Mountains ‘Round The Corner
28 Feb 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic back pain, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, hopekeepers, illness, illness impact affect on family, Lisa Burgess, rest ministries, trials and chronically ill
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 125:2 NIV)
I was camping out in the hotel room, resting from a week of doctors’ appointments and good news/bad news scenarios. My husband had suggested I walk outside when it warmed up so I could see the view of the Rocky Mountains from the other side of the hotel.
But I had already seen the mountains on another trip. Yes, I remember them as looking quite impressive, but frankly, I was tired of mountains. My mountains of late had only been obstacles to climb. Or long detours to skirt around. Or roadblocks to prevent me from fulfilling my plans.
Yet, I wanted to appease my husband. So I stepped outside and walked around the corner. Then stopped dead in my tracks.
The mountains! They were magnificent. The view was like none I had remembered seeing before. Their size and color and quantity were astounding.
And I repented. Why had I been so reluctant to look face-on at the mountains? Too often I view the challenges of pain as mountains in my way, instead of majestic opportunities for God to flex His power.
God knows where the best views are. Sometimes they’re just around the corner, if I’ll step out and look up. And yes, the mountains can be intimidating, but if I can view them from God’s perspective, I will be impressed with His grandeur. He doesn’t want me to be intimidated by the mountains in my path, but rather to open my mouth in awe at His strength.
While our illnesses may be as challenging as mountains at times, they can also give us unique perspectives to see God in light of His protection and adventure and wonder. May I choose to see them as such more often.
Lord, Thank you for never giving up on showing us Your grandeur. Help us adjust our attitudes to reflect Your glory as we gaze at the mountains with less fear of them and more awe of You.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Burgess is a wife and mother to two teenage girls in Alabama. She is somewhat afraid of heights, but heads to the mountains anyway when her husband holds her hand. Dealing with chronic back pain and other illnesses, she writes of her adventures with God and can be reached at LisaNotes.blogspot.com
Hang in There
26 Feb 2009 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christy brewster, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, oregon, prayer for healing, rest ministries, trials and chronically ill
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18)
Sometimes I get so caught up in the pain and need of my current physical condition that I totally take my spiritual eyes off the Lord. So rather than the comfort and strength I would draw from the Lord’s Word, I tend to wallow a bit . . . or as my dear mother-in-love would say, “have a `pity-party’”.
It just seems so unfair. Ohhhh did I really say that (gulp) outloud? Maybe what I need is a good old fashioned kick in the `spiritual’ pants, so to speak! Though I’m forgiven, I still currently live in a fallen world, with things such as pollution, war, sickness, crime . . . . My complaint is like that of a soldier at war who gets shot and complains . Didn’t he know it was a distinct possibility? Really only One person ever lived who was truly treated unfairly. And He reminds me that His grace is enough for me. (2 Cor.12:9)
Still I want to justify my feelings to God, like, wouldn’t I have a better testimony if I were healed? His answer to me is “what is that to you? You must follow me.”(John 21:22) Then He directs me back to the words in 2 Corinthians 4:10 “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” and verse 16, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
He even gives me advice on how to handle the really tough times, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18) That’s a spiritual `hang in there’, if I ever heard one! Temporary vs. eternal . . . how good of God to remind me. I think the “pity party” is over!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christy Brewster and her husband live on the Oregon coast. She lives with multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Her writing goal is found in 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.” She loves to hear from readers and may be contacted at: www.restministriessunroom.ning.com/profile/ChristyBrewster
All Thoughts Great & Small
25 Feb 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: blessings, cares, chose, chronic illness, CIDP, daily, Denny Dowd, faults, God, hopekeepers, love, mind, pain, power, rest ministries, salvation
“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor? (Isaiah 40: 12-13 NIV)
Driving to work from Ohio this morning, I saw an oddly shaped cloud in the sky. It was shaped roughly like a cupped hand and extended arm. As I turned a sharp bend on the turnpike, the morning sun seemed for a moment to float in the hollow of the cupped hand. This reminded me of the verse above.
Moments like these force me to see God’s limitless power and might; beyond human measure and in all things. We are told in scripture that all things will be put right by the Lord forever. It staggers my mind to attempt capturing this essence. Once my mind begins to grasp the enormity of it all, He reminds me that He chose me and loves me, in spite of all my faults.
Take a moment and read Psalm 8, it is the perfect compliment to these thoughts. God is all these mighty things and cares for all of us so much that He willingly sent His own Son to die in our place, to pay our price. If the total provision for our salvation in Christ is the measure of God’s love, it is easy to see that we are truly forever in His debt. And yet, He still continues to pour on the blessings in this life, and is preparing a place for our home coming.
Prayer: Your magnificent power and wisdom are so far beyond our minds that we stagger under the thought of them. Yet, in all this might and knowing, You care for each of us. It is Your will, Your desire that no one perish. You know our names, our cares, our heart’s desires and our days. Thank you for that love and care, keep us mindful of it. Teach us to love You and each other better as the days pass. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering. Denny is the world’s biggest Notre Dame Football fan. She lives with CIDP and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the most difficult of days.
Make Every Day The LORD’s Day
25 Feb 2009 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: absence seizures, brain tumor, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, fibromyalgia, hopekeepers, invisible illness, neuropathy, rest ministries, trials and chronically ill
“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NIV)
Many of us are suffering from one thing or another from our illnesses and possibly from the long hard winter behind us. Some of you may be feeling isolated and alone tonight. Others may feel like you are lost in a crowd because you feel like no one understands you and what your illness is all about.
We have all been there friends at one time or another. But I want to tell you dear ones that you are never alone. Jesus is with us night and day and He wants to hear from you. He wants us to lean on Him and talk to Him, just like you would a beloved and best friend.
Jesus is and can be our best friend and how comforting that is to know… with our physical and emotional pain we live with. He wants to take our hand… take us in His loving arms and breathe the Holy Spirit upon us that will comfort and encourage.
How long has it been dear ones since you have gotten really alone with Jesus and poured out your tears and your heart to Him? He wants to hear from you tonight.
He will comfort, He will delight your heart and give you that peace and joy that can only come from Him.
Let us allow every day to be the “LORDS DAY.” This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Nancy Dittert lives in a berm home in Rural Central Iowa with her husband & soul mate Patrick, 4 cats and a Lab/ Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring early because of illness. Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Absence Seizures and Neuropathy, and her husband had a brain tumor that left him disabled. They are still actively involved as Christian freelance writers and work full time in Chronic Pain Ministry through the Internet and local Cable TV. Write Nancy at nancierose@msn.com and visit her chronic pain web site at.http://Fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/index.html
Are You Looking At The Right Circumstances?
23 Feb 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: cancer, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, disabled, heart stints, hopekeepers, Pastor Pat Dittert, purpose in suffering, rest ministries
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19 NIV)
Many of us live in chronic pain. Whether it be from a disease or injury we all have it. Now with the stress of the economy and other factors in life it makes the pain that much more and harder to deal with.
When the stock market started it’s slide and people started losing their jobs, I made a statement that I stand firm on today. God will supply for his people. His economy is never bad and he always has what we need.
You see in His word he says he will supply all of our needs. Gods word is true. He can not lie.
Our biggest task is to trust in Him and believe what His word says. We may lose a few things, but God will be with us no matter what.
Peter had a problem of looking at the circumstances around him and listening to the dissenting voices behind him. In doing so he began to drown. We must listen to the voice of God and believe his word. We must also act upon his Word and be obedient servants.
We need to stop looking at our circumstances and start trusting in God and know what his Word says. Someday that may be all we have to hold onto… other than other believers.
Trust In God. You may go through some things but he will be there to supply and take you through.
Father Help us to tune out those voices around us that preach doom and gloom. Help us to focus on you and your words and to know that you will not leave us or forsake us. In Jesus name, Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Pat Dittert lives in a berm home in Central Iowa with his lovely wife Nancy and 5 fur babies. Pat lives with Chronic Pain from a number of surgeries and injuries. Brain Tumor surgery left him disabled and unable to do most physical activities. He is also a survivor of Cancer and now has 4 stints in his heart. Pat has several Internet Ministries, and is a freelance writer with Christian newspapers, books, Internet, etc. His Devotional page is http://fibromyalgiahelp.homestead. com/RevPatsDevotional.html
Refresh and Renew
22 Feb 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic pain, daily meditations, Fiona Burrows, hopekeepers, invisible illness, prayer for healing, rest ministries, trials and chronically ill
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Our lives can become really busy, rushing after people and things, trying to achieve, or acquire what we think we need. For many people, there is no place in their lives for God in their busy existence. God isn’t something they think they need, or He may be something that they will think about at a later date, when they have time.
I have just had time off work, where I was able to just stop a lot of my usual activities, and spend some time catching up on other. But mostly I needed to have a break and get some much needed rest and refreshment. I got tired as the year came near its end. That happens to me a lot, but it always seems to catch up to me at the end of a year. I have also had time to stop and reflect on the past year and to contemplate what this new year will be like and what I hope to achieve.
One of the things I really hope to achieve this year is to make sure there is time in my life for God. I need to draw close to God and know the refreshing that only He can give me. Only as I spend time with God getting to know Him better, can I hope to find the things He wants me to do and to know how He wants me to live. There is always uncertainty for me in the coming year, regarding my health. That’s not pleasant to contemplate, but I know that God will have a plan for me to get through it, whatever may happen.
How wonderful is it to think that I don’t face a new year alone. I face whatever it may hold, with a God who already knows what will happen each day of this coming year.
God will refresh and renew me for this new year just as He promises to do each day, and I pray that that new, fresh feeling may last throughout this year.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She has had chronic pain for a number of years and is grateful for the lessons God is teaching her through it.
What Are My Real Needs?
21 Feb 2009 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, hopekeepers, invisible illness, lynn severance, rest ministries, trials and chronically ill
“If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance. His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. Mark 8:3-6 (NIV)
Jesus’ teachings nourished the spirits of those gathered to listen to Him. Their body’s need for food was met, too. A miracle occurred as Jesus broke the bread, had his disciples distribute it to the thousands and leftovers remained!
In kind, God cares about my every need. He knows how undernourished I can become in all areas of my life. As someone who lives alone with chronic illness, how do I evaluate what I really am needing as each day dawns?
Are my feelings on edge, my hopes on hold or my spirit in need of some freshening? What is in Jesus’ basket for me? In isolation, there is always prayer, reading His Word , relaxing in the quiet, and ceasing from striving. In this accounting in Mark, I see something else. He asks His disciples to distribute the food to the crowds. I am designed for relationship with Him but also with others.
Do I isolate myself from nourishment friends can bring? I find it hard to ask for relationship needs that only a friend can give. This is difficult when I know that each of my friends’ lives is so full and busy. Chronic illness does not make me immune from the need of human connection. Actually, there may be need of more of it! If I get too depleted, my own times of bringing nourishment to friends is weakened.
This Scripture passage reminds me that the answer to all I need has its foundation in God. Then others contribute, as well. I, too, meet others’ needs as I am asked. Relationship. He wants no one to collapse on the way Home from lack of care.
Lord. Your basket of provisions holds bread, blessed and broken and always full. Help me receive from You and others the gift of relationship. Help me to be ready to give as well. AMEN
ABOUT OR AUTHOR
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She is single and lives alone in Lynnwood, WA. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 26 years of living with daily physical challenges.
Our Hope
20 Feb 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: and Fibromyalgia, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, hopekeepers, invisible illness, margie scott, parkinsons, rest ministries, spinal stenosis, trials and chronically ill
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5 NIV
David, the writer of this psalm was facing a great trial. He longed to be back in Jerusalem where he could worship the Lord at His holy temple. Worship freely without any enemy opposition. He felt abandoned, forgotten, and depressed. But David had hope, because he remembered God! I know, as many others do, that with chronic illness we can really fall into despair. We long for and miss the way life use to be.
We can get completely absorbed into having to adjust to new ways of life, letting go and giving in. But our tears of despair can be replaced with songs of praise. Our nights of weeping turned to hope and healing. There is nothing that can separate us from God’s love. His loving presence is always there to encourage us. When we allow Him, His love floods our hearts.
Ask God into your heart today. Remember Him and all His loving kindness that he has shown to you in your life. We can find courage and confidence in God. You will not be disappointed. Invite God to reach out to you deep down where God communicates to us without words. You may find yourself pouring out sorrow and burdens to God. This can be your new beginning with God. He will bend down and turn our tear stained face towards His. Then we can see Him, see Hope, and Love.
Rediscover God’s presence and love. We don’t have to pretend all is ok, and think that we have to put on a happy face. We have real hope and we can pour our hearts out to Him. God’s presence is gentle, compassionate and loving. He wants to be in your life, walking with you in sunshine and storms. I invite you to look to God today. The One who loves you very, very much. This is our hope, our strength in all things.
Heavenly Father, I ask that You help us to always look to You and remember your goodness and faithfulness. You are our Light and Truth. Lead and guide us in all our ways, and we give you all the glory! Amen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margie Scott lives in Arizona. She strives each day to trust God’s grace will always provide as challenges arise related to living with, Parkinson’s, spinal stenosis, and Fibromyalgia. You can contact Margie at mscott123@cox.net.
Everything We Need
20 Feb 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Bronlynn Spindler, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, hopekeepers, invisible illness
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (II Peter 1:3).
I must admit there are many times when I put limitations on this verse, depending on the kind of day I’m experiencing.
There are the great days – days when I feel well physically and emotionally and am able to enjoy life – time with a friend, a pleasant social event or activity, an opportunity to help someone in need. These days are sometimes few and far between, and when they come, are very precious. Then there are the days when I feel well but circumstances are trying. From the insignificant to the overwhelming, life brings annoying drivers, endless checkout lines, problems with a co-worker, concern over a family situation, and countless other situations we would prefer not having to deal with. And then there are the bad days – days of pain and discouragement, when all I can do is to endure and breath a sigh relief when it ends.
All of these days have a common thread – God’s power to get us through and do it well. I love the all-encompassing word “everything” in this verse. There is no day, no circumstance, no pain that his power is incapable of handling. In John 16:33, Christ said we would have trouble in this world, but he has overcome that. We forget that we have “his incomparably great power. . which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead” (Ephesians 1:19,20). And that resurrection power is within us every moment of every day through the Holy Spirit.
On a good day, we can praise him and sail along, enjoying the blessedness of it. On a bad day, we can cling in faith to the fact that he will get us through, giving us a memory to draw upon the next time we’re sinking. No day is too difficult for God in this life. “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Praise God, there is not.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. She struggles with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. She works part-time for a pediatric office and participates on her church worship team only by the grace of God. You can contact her at spindler@cox.net
God Bless You
18 Feb 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2
“How long will you simple ones love your simple ways?….but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:22, 33 NIV)
Early on in my professional life as a Social Worker, I was the director of a residential school in New Jersey for autistic children. It was there I learned the meaning of patience and compassion; it was also there I learned to listen not only with my ears, but also with my heart. Because of these early experiences I have never been afraid to talk to or work with children or adults who are mentally challenged.
Last week, I watched in amazement as a mentally challenged man changed the whole atmosphere and tone of the office where I work. I have worked with this man before and this day he needed some help getting his medications. While he waited in our reception area, he put smiles on many faces as he happily greeted everyone who happened to pass by and others whom he spoke to at length. He also said, “God bless you and love you” to those who spoke to him.
In the past two years, this man’s mother and fiancé died. His mother was his foundation, his support – his world. He grieved her loss for a long time, he still does, but in his grief he continues to praise God’s goodness to him. Even when he has every reason to rail against God – he doesn’t, he spreads God’s love instead.
Most mentally challenged individuals can’t censor their emotions; whatever they are feeling is evident. While this can make some people uncomfortable, I welcome this directness. I believe God uses all of us, regardless of our limitations, to spread His word. This man is a “carrier.” He carries God with him and spreads God’s love to everyone he meets.
I can’t think of a better example for all of us. Would that we were all such open carriers of God’s love what a different and more loving world this would be.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering. Denny is the world’s biggest Notre Dame Football fan. She lives with CIDP and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the most difficult of days.
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