Dreams, Dreams
28 Jun 2009 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic illness, hopekeepers, Lisa Burgess, pain, rest ministries
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 NIV)
Dreams, dreams. I could see it in their eyes. As we boarded the airplane, a stream of young men followed behind. They each looked strong and hungry for more. Their shirt logos revealed the source of their hopes: boxing. They looked confident and courageous. They were going to pursue a dream, somewhere out there.
I think back to my own youth. Where did I pin my dreams? What did I think I could succeed in, beyond anybody’s wildest imagination? And what now? I didn’t anticipate a slow-down in my body by this age. But it’s here, and it’s reality. And my dreams of such things as running a marathon or even running at all, belong to by-gone years.
With age and with pain, my dreams have shifted. I can’t do all the physical things I imagined I would be doing with my body, but I can do other things with my mind and with my circle of friends and with my Savior that I couldn’t have imagined in my teens and 20’s.
The biggest dream is having a relationship with my Maker, and that can’t be stopped by arthritic knees or an aching back or reduced energy. God has no limits and He is the one in charge of fulfilling dreams.
Some of the young men on the plane may fulfill their earthly dreams and become boxers of renowned fame. Others may become distracted or injured or discouraged. Their dreams will shift. By necessity or by choice.
But if they’re as blessed as you and me, they will learn to bank their dreams on a Dreammaker who can’t be thwarted by bodies and circumstances and illnesses. And press on to a higher goal.
Prayer: Father, we thank You for giving us dreams and hope. We praise You for knowing which dreams to fulfill and which ones to let go. May we always trust Your wisdom and be grateful for Your sovereign plan. In the end, You make all
our dreams come true.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Burgess lives in Alabama with her husband and youngest teenage daughter. She is learning to let God fill and fulfill her with His dreams. She welcomes you to share your journey with her at LisaNotes.blogspot.com.
It’s Lonely At The Top
24 Jun 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: alice ervin, chemical sensitivities, chronic, comfort, Fibromyalgia pain and fatigue, hopekeepers, illness, lonely, pain, rest ministries, suffering
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (I John 3:2 NIV)
I kept having the same recurring dream. I was walking towards a beautiful mountain As I reached the bottom and started to climb, it became a cliff with hard, sharp pieces sticking out. As I tried to climb, I would always drop back to the bottom with bleeding hands and knees. I said to myself, “I can’t do this!” One night the dream changed a bit. When standing at the bottom, frustrated, I looked to the right side of the mountain, and there was a beautiful, gradual slope going upward on which I could walk in ease to get to the top. When I got to the top…..all alone, I stood there thinking, “It’s lonely up here!”
I don’t claim to be an interrupter of dreams, but as I think back, my body was in relatively good health at the time of those dreams. Years later, here I am, living daily with pain and constant struggles due to chronic illnesses. I truly feel like I am climbing that sharp, straight up, impossible cliff. But, would I want to climb that easier path and be free from all the pain and struggles of this broken body? I don’t think so. I would look down the side and see all my friends and loved ones, still struggling to “get to the top,” finding as I did that it was impossible.
We all have our “mountains to climb,” but I’m so thankful that, in my case, He has given me others who understand, and to whom I can turn to hear a word of comfort and encouragement. We are to “bear one another’s burdens,” and to “cast our cares on Him…” In doing so, we can trust Him to help us through any and all suffering we are going through.
Take heart Dear Ones. One day our climb will be oh, so worth it! For, when we reach the top – it won’t be lonely at all. Because there we’ll see Jesus face to face – and we shall be like Him!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alice Ervin continues each day to climb the mountains of Fibromyalgia pain and fatigue, chemical sensitivities, and other chronic illnesses. But, she does so with the help of her beloved husband and friends who are always willing to help in any way they can. But, most of all, she is thankful for the constant presence and comfort of her Savior, Jesus.
Excuse Me, Your Attitude Is Showing
21 Jun 2009 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: attitude, CFS, challenge, chemical sensitivities, chronic, daily, fibromyalgia, hopekeepers, IBS, illness, Interstitial cystitis, lupus, michele williams, pain, rest ministries, rheumatoid arthritis
“All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15 NIV)
I had a friend who complained about every little hangnail and sniffle. It came to the point whenever she really had something to complain about no one wanted to listen. Our attitudes color our whole personality. Let’s face it, none of us choose to have chronic illness and pain. But we can choose our attitude towards the chronic illness and pain.
Growing up my family was friends with a dear couple who were both crippled from polio in childhood. She worked in a factory all her life and he had his own TV/Radio repair shop. As the years continued their disabilities increased to where they needed special care, but they never complained. They were always happy and gracious individuals. This couple had such a happy attitude concerning their life challenges. It’s as though they have taken the old saying, “God give you lemons, then make lemonade.”
In reality they have found the secret to a happy heart by filling their mind with thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely admirable, excellent along with other thoughts that dwell on the good things in life and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). As we face the challenges of chronic illness we need to check our attitudes and then examine what we allow to enter our mind through television, books, conversations, movies, magazines and what we choose to dwell on. We may need to replace harmful input with some wholesome material. Above all we need to read God’s Word and pray asking God to give us an attitude adjustment so we can focus on what is good and pure.
Dear gracious heavenly Father, help us to daily make the right choices of what we should put into our minds so that we can dwell on what is pure and worthy of praise. Where change needs to happen, give us an attitude adjustment so we can be a witness for you. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michele Williams lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband of 35 years, along with their two dogs, and a cat. They have a beautiful grown daughter, son-in-law, and a handsome 14 year old grandson all of whom love the Lord and serve Him faithfully. Michele enjoys writing, blogging, nature and mostly spending time with her family. Michele is trusting in God that He will strengthen her to rise above life’s difficulties. Since 1985 she has lived with multiple chronic illnesses: Fibromyalgia, CFS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Interstitial cystitis, IBS, chemical sensitivities, to name a few. Visit Michele’s informative, encouraging and sometimes humorous Blogs: Beelieve You Can!- Michel’s Morsels http://michele-risingabove.blogspot.com and Beelieve You Can! A Healthier Me. http://beelieve-ahealthierme.blogspot.com
Time To Focus
17 Jun 2009 6 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic illness, chronic pain, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, depression, Dorothea, hope, hopekeepers, invisible illness, prayer, rest ministries
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).
Last week, the neurologist asked me to keep a journal, tracking my pain levels and symptoms. She wanted to see if there was a pattern to the migraines and
numbness.
I started the journal the next morning and wrote every symptom that I felt. Three days into the assignment, I became depressed. It seemed as if EVERYTHING was either numb or hurting.
While Norman and I ate breakfast, I shared my fears with him. I told him that focusing on the pain seemed to magnify just how much was going wrong in my body. I admitted to fearing that I would not have the courage to face this latest trial. Norman listened while I shared the weariness I felt at having to adjust to another phase of chronic illness.
When I finished pouring out my heart to him, Norman took my hand and prayed a simple prayer for me. He asked God to give me the courage to continue. He prayed for my medical team and for our family.
When he completed the prayer, Norman asked me to do him a favor. “I know you have to list all of your symptoms, but why don’t you also keep a list of your blessings?”
My eyes popped at the suggestion. “Sure, there’s a lot of pain and torment right now,” he continued, “but we also know that God is with you each step of the way.” I felt a genuine smile for the first time since I started the journal.
It has helped. The symptoms haven’t gone away, but my attitude has undergone a transformation in spite of everything. I have felt the renewing of my hope, the strengthening of my faith, and the unexpected emergence of my joy.
Prayer: Father, I praise You for keeping me. Thank You for giving my husband the insight and wisdom to help me. Keep my mind focused on Your promises and my heart free from fear.
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. She writes with the desire to encourage others and to remind them of God’s unfailing love. Please leave a comment for Dorothea or read some of her other works at: www.restministriessunroom.ning.com/profile/DorotheaLove
Living Through Changes
14 Jun 2009 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: back pain, Bronlynn Spindler, change, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, depression, fibromyalgia, grief, headaches, hopekeepers, invisible illness, rest ministries
”For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. “ (II Corinthians 4:11 NIV)
I have realized that change is challenging for me. Perhaps it stems from the fact that I moved around frequently as a child, and felt insecure in having to attend new schools and build new relationships. For whatever reason, I dislike change.
Each of us have changes in our lives that have been difficult to overcome. Some of my most challenging physical changes have been chronic health and pain issues and their resulting losses. An empty nest proved to be extremely difficult emotionally. I came across a saying a few years ago that made an impression on me. I do not recall who wrote it, but it said, “Life involves change. Change involves loss. Loss involves death. Every time we are delivered over to a death of any kind, we are challenged to allow the loss to bring gain for Jesus’ sake. We do this by allowing his life to be revealed in our mortal bodies.”
Changes in our health do bring loss and what could even be called dying to parts of our selves– loss of abilities, activities, relationships, experiences, hopes and plans. There is pain and grief in that loss. Yet the above verse speaks of the good that can come out of those changes. Somehow every “death” that we experience on any given day can bring glory to God. Perhaps it is by praising him and trusting him to get us through, rather than by listening to the voice of the enemy and giving in to fear and discouragement. Perhaps it is by sharing our experiences with someone else as a word of encouragement or empathy.
Whatever the circumstances, in life or death, our ultimate reason for existence is to glorify God. If it takes change in our lives to do that, let it be so. And “as they pass through the Valley of Baca (Weeping), they make it a place of springs. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” (Psalm 84:6,7)
Prayer: O God, how thankful I am that in the ebb and flow of my life’s days, you remain the same. Remind me that regardless of changes taking place around me and within me, you give me strength to walk in newness of life with you. Amen
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 paediatric office and participates on her church worship team only by the grace of God.
Put On Love
10 Jun 2009 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic pain, Conditions and Diseases, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, invisible illness, lynn severance, rest ministries, Support Groups
- Image by Swamibu via Flickr
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful”, (Colossians 3:14,15 NIV)
When I see these words, “put on love” I wonder how do I do that. Is putting on love like putting on a coat? Is it like putting on the armor that guards us against the enemy’s assaults? To put something “on” seems so temporary. I want love to be a permanent part of me and of everything I do.
Scripture’s exhortation is that “above all these” I am to put on love. Above what? I back up and find these words, “…you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (vs. 9,10)
I knew Christ before chronic illness hit. I know it is God’s strength I use to live out each day now. Does the world still pull me in? Yes. The list of worldly ways intrude often. I can find myself caught up in impatience and even anger as I long for the days when life was easier.
Putting on love I could be more thankful for God’s comfort and the new tasks He helps me accomplish. Kindness, gentleness,and patience seem easier to extend to others than give to myself yet I am told to clothe myself in them. When I choose to put on love it becomes the glue that binds these virtues in harmony with God, myself and others.
I’d say a good and godly glue is what I long for as Christ and I partner to live out each day. I want to dwell within his chronic comfort rather than my chronic pain. I desire that Christ’s peace takes up residence in my heart. Yes, I want to put on love!
Prayer: Lord, help me put on your love, and extend it to all I meet and to myself as well. I choose to press on clothed in You and receiving all I need for this day. Amen.
About the 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.
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The Serenity Prayer
10 Jun 2009 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Advocacy, Amen., daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, Health, invisible illness, prayer, rest ministries, trials and chronically ill
- Image by fr064722 via Flickr
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen. (Reinhold Niiebuhr 1943)
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Things Are Not Always What They Seem
10 Jun 2009 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: daily chronic pain illness devotionals, Fiona Burrows, hopekeepers, invisible illness, rest ministries, trials and chronically ill
“.. make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. (2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV)
A preacher reminded me that we can sometimes read things into events that are not strictly correct, or do not really show the other person’s motives. It is easy for us to jump to conclusions about other people and the way they treat us. A hasty word or a misunderstood comment can lead to someone being hurt and a friendship being lost – maybe just because we didn’t take the time to understand where the other person was coming from, or because neither of us took the time to apologise and set the record straight.
We may have many friends, but no-one wants to lose friends through misunderstandings. Sometimes all it takes is a little extra effort to maintain and strengthen those friendships, but we have to choose whether or not to make that effort.
This same preacher talked about the impact made on his life by a Christian who never said anything about his faith in Christ, just lived a life that was a wonderful example to others who did not know Christ. He was won over by the fact that the Christian was different to many others and eventually wanted to know why.
Our lives are an example to others every day. We may never know the impact we have on others but we need to consider what sort of example we show in our lives.
Are our lives only what they appear to be on the outside, or is there more to see if people look further? Will you and I be the sort of people who cause others to look beyond what they think they see?
Sometimes my life seems tough, but it helps to know that God never gives up on me. He keeps giving me another chance to do things right and He promises to help me keep making the effort. God never jumps to conclusions about me, He understands me, loves me and encourages me to keep making that effort for other people too.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne Australia. She prays that her life might reflect the love of God to others, even in the midst of her pain.
Joy Comes In The Morning
07 Jun 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: daily chronic pain illness devotionals, greg harvey, hopekeepers, invisible illness, joy, peace, rest ministries
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 NIV)
At my monthly visit to my pain meds doctor yesterday, I had to sit in the waiting room for well over an hour. I usually pass this time of increasing pain from sitting too long, with my iPod.
Today, however, the other waiting patients, some of whom had already been waiting for such a long time, were growing restless and frustrated. In their frustration, complaining became the path of least resistance and so I decided to remove my ear buds and be a good listener as they moaned about having to deal with work comp at their former employer or having to be late for a meeting with their parole officer as a result of this long doctor’s visit.
I began to chime in about how good my pain management doctor is to teach me techniques of dealing with increasing pain through relaxation and choosing to look for the positive in each situation. It was then I observed that some people have zero desire to be happy. They prefer instead, to wallow in their gloom.
Human emotion and inner turmoil doesn’t have to be carried alone. There is a Savior who wants to bear it with me. I can choose to be yoked with the companion of complaining or I can choose to hitch up with the yoke of Christ. His Yoke truly is easier and lighter and His strength beside mine sure takes me farther down the road of this life than that of bitterness and complaining. As we keep moving forward together, I find gratitude and peace, comfort and even laughter returning to my spirit.
This life is still beautiful and good, despite my chronic pain and I will make it through my worst day, relying on my strong Lord Jesus Christ whose limitless power carries the heavy load. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning…of His light and help!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Greg Harvey lives in Kansas City, KS with his wife and best friend, Dee and their two teen sons. Greg manages chronic failed back syndrome and degenerative disk disease with collapsing disks on top of already fused vertebrae. Dee carries crippling RA but together, they volunteer as they are able for their neighborhood and church community. Greg’s book, “Finding God Faithful in Turbulent Times” may be obtained by contacting him at gaharvey@sunflower.com.
It Is Well
06 Jun 2009 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: daily chronic pain illness devotionals, faith, Fiona Burrows, hopekeepers, invisible illness, rest ministries, trials
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”. ( James 1:12 NIV)
This morning I struggled to get out of bed to go to church. I had more pain than usual and I knew sitting in church would be difficult, but I also wanted to be there, so I did go.
Sitting there, I knew why God wanted me there today. Our pastor preached on James and what we can learn from James to help us on the journey of life. He talked about the trials we face and how our faith is tested by those trials, how we are called to persevere, and accept those trials as a gift from God. The trials in our lives are helping to make us mature in Christ, even when we are not able to fully appreciate that.
He finished the service with a DVD showing the story of the hymn “It Is Well” – a powerful presentation, of a powerful hymn.
I’d have to admit that its been feeling a long, hard road lately. I told a friend last week that I was finding it harder to just keep going each day and while not easy to admit, I wasn’t coping too well.
How can we say in the midst of trials, “It Is Well With My Soul”? Can we keep on singing that, even during the times when we are not sure “It Is Well”? When things don’t seem to be going well at all?
God sees a bigger picture than us. If we are able to trust in a God who sees and knows what is best for us, we can face the trials and keep persevering with God’s help.
It may not be easy, but the last part of the hymn talks about “when my faith shall be sight” and I think that may refer to when we get to Heaven and see our faith and trust in God rewarded with our crown of life.
I left church with those words ringing in my ears and knew that I was going to keep trusting and keep believing, “It Is Well With My Soul”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She has had chronic back pain for over 20 years and is learning to be grateful for the lessons God is teaching her through it, as she trusts in the one who lets her say “It Is Well With My Soul”
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