Chronic Illness Pain Devotionals

Let Me Help!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1

Life doesn’t stop for illness and illness doesn’t stop for life. Can we catch a break? Sometimes, it seems we can’t.

As I traveled to another city to be with my father during his lengthy hospital stay, I realized I would still need to pace myself. I didn’t want to. He was in critical condition with both feet and hands bandaged. He needed someone with him at all times to do even the simplest task, such as scratch his forehead or call the nurse.

I was staying in a motel, missing my mattress and pillows; also worrying that my restlessness would disturb my sister, asleep in the other bed. It didn’t take long for the fibro flare to kick in. My purpose here was to give my sister some relief and do what I could to help my father, in addition to just being with him. What was I going to do? How was I going to manage everything?

“Let Me help,” He said.

We were all facing a lot of unknowns, but none of it was unknown or surprising to God. Not my father’s illness, the length and outcome of it, nor my fibro flare and what to do about it.

“Let Me help.”

I wanted badly to do much more than I was doing for him, but physical limitations made that impossible.

“Let Me help.”

That message was exactly what I needed to hear and I heard it over and over. I could not be at the hospital as many hours as I wanted, but God was there every second.

Perhaps you need the reminder, as I did, to let God help. Invite Him to help you not just through your daily illness and pain, but in whatever situation you find yourself. The illness and pain may not disappear or even lessen, but God will help you through the limitations.

He is everywhere! He can help others and see to their needs at the same time He is ministering to you.

Father, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, thank you for Your reminders of Who You are. Please keep reminding us when we forget to let You help!
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Priscilla Ervin lives in Arlington, Tx and is glad God’s Word reminds her of Who He is and what He can do. And her father is on the mend.

Be Still

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14 NIV)

I was truly blessed today by two friends who have helped sustain my faith and who have shown me His love and care through their thoughtfulness and care. Today they gave me the passage above printed out and framed in a beautiful frame that I promptly displayed on my desk where I create and write.

I need only be still....how hard that is to get through my very stubborn Irish head! I have felt that if I am not in motion, or not doing something, then all the fears, pain, doubts, etc....will settle on me and have a chance to catch up with me.  If that happens I might be overwhelmed and overtaken.

This illness has been a fight and now there is a new fight on my horizon - a fight with the insurance company. I know many of you have had a similar fight. A fight for proper care, a fight for treatment to be paid, in essence a fight for your very lives. It isn't bad enough that we often need to deal with the gamut of emotions thrown our way every day, but to add insult to injury we often have to fight for treatment, medication, therapy, etc....to be paid.

In the midst of fighting for a brief extension of time, I have to put forth energy I don’t have and divert my attention away from staying alive, to arguing with the insurance company to cover something they view as experimental. Not only do I need to rely on my ability to fight and my doctor’s ability to support the need for these treatments, I need to rely on God and His ability to watch out for my best interests and to work spiritually behind the scenes to fight for me. I rely on Him to fight for my spirit and my soul, especially when my heart bears ill-will toward insurance bureaucrats.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to not bear ill-will toward those who decide what treatments and care will be allowed and paid for. Help me be still and patient while you fight for my well-being. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame Football fan. Denny lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating Polyneuropathy and Cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the most difficult of days.

In God's Time

"God has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecc. 3:11

I saw this verse today on a beautiful butterfly. It really hit home with me because I have suffered from lupus for many years. It came on the same day that I received information from the National Lupus Foundation stating how lupus is a devastating, life-diminishing and life-threatening autoimmune disease that has a great impact on vital organs of the body including the heart, lungs, kidney and brain as well as the skin and joints. But, like many of you, I know the worse part of lupus is the unseen part. The part of "you don't look sick," or "she's not complaining again!"; the endless part of going from doctor to doctor with different opinions before you are diagnosed; the constant testing, and on and on. What is so ironic is that it is labeled the lupus meaning "wolf" which is for the "butterfly" rash. But when we turn things upside down and look at it from another angle we see that somehow maybe this is just our caterpillar stage and someday all things will be made beautiful and work together for the good of those that love God. On the next page, I saw a verse "Whatever is lovely... think on these things." Phil 4:8.

You know lupus truly is an ironic disease. You learn about yourself and you learn inner lessons. It really is a wolf in sheep's clothing! People see the outside of a sheep when a wolf lurks in your body. And, it is a lot like the boy who cried wolf. You in up going to the doctor so much from such a horrid disease that you (and sometimes the doctor) feel like you are crying wolf but you are not.

Then, I realized that in the midst of all this, God is using me. I am only see a part of a picture like if you take a photograph and blow it up and only see a fee dots. You can't see what is going on in the whole picture; you can only see the dots. But someday, we will see the entire picture and know the full beauty of things. So until then, I just have to think on the lovely things like my daughter, my husband, the fact that we have food, somehow we keep our house, he is giving me new friends every day, etc.

Springtime is a time of growth and renewal. Are you being renewed?

Remember this spring when you see a butterfly remember that butterfly was once a larvae... and larvae aren't always pretty but in time everything is made beautiful!

"This is what the LORD says: ' Let not the wise man boast...., but.... boasts boast about this:  that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23,24 NIV)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sparrow Dove tries lives beyond her lupus. She is a mom and a wife that tries to serve God and do his will. She can no longer work because of her illness, but still enjoys living, loving, learning and seeing God’s natural beauty. And when life gets tougher and it is hard to do that, she prays! You can e-mail her at sparrowdove@insightbb.com

Urgent Prayer Request

Hello friends,

Over the course of writing devotions, we all come to know special
writers who impact our lives.  Denny Dowd is one of them.  As many of
you know, she lives with not only chronic illness, but cancer as well. 
It has come to my attention that Denny is undergoing a difficult time
as medical treatments for cancer have impacted upon her life.  Denny is
having a difficult time coping with these challenges and prayer is
urgently requested.

I am a firm believer in the power of prayer and that prayers produce
miracles.  Let us all lift our heads toward heaven as we pray for
Denny, pray for God's grace to touch her life and grant her strength
and the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you so very much.

Love and blessings,

Kay DeCarlo
Devotion Coordinator
Rest Ministries

Focus On God's Perfect Place

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free. Psalm 118:5 NIV

Society is obsessed with being young, healthy and successful. Commercials focus on making their viewers believe that if they purchase their product, they will be beautiful, active and without a care in the world.

The word-faith movement is a teaching that stems from the human desire to exist without tribulation and to create a heaven here on earth. Because our society influenced, selfish egos yearn for a carefree life, full of rewards and trophies, many have taken God's word out of context to fit their own devices. The movement teaches that if you have faith and claim God's promises, that you will reap the benefits of a healthy and prosperous life.

Many well-meaning Christians get caught up in this belief system, because life is genuinely very difficult and full of trials; so, we, as humans often grasp for a "formula" that will insure us good health and monetary abundance. Alarmingly, this movement has spread itself through the church like wildfire.

The world is not God's perfect place; throughout the Bible we are warned about the "storms" and "difficulties" of life. Our bodies are not immortal or invincible; therefore there is bound to be disease and trials. The Scripture must be taken in its full context and not just torn out in bits to apply it to our own desires.

Those of us who truly know the Lord are well aware of His almighty power. That is why we worship and adore Him. So, doesn't that make our faith even stronger, since we praise God in the midst of pain? After all, how hard is it to praise God when you are healthy and life is going well?

Instead of being seen as having courage in tribulation, we are often viewed as being uncertain of God’s power, because we are still sick. But, the Lord knows it takes true faith to perseverance through the storms! Charles Surgeon wrote, "no faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs in adversity" (Spurgeon, 1991, p. 636).

Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with her husband, Richard. She is a retired schoolteacher and enjoys reading, gardening, camping and church activities. Patricia deals with pain due to a nerve disease.

Positive Thoughts

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything

is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."  (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Paul tells us that we should think about things that are positive.  We all choose

the way we respond to our circumstances.  We often focus on our inabilities,

weaknesses, and pain.  When living with these things daily, it's very difficult not

to. 

Many of us are house bound, and we begin to tell ourselves that life is over,

we can't do anything anymore.  We start to feel alone and sorry for ourselves.

At this point if we tell ourselves the truth, that, “Yes, we can't do what we used to do”, but we need to go on to also see that it doesn't mean we can't do anything!!  We need to find different things to  do and ways to get around.  We need a different way of thinking.

We can start with God's Word.  As we read and think on God's Word we learn the truth. We can control our thoughts and find peace in God that will guard our

hearts and minds.  When we dwell on God and His goodness we find encouragement and strength.  We soon begin to build appreciation for what we do have and can do.  Our worries and anxiety give way to laughter, joy and peace.  We get through another day and find purpose in our life.

What we think matters.  The results of having good, pure, positive thoughts are the presence of God, and the God of peace will be with you.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your word, and guidance, in showing us the way to You and to true peace in our minds and hearts.  Help us each day to dwell on You and all that is pure and good.  Guard our thoughts through out the day, that You will be the center of all that we do and think on. Amen

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margie Scott lives in Chandler, Arizona, with her son, James. She enjoys reading, writing, sewing, and spending time with her family. Margie strives each day to trust God's grace will always provide as challenges arise related to living with, Parkinsons, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia. You can contact Margie any time at mscott123@cox.net.

Our Potential In Christ

“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." …... For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV)

There are times when life seems to be full of action and decision making – then others when you seem to be in a state of suspense, going no-where, or even just in limbo.

At the moment, things are changing for me.  My health has started to affect my ability to work..  It seems that I will have to alter my working life to fit in with my physical ability – yet again.  My work has always been fairly important to me.  It’s been something that has given me satisfaction and represented somewhere where I feel I can make a difference by what I do.

Right now I’m not sure what is going to happen.  I will have to make some decisions very soon, but at the moment I’m still trying to come to grips with what this means for me – and to try to work out what I can change to make things better.  There are financial considerations, health ramifications and in some ways, I don’t have much choice but to do what I’m being told to do – whatever the consequences might be for me.

Looking back at my life – particularly since my accidents over 20 years ago, I have seen many times how God has provided for me, opened doors for me to do things I might never have expected, but that turned out to be good for me.  God has provided both financially and physically and also sent people to understand, support and encourage me at the times when I most needed it.

I have no doubt that God will go before me yet again, into whatever the future holds for me.  That is comforting, even though I have to admit to still feeling apprehensive at times in my humanity.  God is bigger than any problem I can foresee – and He has already seen and known it anyway.  BUT…. because I can’t see how this will sort itself out now, I feel as if I’m in limbo – just waiting to see what happens.

God’s strength will be enough for me – my strength will never be, on its own.  Its so easy to want to control everything myself, but I need to constantly be reminded to lean on my Heavenly Father.   When I am weak, He is strong.

Prayer:  Thank you dear Father God, that You have my life in your hands, You have a plan for every day of my life and You will carry me in my weakness, when I rest in your care.  Help me to trust you more and more each day.  Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne Australia and takes comfort in the fact that God has her life in His hands and prays that you may rest in that assurance too.

Unexpected Blessings

“…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength….And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:12b-13, 19 – NIV)

Lately, I’ve noticed I am more at peace with my life than I used to be. I wondered what happened to make my heart and mind so joyful. After some quiet time with God and introspection I realized what had made this life-changing perspective – learning to be content where I’m at.

This “heart attitude” didn’t happen overnight- it took several trials to get my attention: invasive surgery, stomach problems, struggling finances, singleness, car trouble, and a lack of daily resources (food, vitamins). I often wished for these trials to be taken away or changed so that I could focus more what God wanted me to do. What I didn’t take into account was God using these struggles to bring me to a place of contentedness and peace.

Because my resources are thin, I have to prioritize what daily chores and supplies are really needed (not just “wants”). I have to be a better steward of my time and money. I have to turn to God for what I need and wait for Him to provide – which He has in every instance. In turn, this has made me more grateful for what I do have. Now, it doesn’t matter what I eat or wear or drive, I am just so thankful to have those things - I no longer want to minimize those provisions.

Had I not gone through some of the things that I had, I wouldn’t have the peace I have today. I never would have seen God provide for me and meet my needs in such a personal way. We truly do serve a loving and gracious Father, who longs to take care of His flock. Where are you today? Are you thankful for how God has provided for you? Can you see past the trials and see God’s teaching lessons? Are you turning to God for what you need?…..

About the Author (© Bridget Gazlay 2008)

Bridget resides in beautiful west Michigan. Besides managing her illnesses, Bridget likes to design fabric cards & pictures (first book published in 2005), write devotionals for Rest Ministries &Comfort Café (along with a few other ministries from time to time), sing on a worship team, play with her nephew, and mentor youth. To learn more about Bridget, go to: http://webpages.charter.net/bgazlay or send her an email: fabricards101@charter.net

Fear Not!

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

(Psalm 23: 4 NIV)

Life is not always easy. Sometimes we experience terrible episodes, times of deep despair and excruciating pain. These are occasions when we don't think we can endure one more moment of agony. For some of us, this is our darkest valley. During the past few months my struggle with cancer and CIDP has brought me to some of those low and desperate moments when there seemed to be no way out of the dark, dark valley. Even the simplest of tasks like standing up, creeping along with my walker, getting dressed, even asking for help, were sheer agony. It was in those darkest moments that "I fear no evil; for you are with me" came to the rescue.

The rescue came in the form of the still voice of God whispering, "Just do it, trust me, ask for help." That was all I could hear, but it was enough. With my last ounce of strength I pushed on and through. I struggled to my feet, pushed my walker in its weary and painful way, put up with shaking arms and hands from muscles that no longer work, and in time I realized that each new day is a new beginning a chance to enjoy it not merely endure it.

It is true that life is not always easy. It is, however, equally true that even in our worst moments we have nothing at all to fear and for one reason only: that the Lord is with us. Through all Scripture the words "do not fear" and "I am with you" appear again and again in one form or another. Watch for them! Let them sink in and pray that they will control whole being; body, mind and soul. They are truly our rod and our staff. I know. I have been there. My guess is you have been there too.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame Football fan. Denny lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating Polyneuropathy and Cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the most difficult of days

One Thing Never Changes

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."  (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)

Life is so different today.  I am finding I need physical support in most of what I do.  Last night I was thinking on how things have changed this last year.  I know many of us with chronic illnesses face changes coming about almost daily.

Yesterday, my doctor had a walker delivered to my house, insisting that my cane is no longer enough support for me.  Tomorrow my back brace will be here.  I need more support for the muscles and the spine.  And all these things just seem to keep coming.

Do you ever just wish things were as they use to be, or at least would stay the same for a little while?  It has been tough in accepting some of these changes that just keep coming.  But there is one thing that we can always be sure of, and that is Jesus Christ.  He is the same as in the beginning, the same as when he walked here on earth, and still the

same today, and forever.

We can lean on Him for all our needs.  All we have to do is reach out and accept Him.  Our days and years will continue to change but the Son of God will always remain the same.  His love and promises are always there for us to lean on.

I'm so thankful that we have our Savior to hold on to. He is steadfast, true, unchanging, and will always be there for us.  So if those days of  change come and become overwhelming, reach out to Him.  His grace and love will bring peace and a solid ground to always stand upon.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I thank you for Your unchanging love, grace and mercy.  Thank you that we can always depend upon and lean upon You.  Help me to always keep my eyes upon You, today and always.  Amen

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margie Scott lives in Chandler, Arizona, with her son, James. She enjoys reading, writing, sewing, and spending time with her family.  Margie strives each day to trust God's grace will always provide as challenges arise related to living with, Parkinsons, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia. You can contact Margie any time at

mscott123@cox.net.