To God Be the Glory — Even When We are in Pain?
30 Oct 2010 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, 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, Jesus, Lord, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, pain, rest ministries, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, short inspirational devotionals, Thorn in the flesh
“To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 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: 7-1)
I find this a difficult passage to truly understand. In some ways, I understand – that God’s power is seen through our weaknesses. But when I am in the midst of the throes of pain, doubts creep in. They seem to whisper in my ear, “You are not strong enough to handle this one.” “It’s too much, why don’t you just give in and admit God isn’t fair?” “Why don’t you just give up trying?”
I’m appalled at those whispers – but when I am confronted by physical pain, oh how hard it is to remember that God will be strong for me. Yet, each and every time He sees me through. I do get to the other side. Not always as gracefully as I’d like – but I do get through.
Knowing the trials of Paul helps me immensely. Knowing that there was something, that tormented him – a thorn in the flesh that he pleaded with God to take it away, and that God said no takes away the other doubts in my mind. Doubts that others sometimes voice.
“You know, if you only had enough faith, God would heal you.” “If you spent more time in the Word, this would go away.” Or worst of all, “It can’t possibly be as bad as you make it out to be.”
I can point myself to this Scripture with relief and say, “Paul suffered, too. God has his reasons.” And somehow, His reasons will show His strength and glory.
And in the meantime, in the times of pain, I must keep my eyes on Him saying, “To God be the glory – even in pain.”
If in some small way, my life can glorify Him. Then it’s worth it. And all those whispers? They can be put to rest.
About the Author:
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic challenges is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her challenges have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness. deni can be reached at encouragingwords@me.com. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement
Trusting God For the ‘Bread’. . . One Day at a Time
29 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: American Sign Language, 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, God, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jeremiah, Jesus, Lord, Massachusetts, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, worry
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
This verse cut to my heart this morning. I have not been spending time with the Lord as I should be. Yet, I worry about what I will eat, my financial situation, my eating disorder, and much more.
God tells us not to worry (Luke 12:22 –Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.”) Rather He tells us to put our trust in Him (Jeremiah 39:18 — I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord.”)
With these truths, we know not to worry, and to trust Him, but how do we do this practically? Well, what Jesus said is that we live on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. What we need to do, then, is read His Word and apply it to our lives. Then everything else seems to fall into place.
What an awesome God we serve! All we need to do is to trust and obey, which is far easier than living our lives on our own terms! We live to love and glorify God, and to love others, the two greatest commandments. And He is worthy of all praise.
May God bless you today as you put your trust and hope in Him.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for Your Word, which you have so freely given to us. We ask for help in trusting and obeying You, and doing Your will. We often don’t know what Your will is for us. Please reveal it to us. In Jesus’ 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 her at inhim4life@comcast.net and she will help you.
Celebrating Christ’s Birthday All Year Round
28 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, Christmas, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, First Noel, 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, Santa Claus, short inspirational devotionals, Silent Night, suffering, The First Nowell
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)
Every so often as you walk through my garage you hear “Joy to the World” or “Silent Night.” Last year as we packed up the Christmas decorations, I forgot to take the batteries out of the Christmas clock that plays a Christmas song every hour. The first time we heard it I realized it was in the attic, packed up in a box fare from the entrance.
“No, big deal,” I told my husband. “How long can the batteries last?”
Evidently at least a year. . . it’s still playing.
When company visited this summer they’s ask, “What am I hearing?”
“Oh, that’s just our Christmas clock,” I’d say. “Feel free to sing along.”
To be honest, it’s been one of those small highlights on many days. As I’ve walked through the garage carrying grocery bags and on my last bit of energy due to my chronic illness, I’d hear “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing!” As I was out there doing laundry and trying to get those last socks out of the dryer, ready to collapse from pain, I’d hear, “The First Noel.”
I’m tempted to “accidentally on purpose” leave fresh batteries in it again this year.
Jesus came to earth as a newborn baby so that He could be not only be both God and man, but so that we could identify with Him. Every Christmas we put on our Christmas carols and pull out the nativity scene, but let us not forget these precious scriptures all year round.
Prayer: Lord, remind me that your precious gift of coming to birth as a new baby is something I can celebrate any day; no calendar needs to be followed!
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since 1993. She is hoping to make it through this fall season without infections and surgeries and just enjoy the days one at a time.
Pressing On Toward The Goal In Spite of Illness
27 Oct 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Atrial Fibrillation, Celiac Sprue, christian encouragement, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, Coeliac disease, 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, Jesus, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, YouTube
Deni in her younger years
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 3:12-14)
When I was younger, I did a lot of competitive (“artistic dance”) skating. It consumed my life. From high school into my early 20′s, I skated for 40+ hours a week with my coach over an hour away from where I lived. My goal was to be ready for the day roller skating finally achieved the same status as ice skating and was considered an Olympic event.
Obviously neither of those events happened. Roller skating never made it to the Olympics. Neither did I.
Today I found some YouTube videos showing recent National and World artistic dance competitions. I sat for several hours enchanted by what I saw. My husband watched with me. “Were you that good?” he asked. I told him I was well on my way. However, a life event turned me onto another path.
I fell into “woulda, coulda, shoulda” land. For several hours afterward all I could think of was the loss of my ability to skate now, even if I wanted to.
As I sat quietly, filled with regret, words to a Bible verse came to mind. I didn’t remember it exactly – but I knew it had to do with forgetting the past and pushing towards a new goal.
Trusty Biblegateway.com soon found me the verse. You just read it above.
I don’t have the same goal now I had then. That goal is left far behind me. In its place is a new goal. It’s a goal we all can achieve, illness or not.
Our new goal if we choose it?
Answering God’s call. And we cannot do that by looking backward.
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.
Related articles
- What Part of the ‘Wall’ Are You Now… Despite Illness? (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com)
- Why Does It Have to Hurt So Bad? When The Pain Won’t Go Away (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com)
Are Your Hands Too Full? Overcommitting FOR God, but Forgetting God
26 Oct 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, Chronic (medicine), chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, Epistle to the Ephesians, 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, Jesus, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, West Michigan
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. . . Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
(Ephesians 5:15-17)
“I’m so wore out and exhausted. I don’t know what my problem is.” Finally, one friend asked me, “Bridget, are you spending time with God every day?” I told him I was too busy. The interesting thing is – I was a missionary at the time!
As Christians we can easily fall prey to the always-saying-yes syndrome. We strive to show God’s love to others, and as a result we say yes to too many requests. We fill up our schedules so tightly that our hearts become full of stress instead of overflowing in hope. You’d think being chronically ill would keep me from filling up my day so completely, but I find it has just the opposite affect – I want to prove I can still serve God, so I do as much as I possibly can (not smart)!
When Jesus was on earth, he knew his mission and he consulted God often about His will. He knew how long to stay in one place and he knew which people to minster to before moving on. He always took time to be alone and to commune with the Father. If Jesus needed that quiet-time with God, then I most certainly need that quality time with the Father!
I’m ashamed to say that even now I continue to pile too much into my life. I end up pushing my God-assignments aside for other tasks (not-to-mention my exhausted state). However good those things may be, they aren’t the assignment God has for me.
To truly focus our energy on God, it takes effort. But, for all the love God has shown us, isn’t it time we give back to Him? Are your hands so full that you can’t hold onto the Almighty? Prayerfully consider what God’s mission is for your life and focus on those areas.
Prayer: Dear Father, I’ve been so busy doing good work that I might have missed the God-things you put in front of me. Please lead me in the way You want me to go. 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 for readers who come across her writing or fabric cards to see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” You can reach Bridget at: quiltforhim@yahoo.com or www.pfccreations.com.
How to Suffer As a Christian – Must Our Illness Be Our Thorn?
22 Oct 2010 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 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, god caused christ to suffer, Health, how to suffer as a christian, 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, Surprised By Suffering
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.” (1 Peter 4:1)
In his book “Surprised By Suffering”, R.C. Sproul says: “. . . suffering is a vocation, a calling from God.”
I’m not sure how I feel about that. Being called upon to suffer is not something to get excited about, not if we look at suffering within the limited vision of pain and misery. Suffering only becomes something to be valued and useful to us in the light of Christ’s suffering; our suffering gains meaning in the light of Christ’s suffering.
Years ago I sensed the Lord trying to get the message of suffering across to me. I did not want to hear that I would have to suffer, but the fact is, if you belong to Christ, you will suffer, one way or another. To pick up our cross is to follow in His footsteps, and the path He walked was rough and rocky, pain-filled, and laden with suffering.
One thing suffering does fairly quickly is to get our eyes off of this world, to lessen our love for this world and begin to look forward to heaven. If we were given “heaven on earth” we’d have no desire to ever leave this place. Suffering lifts our eyes heavenward, to desire something better than this present world.
I don’t know what you might be suffering right now. You may be enduring one of the worst periods of suffering in your life. I encourage you to look toward Jesus, consider how much He endured, and place your suffering in the light of what our Lord endured for us.
It would be nice (we think), to never have to suffer, to never know pain and hardship, but whether we want to admit it or not, suffering changes us, it enables us to set our priorities correctly, and it causes us to look to, and call upon God for help.
Call upon God to help you through your times of suffering, and know that He is with you no matter what you are going through.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to stand strong in Your Spirit no matter what suffering comes our way. Amen.
About The Author
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He has suffered many years from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease, and has found God’s grace in the midst of suffering.
Learning to Live So God Does Not Oppose Us
22 Oct 2010 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: arthritis, California, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, Chronic (medicine), 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, Lord, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, rheumatoid arthritis, Satan, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
Lately I have had the opportunity to work with a Christian life coach. It sounds like such another typical southern California thing I am nearly embarrassed to mention it. But it is helping me tremendously to see where my gifts are at and where they are not. I understand better why certain things bring me joy and why others give me such stress. I’ve been on a spiritual journey that makes me excited to see where God will lead me and Rest Ministries.
I came across this scripture about pride recently and as with any scripture, saw it in new light within my current circumstances. I have felt God grace many times fall upon my days and Rest Ministries. Other times, I have felt a spiritual attack from Satan.
But reading this reminded me that sometimes, the opposition to my plans–no matter how noble and holy they may seem to be–is actually running into problems because it is God Himself who is opposing them. Perhaps somewhere in the mix of decisions and ideas, I have taken over what God considers a reasonable amount of administration. Did I call upon Him after I did my best, rather than just turning it over to Him to begin with? Did I forget that although He may be proud of how I have invested my time for Him, He still deserves all the credit?
What area in your life have you thought was Satan setting out to destroy some of your best-intended plans for the Lord, when it could have actually not worked out because it was God who was in opposition?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be humble so that as Psalm 25:9 promises, You will humble me in what is right and teach me Your way.
About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and the author of the book How to Start a Chronic Illness Small Group Ministry. She has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since 1993.
Does Your Illness Say, “I Can!” or “I Can’t”
21 Oct 2010 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, arthritis, Atrial Fibrillation, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, Chronic (medicine), 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, 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, Porphyria, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“…for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” (2 Peter 2:19b)
I just had a curious thought. I was reading through the book of Galatians where Paul is chastising the recipients of the letter for falling back into the old ways of the law, rather than the freedom we find in Christ – and becoming enslaved by the law.
It suddenly struck me that I often consider myself “enslaved” by my challenges. I focus on the “I can’t” so much more than the “I can still … (fill in the blank).
I once read the phrase, “If you can read this book, there is more right with you than there is wrong.” That phrase came echoing back to me.
I DO focus more on the things I can’t do than the things I can. I have, for the most part, allowed my challenges to “enslave” me.
“But you don’t understand,” you might be saying. “You don’t know what it is like to be me!”
Now, that is true. I don’t know. But I do know being homebound, having lost my job, watching my body deteriorate, having life-threatening allergies, and a host of other challenges. I have allowed those to dominate my life.
I no longer choose to do that. I am making a list of the things I can still do – from the most obscure details – (I can still breathe. I can still move. I can still partially see. I can type. I can make friends online.) – down to the specifics about me. I can still write. I can still draw – maybe not as well, but I can still do it. I can still think! And the list goes on and on.
Oh yes, I have chronic challenges that have changed my life, but I am going to refuse to allow them to enslave me again. There is still too much I am able to do if I look deeply enough, if I look at the right places.
Beloved readers, won’t you join me today? Stop looking at the “I can’t” in your life and begin to dig out the “I can still do ……” It might change the way you look at everything!
It did for me.
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.
Whispered Comfort In The Midst of Fear
20 Oct 2010 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, Denominations, 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, Lord, lyme disease, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10).
Lightning flashes and thunder reverberates in the room. Wide-eyed and tail down, our little dog runs to my chair. Whispering words of comfort, I scoop him into my arms and cradle his shaking body. He looks at me with puppy dog eyes as if to question why I don’t fix things, and why I don’t stop the frightening noises.
I hate he’s afraid. The weather radar shows the storm is only a rain shower. I whisper encouragement and hold him close. If only he could understand my words, he would know he was safe.
Holding him close, I wonder how many times I’ve run to God, wanting Him to dispel scary things and make life all better. I’ve often cried to Him when evil touched my life, or worries regarding health, job, children, family, and friends became overwhelming.
I try to show my dog how much I love him and that he can trust me to keep him safe. God knows we also get afraid and need His tender touch.
No matter how difficult the day, God’s voice speaks through His Word with encouragement and hope. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:10,13).
Storms will blow, but God’s comfort is found in the whisper of His loving words.
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
The Pain of Today is Not Forever
19 Oct 2010 3 Comments
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
- Image by practicalowl via Flickr
”He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sadness. There will be no more crying or pain. Things are no longer the way they used to be.” Revelation 21:4
My finger around the base of the nail of my index finger was just throbbing. The pain made me hurt all over. I had gotten an infection or fungus from probably putting my hands in water so often as I was cleaning and I hadn’t used my rubber gloves. As I was waiting for the day of my appointment with the dermatologist, I kept thinking how wonderful it will be when the pain goes away. However, my finger hurt so much it was hard for me to focus on the relief I planned to get after treatment. I kept reminding myself “This too will pass.”
Through the years, the motto “This too will pass” has pulled me through some truly miserable situations. Whether it was physical pain, emotional pain or sadness from the death of a loved one, I would remind myself: NOW IS NOT FOREVER.
The confidence we have as Christians is that God has something good planned for us. Suffering was not part of His original act of creation, but it serves as a temporary reminder of what happens in a world where God’s order has been broken. It also motivates us to spread the word about God’s plan to redeem the world from the suffering caused by sin.
Those of us living in daily physical pain and the related emotional pain and frustrations must constantly remind ourselves that these trials are only temporary. Some sorrow ill be relieved in this life, but all of it will be relieved when God finally establishes His new heaven and new earth. NOW IS NOT FOREVER.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remind ourselves often that the gains of heaven will more than compensate for the losses of earth. Help us to know true joy even as we cope with pain and sorrow in this world as we look forward to eternity with You—a time when every tear will be wiped from our eyes. Amen
About the Author:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia (Harrisonburg, Va.). She is a retired teacher who enjoys serving through her church, reading, gardening and camping with her husband, Richard. Patricia prays for peace and comfort for those dealing with trials and hopes that knowing NOW IS NOT FOREVER will bring comfort.
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