When your illness weakens who you think you are, where do you find strength again? Our newest devotional writer, Cynthia, shares.
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:30-31).
Are we putting one-hundred percent of our hope in what the Lord says? Or what the doctor says? Are we finding our strength in a finished to-do list? Or do we appreciate the small victories? The Lord is proud of us for seeking Him and spending time with Him today.
I am 23 years old and continue to battle chronic pain. I have persevered through chronic pain for over six years. I remember lying on the floor with an inability to stand on many occasions. I know what it’s like to feel misunderstood in a body depleted by aches and pains.
I used to dance ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop for five years. I danced in pain and no one knew. After many chiropractic appointments and doctor visits, I prayed for the Lord to renew the strength in my body.
While I waited, the Lord renewed my testimony.
It is helpful to remember that when we are at our weakest, God still works mighty miracles through us. I may be physically weak but, I am spiritually strong. Consider the following verse:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Although I may not feel well, all is well with my soul. In fact, after six years, chronic health conditions make one more dependent on God.
As your dependency on God grows, so does your faith. As your faith grows, so does your strength.
Remain confident and realize that injury, pain, and hurt doesn’t necessarily make you weak. I challenge you to meditate on scriptures that focus on strength today. You may feel physically weak, but you can find your strength in Christ.
I may not be able to dance, but hope dances over me like a victory song. Don’t wait for your feelings to catch up with the Lord’s truth. Choose to believe in a Lord who will increase your power and strength.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my strength. My body may fail, but I am choosing to find hope in You instead of circumstances outside of my control. I trust You, thank You for being proud of me, and renewing my strength daily. Amen.
Welcome to our new writer!
Welcome to our new writer!
Cynthia Giles is twenty-four years old and attends a university in Kennesaw, Georgia. Cynthia’s chronic pain has lasted for over six years. Her pain is the result of a car wreck and other circumstances. Cynthia thinks it’s important to give a voice to young people who deal with chronic pain and other health issues. She hopes that her writing becomes a light in a dark place for those in need of hope or healing. Cynthia is also a spoken word artist, public speaker, and enjoys writing in various styles. You can connect with her and learn about her website on Facebook at facebook.com/cynthia.spokenwordartist.
What stories and people in the Bible come to mind when you think of God renewing strength? What stories in your own life, or the life of others, remind you that God can restore our strength and hope?
This song, “One Life” by Press Play speaks of the face that we only get one life (here on earth!) and we need to do what we can to glorify God in it, regardless of our circumstances. When I see young women like Cynthia who has many reasons to be bitter about losing her ability to dance, and yet she is writing devotionals about it, I am reminded that I will be held accountable for how I used my illness. Because it is part of my life, and God wants all of me. I hope it blesses you! -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 