Allowing Light to Shine Through the Pain
30 Jun 2010 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ Jesus, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, Evangelism, God, Good works, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, meditation, prayer, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries, sandra platt
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Dear ones, how many of us feel discouraged about our physical limitations? If I were to take a guess, I would say just about all of us. Pain is a constant distractions, and fatigue is often all encompassing. Another difficulty that has come knocking at my door more and more often lately is clumsiness.
I have had an extended period of pain these past few months. Simply making my way through a day has often been an endurance exercise! It would have been so easy to feel like more of a burden than a blessing. Scriptures, like the verse for this day make all of the difference.
- “We ARE God’s workmanship…” And God does not make mistakes.
- We are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” A logical continuation of that would be that there must be good works that we are able to do.
- These good works, God already prepared for us to do. Everything is set up, we just need to find out His will for us!
In the Amplified Bible this verse reads like this, I think it explains the verse better for us.
“We are God’s own handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God planned beforehand for us to do so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (Amplified Bible)
We may not be able to work full time in the “real” world. But we can touch others in many ways. We can be encouragers! Many of us have been blessed by E mails or cards through the mail that let us know someone is praying for us. We can bless others with notes and e mails and show we care. It is a good way to think of others and forget for a while how we are feeling.
We can send up sentence prayers and pray for those whose lives we touch at the Dr’s office or the pharmacy. Many times I have gotten to know someone while riding one of those handicap scooters in the stores. They seem to be automatic conversation starters as I try to reach for an item, or commiserate with someone else on their scooter. I smile and try to show God’s love and joy.
A chance encounter can be a God moment. Anytime I go out to the store I pray that I can be used.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
About the Author:
Sandra Platt is a Minister’s wife and mother of two. She has had Fibromyalgia for nearly 20 years, and now has numerous other health concerns as well. She cherishes the friendships she has made through Rest Ministries. You may contact her through the Sunroom.
Where Does Your Strength Come From For Coping with Illness?
29 Jun 2010 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, deni, devotional writers, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, rest ministries
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. “ (2 Corinthians 12:9, 11)
I sit in my wheelchair at my electro-physiologist’s office. He oversees some of my heart problems. He looks at me intently as I tell him about the past few months. I describe how even though I have issues with my body, the ‘inside’ me feels pretty good. Me. Not my body.
He stares at me intently.
“You know, you are dealing with at least five major health issues.”
He pauses. I wonder what he’s going to say next. The words surprise me.
“You amaze me.”
I stare at him, not really understanding what he means.
“I have patients who have half the problems you do, and they don’t cope half as well as you do. You simply amaze me.”
Those words did my heart so much good. To have someone say I was doing well, in spite of everything, was so encouraging. Yet, I realize now that I overlooked something very important.
You see, I took the credit. In reality, what he said was simply another way of saying what I have always said about chronic illnesses.
‘I don’t know anyone can cope with a chronic illness without God.’
His words echoed that sentiment, albeit in a different form.
Am I doing anything “special” to be doing so well internally? No. It’s not me. It’s God who is giving me the strength, the encouragement, the hope to continue in the day-after-dayness of my disorders. It’s God who feeds my soul. My body may have deteriorated, but the real “me” inside is not only surviving (which is all I can do physically some days), but thriving, growing, learning, in spite of everything that I am going through.
I realize now that my response to my doctor was an open door I missed. I had the opportunity to say, “I’m not the amazing one. God is.”
So, I’m saying it here – now. It’s not me. It’s God.
About the author
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and 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. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement . deni can be reached at encouragingwords@me.com .
Heaven Knows
28 Jun 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, deni weber, devotional writers, God, heaven, Holy Spirit, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, meditation, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries, Second Epistle to the Corinthians
“Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” (2 Corinthians 6: 4-10)
There is a song we sing in the church I attend (when I can get there). ‘Oh, lead me, lead me to the cross.’ It’s a good sentiment – asking to be led to the cross of Christ. Yet, for many of us, that road is much harder than most realize.
For those of us who deal with chronic challenges and chronic pain, the road to the cross may be far more similar to the path Christ willingly walked. I’m not sure any of us would have chosen this path if there were another way.
What difficult, challenging lives we live. What hard days and nights we endure. Yes, we are on a similar path. And that path leads us to the one true hope we have – God.
It helps me to look to the life of Paul. His was no easy road – yet he counted himself rich because he knew the sincere love and the power of God. He knew God’s glory.
These may not be the words you want to hear today. They may sound like empty, trite platitudes to you as you read. How can you feel rich, when in pain? How can you be sorrowful and yet rejoice? The answer lies in the above verse.
By the power of God. God can and will get you through whatever you are facing. It may not be the outcome you desire. But it will be the outcome that leads you directly to the foot of the cross of Christ. It is there, and only there, that you will find the love and the power to walk this road.
And at the foot of the cross? You will meet God. You will meet Him in a way that those who do not suffer with chronic challenges may never know. Is it worth it? Heaven knows.
About the Author
Deni Weber lives in Valparaiso, Indiana and is challenged by Porphyria, Ankylosing Spondylistis, Celiac Sprue, and other chronic conditions. Deni sees God leading her on a “parade of daily adventures” towards knowing His love, mercy, and grace. Deni can be contacted at EncouragingWords@me.com. You can visit her website at http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement .
Looking Beyond the Mountain of Affliction
27 Jun 2010 7 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Amen., christian encouragement, Chronic (medicine), chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, God, healing, Holy Spirit, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Lord of, lynn severance, Lynnwood, Lynnwood Washington, meditation, Mount Rainier, prayer, Psalms, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries, Washington
“The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.” (Psalm 97:5)
In 1983, eight months after the onset of my chronic illness, I was invited to a prayer breakfast. The main speaker had a healing ministry. After our meal, he offered to stay and pray with anyone who had needs. Many stayed. When my turn arrived, he laid hands on the part of my body needing healing. As he prayed sincerely I experienced the sound of a strong rushing wind swoosh through me. I was reminded of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit manifested himself in this manner. Some were healed that day in 1983. I was not.
He encouraged those of us who had not “been healed” to remain hopeful. He likened our need to a huge mountain. God was behind it chipping away and in His appointed time; what seemed insurmountable would simply cave in. I have come to recognize that there are many kinds of healing as I’ve asked, “God, what are you chipping away behind my mountain?”
Where once I depended on my own strength and took so much in my life for granted, He has chipped away at an over-dependence on self. When I had to give up a beloved career, He opened new doors and ways to serve Him. He has helped me to see that quality is more important than quantity.
As some people have exited my life, He has been able to come closer to give His care. Where once I fought against my affliction, He has helped me come to an acceptance of what I cannot change. I have a lot to learn yet but at some level I have handed Him the hammer so that He can do the “chipping away.”
He asks that I continue to surrender to Him as He alone knows the plans He wants to achieve in all that I experience.
Prayer: Lord, help me to look beyond the afflictions that pound so hard upon me. They are in your capable hands. When my eyes are dimmed and I cannot see or understand, thank You for working so hard on my behalf. 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.
How to Think on the Truth When Tempted Otherwise
26 Jun 2010 11 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Amen., Bronlynn Spindler, christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, Divine grace, fibromyalgia, God the Father, Holy Spirit, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, rest ministries, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true . . . think about such things (Philippians 4:8).
Ongoing struggles with depression and fear make this verse a real necessity for me. This truth was shown to me once again a few weeks ago.
I woke up one night with my arm itching badly. I noticed a red welt but the bite did not look familiar. The more I thought about it and scratched it, the more panicky I became. I realize that a bug bite seems quite insignificant compared to the many serious problems that so many of us face, but it became a huge fear for me. In a brief amount of time, my thoughts took me from a simple bug bite to countless tests, procedures, pain, and even death!
I remembered this verse and began to think on what was actually true. God saw what bit me and when. He allowed it to happen and was in control of the outcome. If I were to have a severe reaction, He would be with me through it all, and to face death would mean going home and being free with Him. I spoke other verses to myself as well and sang every Christian song I could think of. After an hour I felt free from fear and was able to return to sleep.
I never did learn what bit me, but the bite is now gone. I had no reaction or side effects physically. Spiritually however, this experience was a tremendous lesson in applying this verse to my life. Satan knows my weaknesses and can attack me there at any time.
My mind controls my body. At all times, if I allow God’s truths about Himself as well as my situations to permeate my thoughts, I can face any and every circumstance in my life. I am a new creation and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I can live in that victory.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please give me the strength and self-discipline to cast down imaginations and take every thought captive to You (2 Corinthians 10:5). Thank you that You have not given me a spirit of fear but of a sound mind. (1 Timothy 1:7). Amen.
About the Author
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband and three grown daughters. 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 and view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
How To Go The Distance
25 Jun 2010 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, deni, devotional writers, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, rest ministries
“’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)
I sometimes get emails from folks who read my devotionals. I find them very encouraging and often very inspiring. I received a recent email that was signed, “Going the Distance.”
Those three words really struck home for me. Isn’t that the goal for all of us which chronic challenges? To go the distance? Yet I have come to know that I simply can’t do that on my own.
There are mornings when I wake up and realize that this is going to be “another one of those days.” My first thought? “I can’t do this.”
Yet if I sit quietly and listen, I hear God saying, “Yes, my beloved, you can – with my help”
When I hear the news that my body may deteriorate to a place where my bones are frozen in place, I think, “I can’t do this.”
Again, sitting quietly I hear God telling me, “They don’t know the plans I have for you. I do. Trust me.”
Time after time, I have found myself in situations, family problems, healthy problems, financial problems, and my response oft times is “I can’t do this.”
Yet God knows that with His help I am able to “go the distance” that He has planned for me.
To the person who wrote that note, thank you for encouraging me and reminding me that I can go the distance if I have God at my side.
To each reader, I encourage you to know that with God, you can “Go the distance” too!
Father God, how often I fall back on my own strength. Thank you for the reminders that with you I can and will go the distance until I am safely home with You.
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
When God Says ‘Go’ But Your Body Says ‘No’
24 Jun 2010 9 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: appearance of body, awsa, Book of Deuteronomy, christian, christian encouragement, christian women writers, Chronic (medicine), chronic illness, chronic pain, Conditions and Diseases, daily devotionals, devotional writers, God, Health, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Kadesh (Israel), Lisa Copen, meditation, rest ministries, rheumatoid arthritis, st. louis
“And when the Lord sent you out from Kadesh Barnea, He said, ‘Go up and take possession of the land I have given you.’ But you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God. You did not trust Him or obey Him.” (Deuteronomy 9:23)
Last week I posted a link to an article about planning vacations when you are chronically ill. One person commented, “thank you,” but the next comment was, “I can barely get to the grocery store!” When we live with chronic illness we have so many seasons that differ in our own lives as well as when compared to others.
I’ve lived in both seasons. Yesterday I told my son I could not stay awake another moment and went and laid down. My husband came home and then I fell asleep. But today, despite a flare and arms that aren’t unbending, I am soon to trudge down to the store that is having a sale to look for something to wear (that fits) to a conference I am going to in St. Louis. It’s my annual “retreat” where I am fed by the amazing Christian women of AWSA.
Am I scared? Yes. I’ve never gone this long without flying due to my health. I’m having chest pains again occasionally, I am always EXHAUSTED. I’m miserable about the appearance of this body I am in. Part of me wonders how in the world I will pull this off.
But God worked things out: I was given a scholarship to cover the costs of the conference. I found a roommate, I was able to get a ticket on Southwest Airlines, which means I can take my Travel Ewe mattress without baggage fees. My parents made a donation to help cover part of my airline ticket. The women’s group needed someone to lead the Internet Marketing workshops so I was invited to do that. My husband was able to take a few days off to take care of our son.
The truth is I will always be tired. I will always be ill. At times it will seem obvious that I should not “go” or “do” but sometimes–when my body says one thing, but God arranges it so that when He says “Go!” logistics are taken care of–then I am risk of allowing my body to be my ruler instead of trusting God.
So I am trusting God. I got on the plane about 30 minutes ago and will be home late Monday night. Just typing this in advance is a step in faith. I will be tired. I will use a wheelchair. But I will go.
Prayer: Lord, give us discernment to know the difference between when You say ‘go’ and when you say ‘wait’ so that you are the one we trust, not our physical ailments.
About the Author
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and has lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyaliga since age 24 in 1993. Her most recent book is “How to Start a Chronic Illness Small Group Ministry.”
Hold On Because Help Is On The Way
23 Jun 2010 6 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: australia, christian, christian encouragement, Chronic (medicine), chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, fionna burrows, God, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Joshua, meditation, Melbourne, michael w. smoth, Photography, prayer, rest ministries
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Sometimes it may seem that you are in a tough place, feeling that you are losing control over everything, or just overwhelmed with the ongoing struggle of life with a chronic illness. I don’t think that the world, or even our Christian family, makes it easy to admit that we do feel that way, so often we try to bottle up those feelings, or just hope to ride it out till this current circumstance is over.
When I was listening to a song recently,* I was struck again by the fact that God is there waiting to help us, but we need to make that effort to “Just reach out and take His hand”.
That’s an active thing. We need to acknowledge to God, or even sometimes to our self, that we feel the way we do and then knowing that we cannot get through whatever is the current struggle without God’s help, we need to reach out and take hold of God’s hand, or the strength, or grace, that He offers to help us through.
There’s something to be said for being able to share with a trusted friend, the things that we struggle with, but we need also to be telling our Heavenly Father (who already knows) what we are feeling. God is waiting to help us, He doesn’t like to see us struggle, or suffer, but sometimes we need to go through these things and only God may know why.
I don’t know if you’ve seen the picture that is circulating of “The Hands of God” that is a cloud grouping that appears to be a hand reaching down from Heaven. I think that’s a beautiful picture of what God is reminding me of here – His hand is always outstretched to help me when I need it, I just need to take hold of that hand.
Just as God spoke to Joshua in the above verse, we can hold on to the promise that God’s help is always on the way.
Prayer: Father, I pray that you would help me not to try to do life alone, but to reach out and take hold of the hand you offer me. Amen.
*Michael W Smith – Help Is On The Way – from A New Hallelujah
About the Author
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She knows that only by taking God’s hand will she be able to face each day as she lives with chronic pain. She loves to find time for reading, writing, travel and photography.
Climbing Out of the Pit
21 Jun 2010 7 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Atrial Fibrillation, Celiac Sprue, christian, christian encouragement, Chronic (medicine), chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, deni, devotional writers, God, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Lord, Medicine, meditation, rest ministries
“I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: ‘Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.’ You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’” (Lamentations 3: 55-57)
Those of us who have chronic illnesses have mountains to face. Difficult ones. Daily ones. And it must be recognized that as the current vernacular states most people don’t “have a clue.” They can get up in the morning, get dressed, eat, and go about their day. They don’t have to worry about over-doing things and the flares that come afterwards or the continual battle with medical tests and doctors to find the right treatments.
While I don’t think it is good to dwell on our difficulties, I think it is important to recognize them for what they are. We ARE in a pit of despair. It IS difficult. This is a demanding path to travel. It’s easy for someone on the outside to be completely unable to relate – and even cause us to feel guilty at times – because we can’t “do” the lives they do.
Yet, immersed in that reality, which must be acknowledged, is that fact that we don’t have to stay in that pit. While our standards have to be adjusted, we can still— not only survive—but learn to thrive. It’s perhaps the challenge of challenges, but it can be done with God’s help. We learn to look beyond the trivial aspects of life and find out what is really important.
I used to fret because I was no longer able to keep up with the dusting in my house. Now I realize God doesn’t give a hoot if my house is not perfect, that my time is better spent in prayer, learning more about Him, and spending the “good” times with my family.
My priorities have changed. My life has changed. I have to focus on what I can do. And as for that pit? It is a place in which I refuse to stay. You see, my God threw a rope down and He is teaching me to climb.
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
Recent Comments