Moving on From the Past
31 May 2010 6 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Canada, Chats and Forums, Chicken, christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, Fiona Burrows, Health, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Maple syrup, meditation, Melbourne, Photography, rest ministries, United States
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13,14)
Do you spend too much time thinking about how things used to be, what you could do before, or how you wish you were like you were before? I know I have been guilty of that on many occasions.
There are things I miss about my life “before”, things I wish I could still do, people who moved on without me when I was sick, dreams I had for my life, that will never happen now.
Later this year, I will have been living with the problems associated with chronic pain, for longer than I lived without it. More than half my life is “since” my accidents.
It’s taken me years, and many tears, to accept the losses in my life and there are times when I still don’t seem to have found a peace about it – but mostly I have found that I can now be grateful for the many wonderful things that happened during my younger years, the people I got to spend time with, the things that I was able to take part in and the seeming ease with which I worked to achieve what I wanted.
Those things are in my past now – but God has promised that there are still goals for me to achieve. They may be smaller in some people’s eyes, but no less important in God’s view. These verses from Philippians remind us that we need to keep pressing on – not give up because we can no longer do the things we once could.
Prayer: Father, please help me to remember that you haven’t finished with me yet. Please help me to move on from the past and press on towards the goal you’ve set before me. Amen
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is learning to be grateful for the lessons God is teaching her as she lives with chronic pain. She likes to find time for reading, writing, travel and photography.
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Got Hope?
30 May 2010 7 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, deni weber, devotional writers, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, rest ministries
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” (Psalm 31:24)
Sometimes I like to look up specific words in the Bible on BibleGateWay.com. Today I was looking up the word “hope.” Other health issues have arisen for me and I need encouragement. I need hope.
This verse caught my eye. “What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?” (Job 6:11). I thought to myself, “Exactly! That is exactly how I feel right now. My strength feels so low – my prospects so dim. How can I wait patiently and hope?”
The truth is, on my own, I can’t.
I’m sure you have probably heard the saying, “When you get to the end of you rope, tie a knot and hold on.” I have read that and wondered, “What if you don’t have the strength to hold on anymore?”
Once again I realize that my hope isn’t the knot at the end of a rope. My hope is not in my own strength to hold on or in the prospects for the rest of my life. My hope is in God. For some people, that seems amorphous. Why hope in an intangible being? My response?
Why not?
When I look back over my life, I realize there have been times I was sure I would not make it through. Yet I did. I also know that I have never made it through on my own strength. On my own, I would have given up long ago.
Yes, we will have moments of weakness and doubt. And in those moments we have a choice. We have a choice to try to make it through on our own – or to trust God. I know full well that it is a hard choice.
A recent commercial used to say “Got milk?” When I land in the place I am in today, I need to remind myself, “Got God!”
Prayer: Father, Thank you that you understand our moments of weakness and disheartenment. Thank you that you have provided for those moments with the glorious hope that is You. Amen.
About the Author:
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her multiple illnesses (Celiac Sprue, Atrial Fibrillation, Ankylosing Spondylitis, to name a few) have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness.
deni can be reached at encouragingwords@me.com . Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement
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Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
29 May 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: australia, Bible, Christ, christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, fionna burrows, God, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, Melbourne, Philip Yancey, prayer, Psalms, rest ministries
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”(Psalm 139:13-14)
Recently I read a story that Philip Yancey records in his book on “Prayer,”* about a lady in Nepal who was stricken with leprosy and had lost parts of her hands, feet, face and even her sight. She was the kind of person whose appearance would stop many people from wanting to come close to her, or maybe even notice her.
Philip goes on to tell how she was a beautiful Christian lady who really shined the light of Christ to those who met her and helped take care of her. He also shared how he keeps a picture he took of this lady and his wife on his desk to remind him of the beauty that God sees, rather than the trappings of beauty the world seems to think matter.
As I thought about this lady the world would cast aside as of little importance to them, I was reminded again of how God sees her and how much He values her. When God looks at a person, He sees what is on the inside, what is at the heart of a person and where their love and passion is directed. Psalm 139 tells us of how much thought and preparation God put into creating us, how He created us to be wonderful in His sight.
For those of us with chronic illness, it can seem hard at times to see our bodies as wonderful. There are things that no longer move as they should, or parts of our bodies that have atrophied. Internally, there are things that no longer work as they once did and prevent us from doing things we did before, or maybe just long to do now. To some people, we might seem of less value, or worth – maybe like the lady with leprosy – but the Bible says that God’s works are wonderful.
I chose to believe that God still includes me in that, that even in my brokenness, He sees me as wonderful, and still of worth to Him – even if in different ways.
*Prayer Does It Make Any Difference – Philip Yancey
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia where she is learning to be grateful for the lessons God is teaching her through her chronic pain. She prays that you may all be aware of just how wonderful God thinks you are.
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The “Poor Me” Moments
28 May 2010 11 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: alice ervin, Books of Kings, christian encouragement, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, Elijah, God, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Jezebel, meditation, prayer, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries
Teacup Dolls for Sad Days
“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. . . I am the only one left. . .” (1 Kings 19:14)
Some days living with chronic illness causes me to go into the mode Elijah was in according to our scripture today. He was running from the wicked Queen, Jezebel because she was having all the prophets killed. Elijah felt “he was the only one left.” He hid in the wilderness and sat under a tree feeling sorry for himself–so much so that he started telling the Lord, in essence “just how much he had done for Him, so why was God letting this happen to him?”
I feel this way so often. I sometimes feel like these illnesses are chasing me, and I have to run so hard to find a place where I can hide, and pray that yet another one won’t catch me and attach itself to me.
I truly feel “alone” as Elijah did, while everyone else is able to go about their lives free of all care, pain and suffering.
But, as God did for Elijah, when I turn to Him and His word, I am once again reminded that I am never really alone. I know Jesus “never leaves me nor forsakes me.” He always helps me find ways to cope with the problems I have.
If we read further in this scripture we find that, right after Elijah had his “temper tantrum,” the Lord used him in a mighty, mighty way.
I have found this to be true in my life, also. While I am limited in where I can go and what I can do with others anymore, the Lord always shows me something that He has for me to do for Him, so that He will get the glory. . . usually right from my home or sick bed.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for complaining, and teach me how I can best use my limitations to glorify You! That is my heart’s desire.
About the Author:
Alice Ervin is trying not to think of herself as “an illness,” but as a child of God whom He can and will use for His purposes–no matter what her physical body is going through.
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The Path
27 May 2010 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, Evangelism, God, Holy Spirit, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Lord Jesus Christ, mary ann redondo, meditation, New Jersey, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 
I have learned that insight from God’s Divine guidance comes from God’s Holy Spirit to my willing heart. Not my will, but God’s will be done. Even when pain with my disorder caresses my body, His wisdom is perfect. When I am Weak, He Makes me strong.
The memories I have of God’s influence in my life have trained me well. I know that the Spirit of God infuses my innermost being with His peace. So that whatever circumstance I am facing whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual. He is there.
“He will not allow my foot to be moved; He who keeps me will not slumber.” (Psalms 121:3) He has illuminated the path for my entire life; it is my decision which path I take. Do I complain and cry out “Woe is Me”. or do I rely on His Promised Word? It is my choice to choose either the right or the left fork in the road of my life with it trials. I must make that choice each day of my life. I must make the right decisions or else live by default with the wrong outlook on life.
My life is a reflection of who I am in Christ Jesus; I was born for a Purpose. The Lord God has given me all that I need to complete my purpose. I am learning to live each day of my life in such a way for the One whom I believe in, the Lord Jesus Christ. So I try to let the LORD God infuse and illuminate my life’s path each and every day. I try to Live my life with the purpose God has given you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
About the Author:
Mary lives in New Jersey. She is a born encourager to others who are hurting both physically and emotionally. She has NF (Neurofibromatosis) she does not let this get in her way of living. She loves to write devotionals, poems and short stories. She keeps busy with gardening, taking long walks with a friends, long talks with friends, involved in her local church. Above all she loves the LORD God with her whole heart.
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Keepsakes
26 May 2010 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, rest ministries, Shopping, World War II
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (Psalm 77:11).
As I write these thoughts, I am in the midst of packing up all of my household items to move them out while a remodeling is done on my apartment. It is amazing to go through so much of my life – present and past – represented in different forms.
Right now I am lying on my couch. In itself, it is just a couch. Yet, in the fabric of my memories it has been a place of respite. I recall different times alone or with friends here on this couch. A few of them come to mind. There are thoughts of God quietly bringing the care that only He can bring, joyful conversations, and being held by a friend who cushioned my tears of grief after my mother’s death.
There are many practical items in a home that must remain, but what of the other accumulations? I believe that each of us may want to retain reminders from the times God blessed us — especially when in the midst of our challenges. I’m currently seeing mementos, also, from times when life was not so challenging. I now thank God for those times in new ways. Did I appreciate them enough at the time they were current? Perhaps not. Presently, they bring a dimension of deeper thanks and gratefulness.
The items I am giving away or throwing out are also significant. Some are no longer needed. Others I can discard and keep as photographs in my heart as memories.
Life is a miracle, a gift from God. It takes many forms as it is manifested to each of us. Others can bring His care to us. We can reach out towards them with good deeds and see tangible evidence of their thanks.
Just look around and within and see what all you have kept that speaks to you of God’s faithfulness along your life’s highway.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gifts You have given me over the years – some have been miraculous. I am reminded of so many ways I have been blessed. Keepsakes are all around me, and looking within I find even more. 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 27 years of living with daily physical challenges.
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Guess Who Moved?
25 May 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: australia, christian encouragement, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, Fiona Burrows, fionna burrows, God, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jeremiah, Lord, meditation, Melbourne, Photography, rest ministries
- Coney Island
‘”Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.’ (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
In the roller coaster journey that is chronic illness, I seem to go through times of nearness to God and times when it’s as though I lose sight of God, amongst the pain and problems that seem to overtake and overwhelm me.
Early on in my illness, I became so scared about the feeling of being cut off from God, like a wall of pain was separating me from feeling and knowing His presence in my life. I don’t think it had ever been that way before, or at least if it had, it had never lasted that long.
During that time of fear, I clung to the knowledge that God was still there – even though I felt I couldn’t feel anything of His presence. I just trusted in what I had always believed, that God would never leave me. Of course, God never did and He never will.
Chronic illness affects my emotions as well as affecting me physically. These verses in Jeremiah seem to say to me that even when there are times that God may seems far away because of whatever I am going through, He is the same God that is nearby all the time. My perception may change, but this is a reminder that even during those times when I feel far away, God can still see me, I’m never hidden from Him. What a comfort that is!
I always remember what my Youth Pastor used to say when I was growing up, “when God seems distant, guess who moved”. Things in my life can seem to move me from a closeness with God, but God never moves – He’s promised to always be there for me.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is learning to be grateful for the lessons God is teaching her as she has lived with more than 20 years of chronic pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, travel and photography.
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Joy Really IS Coming!
24 May 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Author, christian, christian encouragement, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, chronic illness, chronic pain, Conditions and Diseases, crohn's disease, daily devotionals, devotional writers, God, Health, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Karlton Douglas, meditation, Ohio, rest ministries
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord.” (Isa 54:17 KJV)
Sometimes it can feel like the obstacles in our path are insurmountable. Things can look grim indeed. We knock down one wall, only to find two or three more standing behind it. We barely start our victory celebration from overcoming one challenge, and another comes to take its place.
It can be easy to get discouraged, to wonder if there is any end to the trials, any light at the end of the tunnel. But then something happens. Just when it seems we are about to be crushed by overwhelming odds, the sun breaks through the darkness, some encouraging word, some bit of good news, or some wonderful memory of yesterday pierces the dark clouds that have weighed us down.
Standing in the dark, with heaviness all about you, life can seem a hopeless stream of suffering without end. Yet for the Christian, we are not left orphans in this world, we have precious promises from our Father–No weapons used against us will succeed, everyone who turns their sharp tongues on us will be silenced, for our righteousness is from the Lord, and He is both our shield and sword.
The day may bring sorrow and weeping, but lift your head up and look to the Lord, for joy is coming.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for being our Father, our Savior, our Deliverer, and our Redeemer. Amen.
About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. With God’s help he has survived many years with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease. He is author of the book: Chronic Illness.
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Rejoice in Song
23 May 2010 6 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christian Church, christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, Compact Disc, daily devotionals, deni weber, devotional writers, God, hopekeepers, Hymn, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Love song, meditation, music, rest ministries, Singing, Zephaniah
“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
What I love about scripture is the fact that I can read a verse over and over and think I understand everything it says, when suddenly something new pops out at me. I’ve read this verse more than once. I have always focused over the first part of the verse, particularly that God is “mighty to save.”
Yet this verse has so much more. First it says He will delight in us. God? The God of the universe? Delighting in us? Hard to comprehend isn’t it?
He will quiet us with His love. Have you ever been in a situation where you are so upset, perhaps crying or sobbing and feeling so alone, when someone you love calls you on the phone or comforts you? What relief there is at that moment, knowing someone cares. I know there are times I cry alone and wish for that someone, yet this verse tells me I am not alone. God is there, comforting me with His love.
And now, for the part of the verse that astounded me today when I read it. “He will rejoice over you with singing.” You’d have to know me to know how much I love to sing. I love music. I love songs. I so enjoy listening to CD’s that praise God – it is so uplifting for me. Yet this verse says that God rejoices over us with singing. God. Singing. Over me.
No wonder the Christian church has such a vast background in hymns and singing! It reminds me of the verse that says we love because He first loved us. For today, I sing, because He first sang over me – rejoicing.
I may not be able to do much in the way of music anymore. But that’s okay. For today, I’ll be still and listen for His song.
So beloved readers, no matter what your circumstances, He is rejoicing in song over you today.
About the Author:
Deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic challenges is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her challenges have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness.deni can be reached at encouragingwords@me.com. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement
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Casting Out Fear
20 May 2010 10 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Bible, christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, fibromyalgia, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Lord, meditation, multiple sclerosis, pain, Psalms, rest ministries, sandra platt, Siamese, Southern Indiana
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” (Psalm 94:18)
A few nights ago I experienced what I labeled a “Super Pain Night.” I had a terrible cold that had lingered for weeks. Sinus infection and a cough that hurt in my chest was a result. It was cold and windy, and storming out. We had been under so many severe thunderstorm and tornado watches that it was getting easy to pay less attention than we should to the news and weather reports.
I was trying to rest, but even my skin hurt. I had tried on 4 different pairs of pajamas and none felt comfortable on my skin. The wrinkles of the bedding hurt when I lay down. Every thick and fuzzy sock that I put on my painful crippled foot hurt!
All that surrounded me felt scary. Rarely am I in so much pain that I am afraid. That night, with the storm outside with the high winds and thunder, my all encompassing pain, and even my Siamese cat yowling, I was afraid.
“When my anxiety was great within me, your consolations brought joy to my soul.”
When I am upset, tired, or in much pain, I have an old Bible by my bed. It is small enough to hold even when I am sick. It is highlighted, underlined, and marked with notes and dates. I can find solace and comfort from His Word right away without having to look for things. It has been my “hiding place” for many years. Some of the verses I held onto that awful night were these:
Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.”
Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.”
Psalm 32:7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Today my pain is less. It is a bright blue and sunny spring day. The large tree by my desk window is full of green buds and growing leaves. I see a robin building a nest near the center of the old tree. Tufted titmice are flitting about on the outer branches. The breeze is so refreshing coming in the window. My Siamese cat is stretched out on the windowsill looking drunk with sun.
“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as our hope is in You.” Psalm 33:22
About the Author:
Sandra Platt is a minister’s wife and mother of 2. She lives in a beautiful area of rural Southern Indiana. She has had fibromyalgia for 19 years, and more recently has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She is owned and cared for by two spoiled 15-year-old cats. She is so thankful for the friendships she has made with Rest Ministries, and welcomes any comments by her readers.
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