Think You Are The Only One Crying About Your Illness? Jesus Weeps Too
31 Aug 2010 2 Comments
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“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)
Before Jesus wept, the previous verses tell us that Jesus saw Mary, the sister of Lazarus, and those who were with her weeping, and He was deeply moved and troubled. We know that Jesus was not weeping for Lazarus, for He knew that within minutes Lazarus would no longer be dead.
Jesus would raise Lazarus from death, bringing him back into the world of the living. Jesus was weeping because of the suffering of Mary and her companions.
That very short verse of “Jesus wept” brings me great comfort, because it tells me that Jesus is moved by our suffering and pain, even to the point of tears. Consider that for a moment: Jesus sees our suffering and is deeply moved by it. Can you imagine Jesus weeping because of your suffering?
I don’t believe that Jesus is on a continual crying jag in heaven, but I am comforted with the fact that He is moved to compassion by what we suffer and endure on this earth. I am convinced that Jesus sees our suffering and that He cares what happens to us. He sent His Holy Spirit to comfort us in our troubles, and He lives in us through His Spirit. Yes, Jesus knows what you are going through, and He cares that you suffer and are in pain.
The next time you find yourself suffering, enduring some terrible sorrow, picture Jesus, two thousand years ago at a graveside, surrounded by people suffering terrible grief, He loved them so much that He wept with them, suffered with them, even though He knew within minutes tears of grief would be changed to tears of joy.
Someday our tears of heartache will turn to tears of joy at our own graveside leading not to death, but to eternal life. Meanwhile Jesus sorrows with us, He knows the depth of our grief and suffering, and it matters to Him, it affects Him, but joy is coming soon.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You count our tears, You know our grief and suffering, thank You that our pain and suffering matters to You. Help us not to forget that joy is coming. Amen.
About the Author:
Karlton Douglas has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease, and he takes great comfort in the compassion and love of Jesus through his affliction.
Walking Invisible Paths
30 Aug 2010 2 Comments
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“Does He not see my ways and count my every step?” (Job 31:3)
I needed a photo of Mt. Rainier, the mighty mountain that sometimes breaks through the cloud covers to show herself here in the Pacific Northwest. The day was sunny, the skies were clear and she was visible.
My quest took me to the college campus I attended decades ago. I trod forth trusting in God’s strength. My vigor was not as it once had been yet I relished this nostalgic time. I noted changes yet old scenes remained and I gave thanks for the years I had spent in this setting.
As I returned to my car, photos taken, God quickened a thought to me. My mother had attended this same college when she was pregnant with me. I had spent time on these paths before when they were invisible to me, when I was being formed “in my mother’s womb” ( Psalm 139:13b).
How could I have known then the steps the years ahead would hold for me? It reminded me that hidden from each of us are the steps we are yet to walk out but they are dependent on the steps we take in the present. The invisible will become visible. Our mighty Mt. Rainier is always present even when the clouds shroud her from view. She stands steady awaiting her time to be seen fully.
Likewise I am to be steady as I walk forward, trusting what now is invisible awaiting God’s timing of revelation. It was so in utero, it was so as I looked back on years behind me and it remains so as I enter the moments of today. Every step counts in God’s eyes and in His individual plans for each of our lives.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for all the steps of years that have brought me to “now”. More importantly, thank You for accompanying me every moment. When your ways remain hidden or not easily understood by me, let it be enough for me to be on your path with You. 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.
If Not A Sparrow Falls Without God Knowing, How He MUST Care For Us!
27 Aug 2010 3 Comments
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“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
Recently I came home to find my canary very ill and I knew that he didn’t have long to live. He has been with me for over 15 years. That is a long time for a canary. And over the last few months, he has been getting weaker and less able to move around, so it wasn’t totally unexpected.
As I took him from the cage and held his shaking body, trying to give him some comfort in his last minutes, I felt so helpless, unable to do anything to ease the pain he was in, simply praying that it wouldn’t last too long. Thankfully, it didn’t.
I will miss his company, but this week as I thought about it, I believe his life, and his death, showed me some important lessons.
When he was young and carefree, he had a real joy of living and his days were filled with song and activity, alert to all that went on around him. I can see a similarity in that to my life before I was injured.
As he aged and got weaker in this last year, he was not so able to get around in his cage and the times when he had that carefree joy, were less frequent and he seemed to give up some things. As my life has also been since illness has limited my abilities.
When I held his dying body in my hands, I was reminded that the Bible says that not a sparrow falls, without God knowing it – and I’m sure that includes canaries too. But just as God cares about the tiny birds, He also numbers the hairs on our heads and says we are worth more than many sparrows.
For those of us with chronic illness, we are often troubled by our worth in the sight of other people, but our worth in God’s sight, no matter how limited we are physically, or mentally, is never in question.
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. You can contact her in the Sunroom.
God is Knitting Together Our Lives, Despite Our Illnesses
26 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
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“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb,” (Psalm 139:13).
Knit one, purl one. Knit one, purl one. Knit one, purl one. Every summer my family would travel from Indiana to New York to visit my aunt for a week. During those visits, Aunt Marge always took time to teach me how to knit, crochet, sew, and embroider.
My aunt’s unconditional love for me was a portal through which I envisioned and believed that God loves me. Aunt Marge had shortcomings, just like everyone else, which helped me believe that a perfect God would continue to love me, in spite of my slipped stitches.
Years later, when I was pregnant with my first child, every month, without fail, I received a package from Aunt Marge. I eagerly opened each box to discover beautiful handmade baby clothes and blankets. What a demonstration of love! The hours involved in each creation were countless. And, of course, I, too, was sewing and crocheting for my baby-with the skills that Aunt Marge nurtured in me.
During my pregnancy, I “just happened” upon Psalm 139. I dearly love this metaphor of God knitting-my Heavenly Father sitting long hours in a rocking chair, lovingly creating me. I have a feeling that this same Needle Artist is just as active in my life now, repairing tears and patching my worn spots.
Those monthly packages, wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine, were the embodiment of my aunt’s unconditional love for me. Reminders of God’s love are packaged in the Bible-and tucked away in my heart, just waiting to be opened.
At the age of sixty, I am now a cherished antique, and must be handled with care. I need to accept who I now am-tattered though I may be. We can trust that God is still stitching and patching our lives, even though the patterns may include such dark threads as anxiety, pain, fear, discouragement, anger and grief.
Knit one, purl one. Knit one, purl one. Knit one, purl one.
About the Author:
Linda Elmore Teeple writes passionately about her personal foibles and flub-ups-and God’s gracious response. Happily married to Rex, Linda also enjoys being Mom, “Nina” (grandmother) and an almost-retired family therapist. She loves dogs, nature and dark chocolate. Fibromyalgia, arthritis and multiple spine issues challenge her to seek God in the midst of life’s challenges. You can connect with Linda at lindyteep@yahoo.com and http://natureofgrace.blogspot.com/.
Light and Momentary Troubles – With Illness?
24 Aug 2010 1 Comment
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“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
What a difference between how we see things and God sees things! “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8) Light troubles? Are you kidding me?
Yet, the Lord means what He says. Compared to eternity, you can see how these troubles are “light” and will forever be erased when we go to live with our God.
His timing is also not our timing it says in Psalm 90:4. Momentary troubles? What? This pain sure feels like years upon years. It also seems never-ending.
But, as I said above, it isn’t never-ending. “When He returns, or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand.” (In Christ Alone by the Newsboys.) His strength will cause us to stand through our troubles.
Think about it. “. . . are achieving for us an eternal glory.” We are blessed to have these light and momentary afflictions. They are helping us to acquire this eternal glory.
If you ever noticed, it is through trials and tribulations that we learn the most. If we can’t “be of use” in the world, and feel unnecessary in this life, know that, as we sit at home, possibly alone and lonely, we can hear God better in the quiet of our hearts.
Faith says, “I am still alive and God has a use for me.” Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose” and believes.
About the Author:
Wendy Spurling is from northeast Massachusetts and lives alone, but close by to good friends. She has a great support system. She enjoys helping others, college work, reading, and writing.
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We Have an Outrageous God That Never Forgets Us
22 Aug 2010 1 Comment
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“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Earlier this year I was visiting a church where there was a speaker from the Uniting Church Rural Ministries speaking. She told some stories about the variety of things their workers are called to do in some of the more remote parts of Australia.
One story was about one of their workers who is working in an area that was devastated by floods earlier in the year. As the flood waters were rising and cutting off various parts of the town, she drove out to the local nursing home to see if they needed any help. When she reached the home, it was nearly surrounded by water and the staff and residents were still inside, trying to work out how to get the people evacuated.
This quick thinking worker, turned around and drove to the local council offices where she enlisted the help of a front-end loader and driver to follow her back to the nursing home. They proceeded to load up the nursing home residents, some who were very frail, into the scoop on the front-end loader and transfer them to safety on dryer ground where they could be taken somewhere else to be cared for. It created a novel picture of serving – that you don’t often see quite like that.
Jesus told stories of how God does so much more than anyone expects. Searching for the lost sheep, lost coin – they were stories that were not “normal” to his listeners. Who else would do that – waste time on one sheep, leaving the other 99 behind?
But we have an outrageous God – He doesn’t do just what people expect. He does so much more than we can even imagine, and often that we don’t understand. These verses from Ephesians speak of that power that is at work within us, we may not always understand some of the more outrageous things that happen, but we can trust in the One who has that power and is in control.
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. You can contact her in the Sunroom.
The Color of Trials – Understanding We Won’t Always Understand Reasons For Our Illness
21 Aug 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: cancer, christian encouragement, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, Color, 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, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, lyme disease, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, Support group, Surgery
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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
During a marathon ultrasound session and mammograms, the doctor found several problem areas. Since I was bleeding from an area that should not be bleeding, I made an appointment for my seventh surgery.
Do I believe God heals? You betcha! I have no doubt God will take great care of me; I just am never sure what will be required during parts of the journey.
I admit I was a touch nervous. Before surgery I worried what would be taken, what would be left, and what would happen after surgery.
While pondering these problems, I changed the color cartridge in my printer.
Even though the page on the computer was full of colors, the printed pages were ugly, mottled, and yellow. A quick removal of the offending cartridge and replacement with a new one fixed the problem. The colors once again became vibrant.
When we allow God to work in our lives there is renewal. I have scars from my head to my toes that tell of my life journey. Some are funny stories, some are not, but they all changed me. My “life ink” at times was mottled and yellow.
Here on earth we can’t see the heavenly brush-strokes God is painting in our lives through hardships, trials, and difficulties. When we allow Him to come in and show us His perspective, our life pages change to His vibrant colors.
Fortunately, the surgeon removed problem areas and no further action was required. However I don’t know what next week will hold, but I do know God will never allow anything in my life that is not for a higher good and colored in His love.
“In a thousand trials, it is not just five hundred of them that work ‘for the good’ of the believer, but nine hundred and ninety-nine, plus one.” George Mueller
About the Author:
Lisa Buffaloe is a madly in love with God, Christ-follower, happily-married mom/writer/blogger/speaker. God has helped her through molestation by a baby-sitter, assault, rape, divorce, cancer, death, seven surgeries, and years of chronic illness due to Lyme Disease. For more information, please visit www.LisaBuffaloe.com
It Is What It Is – How Do We Accept The Realities of Illness?
19 Aug 2010 5 Comments
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“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
This is my husband’s favorite saying: “It is what it is.”
It has gotten us through much: My challenges over the past umpteen years, his cancer and subsequent stem cell transplant, and then a heart valve replacement and aortic aneurysm. Now, my diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy adds to the list.
I am learning that “it is what it is.” I am learning that I need to handle what is happening in the here and now.
I’m not saying I don’t pray about whatever is happening. I do. I depend on a lovely group of women for prayer support, as well. I’ve seen miracles happen through prayer.
And yet. . . until something changes. . .it is what it is. Fretting and worrying doesn’t help. Living in “if only” land just brings me pain, regrets, bitterness and heartache.
My husband also adds something to that comment. He says, “It is what it is and we (meaning God and ourselves) will handle it.”
I marvel at his attitude. It is so reassuring for me to hear those words.
I am learning that acceptance is key. My stress levels go down when I don’t fight internal battles – either with myself or with God.
I admit I don’t always like it. I’d be lying if I said I accept all things joyfully. That is a lesson I am still learning and will probably keep on learning while I am on this earth. I’m not to the point of being content with all that has happened. Yet, in some strange way, it is okay–because it has gotten me to where I am in life right now spiritually.
I am learning to trust God. I’m learning that eventually, it will be okay. I’m learning that with God’s help. . . I can deal with it.
I’m learning that “it is what it is” and when it needs to be different–it will be.
So today, I choose to listen to God’s voice telling me, “deni, it is what it is and we will handle it together.”
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 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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Where Does Beauty Come From? Struggling with Our Body Image and Chronic Illness
18 Aug 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, 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, 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
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139: 14)
“It’s hard to feel beautiful when I have so many physical problems!”
There, I said it. I didn’t want to admit that, but it’s something I struggle with every second of the day. I tend to think back to when I was thinner, healthier, and prettier. I compare myself to every woman I meet. Although, just because someone is picture-perfect on the outside doesn’t mean he or she is beautiful on the inside, or that things are going great.
God says in His Word that He doesn’t look at the outward appearance like man does; He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Our character, values, intelligence, and relationship with God are what make us beautiful. Scripture reminds us that, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
I know these verses by memory. I know these verses in my heart. So why is it so hard to accept that I’m beautiful just the way I am – physical limitations and all? I guess it’s because I take man’s opinion more than I trust God’s truth. This was hard to admit as well.
I know that whatever God creates is beautiful and exactly the way it’s supposed to be. When I stop and think about the people I find most beautiful, its people who are God-honoring, self-sacrificing, kind, compassionate, and patient. That’s the kind of woman I strive to be. I don’t base my friendships on how thin someone is or how attractive they are – I base my friendships on who they are as a person.
I am beautiful not because of what I have done or what I look like; I am beautiful because God made me beautiful and in His image. What a marvelous concept! Maybe you’re down on yourself today. Stop and meditate on God’s Word and thank Him for being the master artist that He is!
Prayer: Dear God, knowing that you made me with perfect hands is humbling. May your love overflow from my heart and may your beauty continue to shine in my life. Amen.
About the author
Bridget Gazlay resides in the beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, IBS, arthritis and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric cards on the side. Bridget’s prayer is that readers who come across her writing or fabric cards would see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” You can reach Bridget at: quiltforhim@yahoo.com or www.pfccreations.com.
Pain ISN’T Fair, But God Promises A New Kingdom
17 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, 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, 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
“You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.” (Psalm 66:12)
One of the music groups I listen to has a song that says God will take us through flood and fire and raging storms. I think He took me through all three this week. After a trip to the emergency room at the local hospital when it appeared I might bleed to death, then a transport to a larger hospital, with the end result being that I was told I was a near hopeless case and my best chance at healing lie in going to a special clinic for hopeless cases.
There are times when it seems you can hardly wrap your mind around a situation, and that was my case this week. You can get so worn and weary that you don’t even have the strength to question God or wonder why He is allowing you to go through so much. You can get to a state of shell shock that leaves you wondering if you have entered the “twilight zone”.
I have no clue why God has “trusted” me with so many challenges. I often think He gives me too much credit. I cannot fathom how others, in worse shape than myself, endure and survive their many challenges.
Why God? The universal question arises from all who suffer unfairly in this world.
My wife said to me recently: “This is not fair!” regarding my health situation. I agreed with her that it wasn’t.
Life often is not fair. Yet what is left to do after all the frustrations and questions? For the Christian it comes down to faith and trust. Can we, do we trust a God who allows His children to suffer so? He never promised us that we we would not suffer, indeed, just the opposite.
“Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God’” (Acts 14:22).
We must pass through many troubles, and yet keep our faith intact. This is our challenge when new hardships and greater troubles come our way, to rely upon God, through the flood, through the fire, and through the raging storm.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we are clueless as to why so often we must suffer hardships, yet we know You are with us through these raging storms. Amen.
About the Author:
Karlton Douglas has lived through the storms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Crohn’s Disease, and the problems arising from them. God has remained faithful to see him through.
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