God Has a Plan For Us Even While Living With Pain
30 Sep 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
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
I stand in awe. This verse makes my heart sing, as I go through trials and tribulations for the Lord. What a strengthening verse! This is what living in Christ is: pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. But it is also it is not being in despair, not being abandoned, and never destroyed!
As you probably know, living in Christ brings forth some negative consequences because Jesus is a stumbling block for those who don’t know Him. He is foolishness to those who have not been given understanding.
Think of Paul. He was hurt in so many ways because he loved Jesus and followed Him, no matter what the consequences. Yet, look how the Lord blessed him. He had churches all over, who loved and provided for him. He allowed Christ’s followers to comfort him, to bring him back to health, and so forth.
We are the same. But look at the blessings; look for the blessings. Sometimes we feel so alone, so lonely, so crushed, persecuted and struck down. We try to follow Christ, but are not always immediately awarded. The amazing thing, though, is that God never allows it to get so bad that we can’t handle it. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
We think of our days and our limitations due to our illnesses. I want you to know that God does have a plan for us, even though we often feel useless. Before I began writing devotionals for this site, I felt completely useless! Even in such a small action, God is using me. What is your calling? You don’t have to be afraid; God is beckoning you!
Prayer: Dear God, thank you so much that Your Word is truth! Help us to serve You, despite our limitations. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
About the Author:
Wendy Spurling lives in Northeastern Massachusetts. She lives alone, but is surrounded by friends. She loves writing, reading, and using the computer. She is going to college for Human Services and Deaf Studies. She loves American Sign Language! Most of all, though, she loves the Lord. If you need to be saved, and are ready for it, please contact me at inhim4life@comcast.net and I will help you.
How to Stay Focused on Time With God and Not the Distractions of Illness and Other Things
29 Sep 2010 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Atrial Fibrillation, Celiac Sprue, christian, christian encouragement, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, Facebook, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Lord, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals
“Let us pass through your country. We will stay on the main road; we will not turn aside to the right or to the left.” (Deuteronomy 2:27)
One of the jokes in our family is that we “chase chickens.” I’ve talked about a T-shirt I saw in a catalog that said, “People say I have ADD but what they don’t understand is. . .Oh, Look! A chicken!” As I do get distracted easily, my family now says I am off “chickening.” It seems like a funny inside joke – the kind that families and friends share.
Now, however, I am realizing how many “chickens” there are in my spiritual life. It seems as if I continually seem to wander off the main road! Now, don’t get me wrong, I know where I want to go and have every intention of staying on the main road, but. . . darn those chickens!
My chickens? Watching TV or playing on Facebook–even playing computer games. Yes, they are good for a break. But when I find I am neglecting my time with God I realize I’ve traveled off that main road!
It used to be an easy excuse to say I was “too busy” to spend the time with God that I claimed I wanted to. Now, with the constraints of my illness, I really have no excuses. And I’m realizing how different my life gets when I do neglect God and go running off after chickens.
I can no longer say, “I don’t have time.” I can’t say “Well, I can’t get to church. (Our church posts the sermons online now.) I can’t even say I’ve no music to listen to. My iTunes is full of uplifting music.
So, what is my excuse? I don’t have one except that I need to learn the discipline to stay on that main road – and not turn to the left or to the right. I need to simply follow Him. Everything else will fall in to place.
It’s amazing how much better my body feels when my spirit is on the main road.
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.
Does Your Heart Hurt?
28 Sep 2010 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, 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, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“Cast all your anxieties upon Him because He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)
One day I dug a little hole,
And put my hurt inside.
I thought that I could just forget,
I’d put it there to hide.
But that little hurt began to grow,
I covered it every day.
I couldn’t leave it and go on,
It seemed the price I had to pay.
My joy was gone, my heart was sad,
Pain was all I knew.
My wounded soul enveloped me,
Loving seemed too hard to do.
One day, while standing by my hole,
I cried to God above.
And said, “If You are really there –
They say, You’re a God of Love!”
And just like that — He was right there,
And just put His arms around me.
He wiped my tears, His hurting child,
There was no safer place to be.
I told Him all about my hurt,
I opened up my heart.
He listened to each and every word,
To every sordid part.
I dug down deep and got my hurt,
I brushed the dirt away.
And placed it in the Master’s hand,
And healing came that day.
He took the blackness of my soul,
And set my spirit free!
Something beautiful began to grow,
Where the hurt used to be.
And when I look at what has grown,
Out of my tears and pain.
I remember every day to give my hurts to Him,
And never bury them again.
This is a poem Lisa found and the author was anonymous.
Delight in What? The Paradox of Illness and Grace
26 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, chronic pain, Divine grace, God, Gospel of Matthew, Paul of Tarsus, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, weakness
“For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties,” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Life for the Apostle Paul was akin to that of great leaders of recent history who have suffered for their faith. Some of these heroes may be world famous; some may only be known within your community or in the confines of your own home. Perhaps even you, in the midst of feeling imprisoned by chronic pain, are a Paul.
I find it hard to imagine strapping on Paul’s Birkenstocks. If I follow Paul’s path, then I am to delight in. . . What? Weakness? Hardships? Persecutions? Difficulties? This sounds less than delightful. It reminds me of Christ’s imperative to, “take up your cross and follow me,” (Matthew 16:24).
Often in my prayers, I exclaim, “Lord, you don’t understand! I can fake it with my friends and sometimes get away with saying, ‘I’m just fine!’ when I’m really not okay. But you know my limits, and yet you want me to do What? And also take delight in my pain?”
I wonder if Paul felt similarly, during the period of his life when three times he pled with God to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” I may not be persecuted and imprisoned for my religious convictions, but I feel betrayed by my own body as chronic pain disrupts and obstructs my life. Taking care of Me has become a fulltime job. And I waste valuable energy fanning the flames of frustration and fear with my, “What if’s. . . ?” and “If only’s.”
God’s response to Paul, and you and me, is, “ My grace is sufficient for you , for my power is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:9). What an intriguing idea-that my weakness can be a venue for God’s grace and greatness. I am willing to struggle with this paradox.
Prayer: Gracious God, help us to trust that your grace is sufficient. May your power be made perfect in our weaknesses.
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@ 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/.
Praying For The Lord To Open Our Eyes
25 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, 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, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“How then were your eyes opened?” they demanded.” (John 9:10)
I love this miraculous story of Jesus healing the blind man because there are so many elements to it. Each time I read about this man, who was born blind, I come away with another inspiration to keep trusting God. Today, I had to stop and think about the question asked by the blind man’s neighbors. These were people who knew that he had been born without sight.
His transformation was obvious to all who knew him. Were they amazed, scared, challenged, or hopeful that some of their own issues could also be transformed? Or were they fearful, doubtful, skeptical, and envious of such a difference in the man. How did they feel about a man who was once pitied, but now could become an equal? Would the new sight provide him with the opportunity to supersede them? These are just a few of the questions that I think about.
No matter how often I meditate on this story, I always end up at the same point. I rejoice in the fact that Jesus frees us from our spiritual blindness. I can’t count the times that I have struggled, only to find the inspiration and the strength to carry on as I draw near to God. It is His goodness and mercy that lifts me and helps me to find His hand at work in my life every day.
How will I respond when someone, who is aware of my challenges, questions my faith and trust in God? Will I remain joyful as I tell them of the many ways that Jesus touches my life, even in the midst of my suffering? Will I allow my life to be a catalyst? Will others ask about Jesus because it is so obvious to them that He has changed me?
Prayer: Father, I pray that everyone who comes in contact with us will see your Hand at work in our lives. I ask that You will make us aware of Your presence as well.
About the Author:
Dorothea Love lives in California. After dealing with chronic illness for over twenty years, she knows that she needs God’s grace each day. Please email her at Dorothea.Love@yahoo.com or visit www.restministriessunroom.ning.com/profile/DorotheaLove .
Allowing Ourselves To Be Honest And Not Always Put On a Happy Face
24 Sep 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, faith, 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, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, pain, Pain Management, Religion & Spirituality, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering, Writer
“I believed, even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted,’” (Psalm 116:10).
Many days, I’m not feeling well. I’m in pain and just worn out. When someone asks me how I’m doing, I instinctively want to lie. “Fine, thanks.” I could be honest and tactful, but deep down, sometimes I just don’t want to accept my pain. If I do, would it mean God has somehow lost control? Would it mean I’m wavering in my faith? Or both? Instinctively, I feel I must put on my happy face. I must lie. I must be strong.
Recently, I learned otherwise. In Psalm 116:10, the Psalmist revealed, “I believed, even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.’”
He was in pain, yet he still believed. He didn’t lie or put on a happy face. Or even pretend to be strong. Instead, he let go of the “Fine, thanks.” He knew nothing he was experiencing – however painful – detracted from God, His promises, or even how God felt about him. Pain had pummeled him, but because of God’s mercy, he was not destroyed (v8).
Knowing this, I too can let go of the “Fine, thanks.” No need to discount my feelings. No need to lie to others and myself. No need to deny the reality of my life to protect myself from more pain.
God – not denial – is my ultimate protector. I can launch my feelings into the open, knowing He remains in control even when my faith wavers. Letting go shows I can trust Him with how I really feel. Letting go shows I believe He’ll listen to my broken heart (v1-2). Letting go shows He will come close, just as He’s done in the past (v. 7). Letting go shows I believe.
So how am I really doing? “I’m hanging in there. I have good days and not-so-good days.” I’ve let go of “Fine, thanks.” I know God is forever on His throne (Psalm 45:6). And nothing – not even pain – can ever snatch me from His hand (John 10:28).
About the Author:
Daphne Eilein Landers is a freelance writer and speaker who comforts others with the comfort she herself has received from God. Contact Daphne at daphne@daphnewrites.com.
Relying on God’s Great Love
23 Sep 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, faith, 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, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Parkinson's disease, prayer, Religion & Spirituality, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us” (1 John 4:16a)
I have believed God loves me since I first came to know Christ, but I can’t say that I always relied on that love. When I was healthier, it was easy to rely on my own strength and abilities.
When my health problems began, I continued to believe God loved me from an eternal perspective, but I questioned His good judgment for my earthly life. As He has proved Himself faithful over the years, I am learning to believe that ultimately everything in my life is allowed by Him because of His love for me. Although I may wish circumstances were different, He knows what is for my benefit.
I recently had two opportunities to claim this verse. While taking a family trip, I developed a severe migraine on the first day. That night I panicked, wondering how I would endure the rest of the vacation.
Then I remembered this verse and the countless times that God brought me through other times of pain. I prayed that in faith I would believe this was for my good and that God permitted it out of love for me. God once again proved faithful. I got through all the activities and enjoyed them – despite the pain – and my faith increased.
A few weeks ago my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Again, my first response was fear because he has always been the active one and has handled many household responsibilities for me, and again, I brought this verse to mind. Whatever the future holds, I am relying on God’s love for us, believing in faith that this is for our ultimate good, and that we will learn many things and increase our faith in the process.
Each step in this earthly journey is conforming me more to God’s image and preparing me for the wonders of eternity. Until then, the lifeline of God’s love is what I’m clinging to.
Prayer; O Lord, give me the faith to grasp the depth of Your love, and to know, believe, and rely on that great love at all times. 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 view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
God “Feeds” Us Every Day Of Coping With Illness
22 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Amen., American Sign Language, Bird, christian, 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, Gospel of Matthew, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Jesus Christ, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
When I’m on my way to my weekly appointment, I sit on a bench and eat a muffin with some coffee. It’s my little ritual. Usually, I throw crumbs out for the birds. Unknowingly, I am feeding those birds with God’s loving touch, because it says in this verse that He feeds them. So, I am doing His will when, really, all I want to do is watch the birds eat. This is enjoyable and important to me.
Now we are the “birds.” God’s hand reaches down and cares for us, much in the same way as He feeds the birds though us, or by other means. We never have to be afraid that Jehovah Jireh will not provide for us. What a relief and divine comfort.
We are valuable to God. We are but dust, yet our loving Father cares for us deeply. He loves the birds enough to provide for them, and look at us; He cares more for us than the birds – much more.
Sometimes we feel that we are useless and worthless in the face of our illnesses. Actually, probably more often than not. Yet, God, through Christ, has made us worthy of His unfailing love, which no one can even imagine, through the blood of Jesus Christ.
We are made whole, we become alive in Him, and we need have no shame or guilt when we bring our sins to the Throne of Grace. Because He loves us – deeply.
Prayer: Dear God, You are amazing. Your truth stands firm, and we bow down before You, knowing that we are but dust, yet You love us beyond our comprehension. Thank You. Amen.
About the Author:
Wendy Spurling lives in Northeastern Massachusetts. She lives alone, but is surrounded by friends. She loves writing, reading, and using the computer. She is going to college for Human Services and Deaf Studies. She loves American Sign Language! Most of all, though, she loves the Lord. If you need to be saved, and are ready for it, please contact her at inhim4life@comcast.net and she will help you.
Joy in a Pink Ukulele
21 Sep 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Atrial Fibrillation, Celiac Sprue, christian, christian encouragement, chronic, 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, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Lord, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, Ukulele
“. . .yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:18)
I saw it in the store display. There, in all its bizarre glory was a pink ukulele. Now, you need to understand my ‘love affair’ with ukuleles began years ago. My older brother, who I adored, played one.
Then came the movie Finding Forester and the song which combined Somewhere Over The Rainbow and What a Wonderful World, played, of course. . . on a ukulele.
I love audacious, crazy things. So when I saw the pink ukulele, I just knew I had to have it. Even with my challenges, I knew I could master it. I knew how to play a guitar. A uke would be easy to learn and I’d be so happy. I knew it could help me forget about my pain.
When my birthday rolled around my youngest son asked what I’d like. Without blinking an eye I replied “A pink ukulele.” He looked at me as if I had lost my mind then realized I was serious. I told him where I had seen it and that I hoped it was still there. It was the only one they had. (Now mind you, I didn’t think there’d be a rush on pink ukuleles in our small town.)
So, the big day arrived and there was my pink ukulele in all its gaudy splendor. How happy I was going to be!
That was last November. Today I sit in my chair and look at the shelf that holds my pink ukulele, unplayed for months. I played it a while and put it aside. Where was all the happiness and joy I expected? Why was it now just another “thing” in my possession?
I went running after an “I want,” instead of seeking the foundation of happiness. I expected a “thing” to make me happy. Far too often I run after happiness and joy, without ever realizing how close at hand that true happiness is. Was there anything wrong with wanting a pink ukulele? Inherently – no. Expecting it to satisfy me when only God can, was my error. I’m keeping that pink ukulele in a conspicuous place as a reminder – it is only in God that I can find true joy even in my pain.
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.
Whine For a Time
20 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, 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, lisa buffaloe, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:2-3)
Several years ago, my friend Nancy was beginning a new round of medication and knew the side effects would be nasty — puffiness, hair loss, nausea, etc. I was well on my way to a major pity party of my own. Two weeks after surgery to repair shredded tendons and ligaments on my hip, my excruciating pain had returned.
In the midst of our whine mode, we decided we should get together. Let me share the gist of our phone conversation.
Nancy: Let’s do a whine and cheese party.
Lisa: Can’t do cheese, I’m lactose intolerant – that would be a big whine. How about chocolate instead?
Nancy: Oh great! Okay, let’s get together and have coffee at Starbucks.
Lisa: Great, a whine, coffee, and chocolate party. Problem is I still can’t drive.
Nancy: I can drive. I’ll come get you.
Lisa: Great. But who will help us with our wheelchairs?
Pause…
Nancy: Oh that’s right. No problem, I can walk a bit, we can park close to the door.
Lisa: Okay, maybe I can use my walker and leave the wheelchair.
Nancy: I know. . . we can call our friend Cherie to drive us.
Lisa: Yep, we can even bribe her with coffee and chocolate.
Nancy: Yes, a baby-sitting fee.
Pause. . .
Chuckle.
Laughter.
Sidesplitting, tear-flowing, God-healing, whine-replacing laughter.
God knows life is difficult. He doesn’t belittle our cries. He understands our pain and promises to carry us through each day, even when we need to whine for a time.
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 .
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