry” as representing the countless believers who have lived and will yet live through time. These stones vary in shape, size, and usage. Some of them may be crushed into finer pieces than others. Some may be more prominent than others. Yet they all are chiseled from the same block of stone – Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.

When I am tempted to fear and give up hope, I need to remember that I have the strength and solidarity of Christ, and that I am surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses – my brothers and sisters in the faith. Then I will not fear, even when it seems that the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea (Psalm 46:2). I’m not only standing on the solid rock, I’m part of it.

Prayer: Lord, when all around me gives way, help me to stand on You – my solid rock. Let me not forget my spiritual heritage, and may it be a source of comfort and inspiration to me. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may contact her at spindler@cox.net.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matt. 5:14 NIV)

Summer sun warmed the yard while a cool breeze kept the day from becoming uncomfortable. Life is good, I thought, especially since two of my grandkiddies just arrived for a visit.

After being freed from the tangle of seat belts and car seats, Kendrick charged to the house for some juice and Taylonee raced past grandpa and headed straight for the swing set. Ignoring the slide, she grabbed a swing and called, “Grandpa, push me!” I was already sitting on my scooter so I cranked the speed control to halfway between the picture of the turtle and the picture of the rabbit. Born to be wild don’t cha know!

Stopping near the A-frame, I took two spastic steps and placed a firm grip on the frame with my left hand so I could push with my right.. “Grandpa, push me!” After a couple of serious nudges, she was airborne, soaring into the wild blue yonder. As her swing began its return to earth, she called out, “Grandpa, you’ve got the power!” My first reaction was to smile and stand a little straighter. In her world, at that moment, I did have the power. (I wanted to ask her what she wanted for Christmas.)

Then I thought, “Power? What power?” I have no bulging biceps with which to box a heavy bag. I have no protruding pectorals with which to bench press 500 lbs. My quads could never carry me over the triathlon finish line. I don’t even have the power to cross the room without my walker! So what kind of power does grandpa have?

The same that Joshua gave the Israelites. The power to choose. (Joshua 24:15)

She was right. I did have the power. No–wait. WE have the power. You and I, beloved of our Father, we have the power to choose. We can hand down a verdict or extend a helping hand. We can condemn or forgive. We can turn away or get involved. As the saying goes, we can curse the darkness or light a candle. Today, let us choose to be the light of the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ken Miller is a legally blind, cancer survivor with spinocerebellar ataxia. He lives in northern Minnesota with his wife Kathy. He contributes to two church newsletters and has published the first part of his memoir; Out of the Fishbowl. He can be reached at www.kenmillerbooks.com

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NIV)

During this season of Advent, I find myself praying more, expressing my faith, which has deepened and having a more positive attitude that God will work everything out for His glory. I have a sweatshirt that states,” LORD help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that You and I cannot handle together.”

I also have a sense of inner peace that no matter what, with finances tight and more medical tests done to rule out the possibility of cancer again, God will see things through.

Living with chronic illness and the fear of the unknown is common to each of us, as we go from test to test. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and spirits for the Birth of our Savior Jesus. When I think of Advent, I wonder what Mary pondered in her heart as she sat on the donkey on the ride to Bethlehem. I wonder what she felt giving birth in a stable, far from her family and friends and how would God prepare she and Joseph to be the earthly parents of Jesus, the Mighty Son of God, King of all kings. What a daunting task!

If God could see Mary and Joseph through, how much more will He see us through. God will always find a way, for when He shuts a door, He opens a window. Look for that window in the recesses of your heart and soul. Don’t for once allow the stigma of chronic illness and pain, or depression enter your soul. You have meaning, God created you for a reason and because of you, Love came down. Open your heart to Jesus.

This Christmas, may Love come down just for you. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:16,17 NIV)

Prepare a room in your heart and soul for Jesus. You will never be the same, I promise you.

God’s Blessings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kay DeCarlo, 47, Devotional Coordinator for Rest Ministries, lives with her husbabd, Joe of 20 years and her two sweet dog-type fur-children in Connecticut. As survivor of Hodgkin’s Disease and Congestive Heart Falure, she has never lost sight that God is bigger than any trial or circumstance she faces. Kay suffers from Bipolar Disorder type 1, Insulin Dependent Diabetes and Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a form of Congestive Heart Failure.

“Let us fix our eyes on the Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
When I read this verse I picture our walk as a rickety old bridge. The walking boards old, worn and in imminent danger of breaking. The handrails either broken or totally missing in some places.

Before we start our journey into chronic illness we look at this expanse defeated. Fear grips our hearts. Uncertainty fills our soul. How are we ever going to traverse this? It is impossible. But picture, if you will, Jesus on the other side, beckoning us. He is saying to you and I today, “Don’t look down nor to the right or to the left. Keep your eyes fixed on me.”

Putting full focus on our circumstance keeps us frozen, but if we instead look straight into Jesus’ eyes, knowing full well He has it handled, we can with confidence go into each day with a renewed hope of making it through to the other side of whatever we might be going through.

If today you feel yourself slipping, losing your step and in fear of falling, then I say to you, look into His eyes and keep putting one foot in front of the other. His love is infinite and eternal. Scripture says God is for us, not against us. He is on the other side saying, “You can do this, I have put my Spirit in you and you will persevere and overcome just as I did.”

Our faith is not in people or things, it is in our God and His ability to make things right. This is a season of renewed hope as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. And a Savior is exactly what we need!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Catherine Barron lives in Sheridan, Montana. She is semi retired and loves to read, write, and her latest hobby, outdoor photography, although her first love will always be the word of God. She considers her fibromyalgia a formidable, unrelenting teacher.

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love towards those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him.”
(Psalm 103:11-12,17 NIV)

Dear ones do you see a common theme running through these verses? How high is the heavens from the earth? How far does the east go from the west? Can our minds even conceive what from everlasting is to everlasting? It reminds me of a song the children sing in church: “Deep and wide, deep and wide…”

We cannot measure God’s love. The most exacting formula cannot bring numbers to it. The newly refurbished Hubble Telescope sees thousands of light years away, but it has not found the end to space. We don’t have any idea how high the heavens are above the earth!

He removed our transgressions as far as the east is to the west. There is no point where we can say, “OK, we we have found the end of east.” There is no wall that marks off the end of west. And from everlasting to everlasting? What is an everlasting? Where can one find even one end of everlasting as a point to work from?

Totally confused now? God’s love is bigger, deeper, higher, wider, than our human minds can conceive or comprehend.

What a comfort these verses are! When we have pain, when our bodies are so sore we ache to move, it can be very frightening. We can feel vulnerable. But we can never be brought to a place by our illnesses that God is not. We can never, ever be moved from His love. God is that big, that powerful, and yet He holds us carefully in the palm of His hand.

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11 NIV)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandra Platt is a Pastor’s wife and mother of two college kids. She has had Fibromyalgia for 18 years and recently has been diagnosed with MS. She is learning to make peace with her wheelchair. Her life verse is from Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

“I will answer him and care for him. I am like a green pine tree; your fruitfulness comes from me” (Hosea 14:8 NIV).

There are many visual signs of the Christmas season, and Christmas trees are one my favorites. I was surprised to find the above verse in which God likens Himself to a pine tree, and I found the analogy quite interesting.

The pine tree is an evergreen. It never loses its needles and remains green despite the cold of winter. Its foliage is always there to provide shade and shelter. How clearly this describes our Lord, who is there for us always, faithful in every season of life.

The pine tree produces cones in various shapes and sizes. Some cones yield more seeds than others, and some have fewer flaws. Yet they are all attached to and part of the tree, relying on its nourishment to grow. In the same way we are all God’s creation, regardless of our differing abilities. He designed each of us uniquely, and we live and grow according to His perfect plan, relying on His faithfulness to meet our every need.

The cones produce fruit, but only by being attached to the tree itself. The seeds within the cones are dispersed to grow new trees elsewhere. Our illnesses do not keep us from producing fruit for our Lord if we are abiding in Him. He uses us for His kingdom despite our weaknesses, and at times because of them. Our lives may impact someone else, who in turn will affect yet another. By His grace and strength, we too can spread seeds for Him.

New growth on a pine branch is sometimes referred to as a candle. Despite our chronic illnesses, we can grow and shine as candles in some way this Christmas season, scattering seeds of love and faith among those whose lives we touch.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for being my source of life, ever constant and unchanging. Remind me of Your faithfulness in the evergreens I see. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com and contact her at spindler@cox.net.