It’s Okay to Ask God For The Little Things
30 Jul 2010 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: ask god for the little things lyrics, chronic, come great god we humbly ask you, Devotion - It's Okay to Ask God For The Little Things, God, i wake up every morning and ask god for the little things, Medicine, pain, Psalms, rest ministries, sandra platt, Siamese, Southern Indiana
“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8)
When a person has a chronic illness that causes pain, mornings are very rough. Waking up in extreme pain because my medicine has worn off during the night is really awful. Knowing every morning that when my feet touch the floor the pain will be breathtaking and often bring forth tears is scary. And this happens every day.
Mornings used to be my favorite time of the day. I enjoy the peace and stillness of a sunrise, and the birds song. I would bring my coffee to the couch with my quilt and Bible and have an uninterrupted length of time with my Father. I did not want that time to be taken away, so I asked my Father to “Show me the way I should go, for to Him I lifted up my soul. . .”
Seeking His will did indeed make a difference! For the past 4 years Sunny, my Siamese cat wakes me between 5:30 and 6 every day! Not by her loud Siamese yowl; but by gently walking up and down my body, kneading sore muscles, and purring a deep rumbling purr. I yawn, stretch my sore muscles, and do some stretching before my feet touch the floor. It is an easier way to get moving!
Then Sunny and I wander into the kitchen where I start the coffeepot and open a can for Sunny and her sister. I sit at my table and gaze out into the yard. I see 2 large rabbits by my roses, and a squirrel scavenging under the bird feeder. There is a touch of fog in the valley, even as the sun heats things up.
I have found that if you ask the Father He will show you His unfailing love. When you pray “show me the way I should go. . .” He will give you an answer. He gave me a therapy cat, but also gave me some “work to do.”
Like taking better care of myself, watching my diet so that I eat healthy nutritious food, rest when I need to and let others help me. These things are foreign to me. I am one who will work hard and get sick and crash before I will allow help. I was always the care-giver and organizer. But it sure is a blessing to allow God, and my family and friends to become closer now. I don’t try to do it all anymore.
I am realizing that I am receiving a blessing when I allow others to help, and I am allowing them to be blessed too.
About the Author:
Sandra Platt is a Minister’s wife and mother of two young adults. She lives in the beautiful rural area of Southern Indiana. She has been writing devotionals for Rest Ministries for about 5 years now, and loves the friendships and fellowships she has made. You may contact her in the Sunroom.
“Somebody Turn on a Light!” Finding God In Dark Moments
29 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: alice ervin, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Jesus Christ, light, Mary, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:4)
“Please turn the light back on!”
“Why, Lisa? What do you want to see?” asked big sister, Mary.
“I want to see the light!” replied little Lisa.
This is a cute story that happened to my sister and her friend at a sleep-over. Little sister, Lisa had to sleep in their bedroom due to lack of bedroom space.
Many of us feel the way “Little Lisa” did when we are having a “very dark day or night” of pain, fatigue, loss of sleep. It’s so easy for us to be plunged into seemingly total darkness, and we cry out to God, “Please turn Your light back on and dispel all this darkness!”
But, He seems so far away – too far to walk to reach Him in order to “turn the light switch back on.” We long to step out of the darkness and dwell in His marvelous light, where somehow, He makes it all seem less frightening and painful, and easier to deal with. But, sometimes His greatest work is done in our darkest moments.
His light is always available in many ways, even at night. Tiny fireflies outside blinking. Beautiful stars and moon – all tiny bits of His light . . .but so comforting! These remind me that the Light of God – “Jesus”, is always shining brightly–somewhere, somehow!
I just need to focus on how to “switch on that light” in my life so He can help me through these seemingly intolerable times.
He doesn’t always take away the literal darkness our bodies have cast us into at the moment? In our story above, Mary did not turn the light back on for her little sister, but gently told her that “Big sister was right there beside her. She had nothing to fear. Even in the darkness.”
Isn’t that so like our Lord, our Light?
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for being our friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister at times when we can’t seem to get out of the darkness of our illnesses and hurts in order to find the “switch” to turn Your light back on in our lives.
About the Author:
Alice Ervin chooses to not stay in the “dark places” any more than she has to. As hard as it is sometimes, she always finds a spot to stand inside her favorite circle of Light . . . Jesus!
Finding Joy in the Trials of a Broken Body or Even Broken ‘Stuff’
28 Jul 2010 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Board game, California, christian encouragement, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, Conditions and Diseases, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, grace, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, Yahoo!
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2)
“A pipe burst under the sink. That’s the cause of the flooding,” the plumber stated. “I’ll be done in a couple of hours.”
I looked at him, shocked by what I heard. There goes dinner, I thought.
“It’s going to take me a couple of weeks to repair the water damage to the walls, tile, and carpet,” the carpenter said.
We wouldn’t have our usual holiday meal. I fought back tears.
When the renovations started, I discovered that I couldn’t tolerate the construction dust, so I barricaded myself in the bedroom. Stress and frustration overwhelmed me to the point that I had to go on bed rest.
Because of my nerve issues, I had trouble getting comfortable. Either my back ached, or I experienced shooting pains in my hips, or my knees became stiff.
Even though it was almost impossible for me to move, I continually told everyone, that “I’m good.” They knew better. I fooled no one. Finally, I owned up to my body’s limits.
No one ridiculed me. Actually, my family rallied around me and helped make this period a time of restoration – for the house, for my body, and for my soul. We renewed our bond over board games, movies, and take-out dinners. There was a lot of conversation mixed with plenty of laughter, and I was reminded how precious spending time with my family really is.
Looking back, I realize that I learned and grew, even in the midst of the trial. The intense level of pain removed all pretenses that I tried to uphold; my immobility exposed my desire to be self-sufficient; and when my joints stopped cooperating, all that remained was my hope and trust in God.
This trial proved to me that it is possible to find joy, even when I am swamped with problems.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us take James 1 to heart. As trials come into our lives, strengthen us and make us aware of Your love and grace.
About the Author:
Dorothea lives in California. After dealing with chronic illness for over twenty years, she knows that she needs God’s grace each day. Please visit www.restministriessunroom.ning.com/profile/DorotheaLove or email her at Dorothea.Love@yahoo.com.
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The Joy of Giving Special Gifts for a Friend
25 Jul 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: australia, christian encouragement, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily devotionals, daily scripture readings and meditations, devotional writers, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, Fiona Burrows, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Health, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Melbourne, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Photography, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals
{Actual Quilt}
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Rest Ministries has introduced me to some wonderful people. People who understand what it is to live with a chronic illness; people who know that life can be frustrating; people who are learning to live with a new kind of “normal” and people who know what it is to encourage and to need to feel encouragement from others. I have been blessed to share my journey with people like that.
Earlier this year, I decided I wanted to give one of those people a gift that recognised the value I feel in my friendship with her. While it wasn’t my work, it was something that I admired and valued, knowing the hours of work and love that had gone into each stitch. It was one of my Mother’s quilts – one of my favorites – and knowing who it was going to, I felt it would be appreciated.
When the gift arrived, I was so happy to know that she liked it and it was wonderful to know that it arrived at a time when she really needed a lift. I felt blessed to have been able to brighten her day. Overseas postage arrives at unknown times, so I believe God had a hand in that.
It hadn’t occurred to me when I chose the quilt that it was a heart quilt – but then my friend said, “I love that it has hearts on it – it makes me think of how much we care for each other, and also that we can so openly share our ‘hearts’, without feeling we are a burden.” I thought that was a wonderful picture of what our friendship has become and what a gift it is to me.
The Bible says that Christ said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. It’s nice to receive gifts, but I was reminded by this, what a pleasure it is to give to others. When I think of all that God has given to me, I realize how much I have to thank Him for and how often I don’t appreciate all that He gives.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is grateful for the blessing and encouragement she receives from those she has met through Rest Ministries – who make her journey with chronic back pain more bearable. She likes finding time for writing, reading, travel and photography.
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Explanation of the 23rd Psalm In Japanese is Comforting
24 Jul 2010 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, fibromyalgia, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, pain, Psalm 23, Psalms, rest ministries, rheumatoid arthritis, San Diego, short inspirational devotionals
“The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush. . .” (Psalm 23:1, Japanese Translation)
Would you like to take a new look at Psalm 23? So often we open up our Bible and the words blur past us. When our heart is hurting or our body is in pain, we can quickly skip over certain passages, such as the words for the 23rd Psalm, because we think we know them already and that we won’t get anything fresh out of them today to offer encouragement. It’s time like this looking at another translation can help us slow down and look again at certain scriptures.
Below are the words to the 23rd Psalm. It was recently read to us and one of my womens retreats, and this translation from the Japanese Bible gives Psalm 23 meaning. In fact, it describes exactly what we need t do with scripture! “He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals, He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.”
I hope you are blessed as well and that it gives you a new explanation of the 23rd Psalm.
Words for Psalm 23
The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush;
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,
He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity,
He leads me in the ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,
And His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for His presence is here,
His timelessness, His all-importance, will keep me in balance,
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity,
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows,
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours,
For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord and dwell in His house for ever.
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and lives with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. She lives in San Diego with her husband and son and her new book is “How to Start a Chronic Illness Small Group Ministry.”
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A Comforting Presence When You Don’t Feel Well
23 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: California, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, God, Holy Spirit, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Lord, meditation, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.” (John 14:16)
Sometimes, I get a little frustrated at my doctors’ appointments. When I’m in a lot of pain, I have trouble expressing how I feel in a concise manner. I leave without having all of my concerns addressed or without asking questions I wanted to ask about a new treatment or medicine.
At my last appointment, Norman took time off work to go with me. It was nice to leave my cane in the car, because Norman told me, “I’ve got you. Lean on me.” He carried my book, pushed the elevator buttons, and opened doors for me. I know, little things, but it was so nice for me not to have to try to maneuver everything on my own.
When I waited in the examination room, he was there, sitting quietly in the corner, paging through his magazine. We didn’t talk much, but his presence soothed away my anxiety.
The doctor went through her check list, talked about additional tests, and suggested two treatment options I was uncomfortable with. Norman didn’t interrupt us, but his steady gaze and presence gave me the courage to say no and to ask for what I felt I needed most.
Isn’t this exactly what the Holy Spirit does for us (and so much more)? His presence, His guidance, discernment, and power are always with us. He helps us to obey God, to know God’s truth, and to live in a manner that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father. It is His presence within us that allows others to witness God’s glory at work in our lives.
I like the names listed for the Holy Spirit in the Amplified version of the Bible for this verse: “Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby.” When I meditate on these names and attributes of the Holy Spirit, I come away knowing how much the Lord loves and seeks to help me every day.
Prayer: Father, whenever we face a challenge, help us to remember the wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit that’s available to help us.
About the Author:
Dorothea lives in California. After dealing with chronic illness for over twenty years, she knows that she needs God’s grace each day. Please visit Dorthea in the Rest Ministries Sunroom or email her at Dorothea.Love@yahoo.com.
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Brick Walls Everywhere You Turn
22 Jul 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Atrial Fibrillation, Celiac Sprue, christian encouragement, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, God, Health, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Lord, Medicine, meditation, rest ministries
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“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’ ” (Mark 10:27)
Have you ever felt that no matter which way you turn, you run into a brick wall? I know I have. It’s not only with my health, but also with most of the things happening in our lives right now.
As my husband’s health deteriorates, I begin to think about what will happen when and if he loses his job. Disability isn’t enough to keep us going.
Brick wall.
We’ll lose medical insurance. Disability will take years to get on even if he does get it.
Brick will.
Our adopted children will lose the insurance they need to see the doctors they need.
Brick wall.
I’m no longer able to work. My degree and all the hard work seems to have been for nothing.
Brick wall
I could work out of my home but I need money to get me going.
Brick Wall.
I can’t get up and clean the way I used to. Our house desperately needs cleaning, not straightening – cleaning. We can’t afford to pay anyone.
Brick wall.
We have so many house repairs that need to be done. Yet my husband is unable to do them.
Brick wall.
I can no longer drive. How do we get the kids to their activities?
Brick wall.
Money. Health. Insurance. Medical. Family. Home.
No matter where we turn – we slam into another wall.
I’ve been looking at the walls and forgetting something.
When all before you seems impossible – look up.
Yes, there are many seemingly impossible situations surrounding us. Yet I know that God is the God of the impossible. Today, I have a choice. Do I want to keep focusing on the problems, or focus on the only real solution?
For today, I choose to look up.
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 challenges (Ankylosing Spondylitis, Porphyria, Celiac Sprue, and Atrial Fibrillation 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 health challenges. She can be reached at EncouragingWords@me.com. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement.
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Glorifying God in Suffering of Illness and Pain
21 Jul 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, Evangelism, God, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, meditation, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, shenandoahvalley, Virginia, Virginia Beach
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:3-6)
God seems to favor them or everything seems to work out just right for them. They have such an easy life. How many times have you heard statements like these?
Jesus taught that the world seen from God’s viewpoint is tilted in favor of the oppressed. The Sermon on the Mount and other statements of Jesus: the first will be last and he who humbles himself will be exalted were two of His teachings. Why would God single out the oppressed for special attention?
1. Suffering helps us realize our urgent need for redemption.
2. Suffering helps us experience our dependence on God and our interdependence with one another.
3. Suffering helps us distinguish between necessities and luxuries.
4. Suffering helps us respond to the call of the gospel because we may have become so desperate that we cry out to God.
The poor, the hungry, the mourners, and those who suffer are blessed because their lack of self-sufficiency is obvious to them every day. They must turn somewhere for strength. People who are rich, successful, and beautiful may go through life relying on their natural gifts. But people who are needy, dependent, and dissatisfied with life are more likely to welcome God’s free gift of love.
Those of us dealing with the frustrations of pain and suffering must remember to reach out to Jesus. He gives special attention to those suffering. What a blessing!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Why? Because “theirs is the kingdom of heaven” The hardships we experience, The trials that we face, will teach us that we’re strongest when We’re trusting in God’s grace.
About the Author:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach and in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where she and her loving husband, Richard, will retire. Patricia has pain from a nerve disease but knowing God is always faithful brings peace and joy.
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Choosing To Trust In The Midst of Confusion About Life and Illness
20 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: australia, christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, Fiona Burrows, God, hopekeepers, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Lord, meditation, Melbourne, Photography, prayer, Psalms, rest ministries
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. But as for me, I trust in You.” (Psalm 55:1-2,23)
In the midst of a difficult week recently, I turned to the Psalms to read where others have cried out to God in their pain and struggle. My eyes were drawn to Psalm 55.
“Listen to my prayer, O God,
Do not ignore my plea;
hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.”
I was certainly feeling troubled and distraught. I know that God always hears me, that He understands even my worst thoughts, because He knows my heart – and yet He still loves me.
In verse 22 it says: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.”
That’s a promise for me that God will help me through even the worst situations. When I can’t see a way through, God does. It may not be in the way I hope, but God by His grace, will give me the strength that I need to keep going.
Sometimes I find it hard even to pray when I feel overwhelmed by circumstances, or just depressing thoughts. What a comfort it is for me to know that not only does God know what I’m feeling, but I have friends I can ask to pray for me at the times when I don’t seem to be able to pray myself.
I love what it goes on to say at the end of verse 23: “But as for me, I trust in You.” Despite what seems to be happening in my life, the difficulties that seem overwhelming at the time, I can still chose to trust in the one who has my life in His hands.
I am sometimes ashamed when I feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions – maybe the same thoughts and emotions, God has helped me to overcome before. I guess it’s an ongoing battle, but I want my life to show that my choice is to trust in God – no matter what.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful for the difference God makes in her life as she lives with chronic pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, travel and photography.
Being There For Others When You Are Ill And Also The Caregiver
19 Jul 2010 6 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, Chronic (medicine), chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotionals, devotional writers, Health, hopekeepers, hospital, illness ministry, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Medicine, meditation, Mental Health, Ohio, rest ministries, Support group, Surgery
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God,” (Psalm 20:7)
Here I am sitting in a hospital waiting room while a close relative has surgery. Even though we have our own illnesses to deal with, at times it is someone in our family.
This sort of situation can be a challenge for us. Just the going to doctors to find out what is wrong with our loved ones, and other details we have to attend to, can be rough. Then we might need to care for them at our home for a while at times.
In my case I found I needed to go back on anxiety medicine temporarily to stay calm. Even though my mind feels calm, emotions just rise up that need attention for me to stay calm and be able to do what needs to be done.
To some it may not appear that I am trusting the Lord, but I am. I am prayerfully trusting God all will go well.
It seems during times like these that the Lord gives me the strength needed and my health seems to be in a holding pattern to enable me to do what is needed. But it is wearing and not all can be a caretaker for others, even on a temporary basis.
Sometimes we are not able to be with a loved one when they are ill because they live too far away. That was the case with my dear mother a few years ago. It was hard to accept not being there for her.
This is real life. Life does not stop for others just because we are ill. We need to stay close to our Savior at all times. It will help us with the unexpected things that happen in our lives.
Prayer: Lord, please help us to trust in You and You alone when our loved ones are ill. Yes, you often use doctors to help, but it is in Your name that we trust.
About the Author:
CarolAnn Adams, who lives in Ohio has had chronic illness for most of 15 years. She had been active in many church ministries, but is no longer able to. So she ministers to others through writing a blog, devotionals and listening to and encouraging others with chronic illnesses.
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