Chronic Illness Pain Devotionals

See Yourself As A Child Of God

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then
we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I
shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)

*"I will know myself as I am known."

It seems fitting that the end results of the love chapter
in 1 Corinthians 13 is that you will know yourself as
you are known. If you love as this chapter describes
with long suffering, kindness, no envy, ego void state,
no unseemly behavior, no self gain, a long fuse, no evil
thoughts, rejoicing in the truth, dependability, and bears,
believes, hopes, and endures all things, you will know
yourself as you are known.

All through life you need mirrors to be able to see
yourself to maintain balance, adjust your path, and
respond appropriately and healthily. Your body has a
whole system that provides you with a mirror, called
proprioception. This system gives you feedback that
helps you maintain an awareness of your extremities and
body position. Without this feedback or mirroring system,
you would not be able to maintain physical balance nor
coordination.

The emotional mirrors that may have been provided to
you by your care takers in growing up, may have labeled
with unhealthy, destructive, unrealistic perceptions, and
conceptions of yourself. You may not have been called
stupid, dumb, foolish, sweet, funny, bad, or other things.
You may have been given double signals by what was
said and what was acted out in a way that left you
confused and conflicted.

The greatest gift that you could have been given as a
child would be love that is described in this chapter,
unconditional love. In the mirror of this love, you
would have seen yourself as a beautiful child of God.
You would have been cherished, protected, and
nurtured. No matter how good a parent is, you come
into life with some childhood wounds and breaks.
You search for healing for the rest of your life.

As I see myself as a child of God, in the mirror of God’s
love, I am able to heal the childhood wounds and breaks
that I bring into life with me. I can drop the defenses
that keep the denied, repressed, and suppressed parts of
myself under warps. I can begin to know and love myself
as I am known and seen. I can embrace all of myself to
find the abundant life! The dark glass becomes the clear
mirror of the Lord’s love!

*Breath Prayer- Take a scriptural promise, turn it into a
seven syllable affirmation give or take a few, in present
tense and second person, and say it on the perfect breath
(in to a count of 3 out of a count to a count of 6) as you
breathe out.

Kathleen S. Lewis, RN, MS, LPC, CMP: has lived with SLE
and many other rheumatic diseases for 30 years; is the author
of CELEBRATE LIFE … NEW ATTITUDES FOR LIVING WITH
CHRONIC ILLNESS and PRAYER WITHOUT CEASING …
BREATH PRAYERS; runs a counseling ministry, Celebrate Life,
by phone; is a Stephen minister; has 2 sons and 4 magical
grandchildren; resides in Marietta, GA with LB, the best
Peek-a-Poo ever; and knows "In my weakness is Your strength."
Check out and meet me for a chat at http://www.letscelebratelife.com.

Stand Firm

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”  (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV)

So often my time is taken up by one thing --- illness. I tend to forget the normal things of life, which can be easy to do when I never feel good.

Many things in life change when chronic illness enters the scene. We have new ’props’ in our life -- physical therapy, medications, limitations, pain. We have to make adjustments, concessions, even change our way of living. But one thing that should not change is paying attention to our spiritual lives. We should continue to grow in the Lord. Just because I am sick does not mean  the enemy is any less interested in throwing obstacles my way. For he “prowls around like a roaring lion.”

Have you ever seen a nature program about lions in the wild? They do prowl around until they find something to kill and eat. Then they are satisfied, but only for a short time, for when they awake after sleeping with a full belly, they will begin to prowl again.

Sometimes I am an easy target. I lie down because I cannot stand or sit any longer; I may not be able to read because my eyes hurt; I may be hurting all over and just focus on that. What circumstances to not be alert!

But God instructs us to resist the enemy. How? By “standing firm in the faith”. I open my Bible and begin to read, to pray, to think about Him. If I am saturated in the Word, I am better able to resist evil forces. If I am in communion with God, I will be more alert and self-controlled.

Another help in standing firm is fellowship with other believers. For some of us, it is difficult to go anywhere; for others, impossible. Family and internet friends are vital!

We have the ultimate Protector! Jesus Christ has already won the war. Though the battles continue, God provided His Son for us. We can stand firm in Him.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Priscilla Ervin, Arlington, Texas, lives with Fibromyalgia, chronic Epstein Barr and other health issues. She is thankful for her friends and family, and the love and understanding they show her.

Words Of Love

WORDS OF LOVE

"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

Have you ever kept those special cards or letters from a loved one?
Knowing how much they love you and care about you?  These cards or few
words, can really warm our hearts. I have my little stash and bring them
out from time to time.  Just to see those words of "I love you".
  Something special to my heart that I keep tucked away.
 
I was thinking about these things this morning as I was searching God's
word for a couple of special verses to me.  I had woken with a lot of
pain and did not want to start my day with lots of pain medications.  I
needed to see those words of love and comfort and how God is always
with me.  That today and always He will be here and hold my hand during
the good days and the difficult days.
 
There is no greater comfort than our Lord.  He is always by our side,
and loves us greater than we could ever know.   He knows what we are
going through, and is always there for us.  He gives us so much each day
to show us that he loves us.  We see it in his written word such as John
3:16 "Fod God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting
life."   We see it in the beauty of His creation, the trees and flowers,
and those gentle breezes.  The birds that sing to us each day, and even
the beauty of a sunset, or star filled skies at night. 

We may have our little comforts that we tuck away for certain times,
but we have our Lord with us always.  Holding our hand and comforting our
fears, and yes even love letters to us.  Reach out to God and you will
find the greatest of love and peace.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and for holding my hand today.  What blessings
You give to us in Your constant show of love and mercy.  I pray for all
those that need Your peace and comfort today. I love You.
Amen

Margie Scott lives in 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.

A Way In The Wilderness

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18 NIV)

When I learned I had cancer, I was in the midst of studying about the people of Israel. God had a plan to bring them out of Egypt, but boy did they grumble about where they ended up - in the wilderness. It seemed to me that if I rebelled against this twist in the road, I like the Israelites, would be grumbling against God's goodness and purpose. So, I determined to follow Him and trust His provision wherever he chose to lead me. He has provided for me with skillful physicians, many people who pray for me and the support of wonderful friends. It seemed like a victory and at one point; I thought I would be home free.

Then I saw my doctor and learned that things were continuing to get worse, not better and I was overwhelmed. Again I was in the wilderness, not because God was leading me there, but because I ran there out of fear. God did not leave me alone. He gave me clear direction regarding the course of treatment to follow.

The battle for me has been, and continues to be, in my mind - not to let fear overwhelm me, not to dwell on the what-ifs, but to count on God's character and His promises, which are sure and true.

He knows my thoughts, my fears, and my frailties. He knows how determined I am to follow Him one minute and how fearful I am the next. I praise Him for not giving up on me and for not leaving me in the wilderness. He keeps meeting me where I am and providing for me there. He uses these hard times in my life to show me His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Prayer: You Lord, are in control of all things, large and small. You are my Good Shepherd, who knows the way, who calls me by name, and who knows my needs and provides for them even before I ask. How grateful I am for Your promise not to leave me desolate. You in Your grace and mercy come to me. 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.

Our Many Years

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) (NIV).

Morning exercise workouts, business trips, meetings, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and extracurricular events – such were the activities that filled a typical day in my pre-pain years. I handled them with an energy level that now amazes me and believed the many things I accomplished were necessary. There wasn’t chronic pain, but I tended towards intense control and perfectionism. I stressed when there wasn’t enough time to complete things to my satisfaction, and when life didn’t fit together according to my plan, I became frantic and frustrated. Life was a whirlwind of busyness.  Such were my “Martha Days”.

Caused by an accident, which led to chronic pain, my slow-down was not chosen but forced. There are no more business trips and meetings. Workouts no longer exist and laundry, cleaning and cooking have now become monumental tasks.  Not expecting or anticipating the transition, it seems I have now entered my “Mary Years”. Instead of the stress and frantic thoughts of what I can’t get done, I now sit at the feet of our Lord and listen. Forced upon me initially, but now welcomed, I have time to delve into God’s Word so Jesus can speak. I eagerly look forward to what He teaches me each day, in the solitude of quiet time with Him.

Chronic pain or illness has been thrust upon us, but with that condition we now have an opportunity to choose what is better – a renewed relationship with our Lord. We can make the best of and be thankful for the “Mary Years” we are now in. Jesus wants us to listen as He lovingly speaks new lessons to our hearts. Even with our difficulties, we can have peace and joy, as we sit at His feet in reverence and love – listening, learning and looking up as He shows us the way.

Prayer: “Oh, Blessed Savior, we are here, listening to You. Teach Us! Amen.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Doris Farley experiences chronic pain that began after an accident.  Her circumstances have led to an unexpected, life-changing spiritual journey that has renewed her commitment to our Lord. She thanks God for reaching her and prays that He will reach you also, through the words He gives her to write for you. You may write to her at dorisfarley@aol.com

God Is Good All Day Long

"Show me Your ways, O lord, teach me your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior; and my hope is in You all day long."   Psalm 25:4-5  (NIV)

I went out today with my family!  It sounds so simple, doesn't it?  An activity that most normal people wouldn't think a thing about.  But for me; after a long bout with flares, sinus infections, and virus's; to say I was able to get dressed and go out is overwhelming!  I acted like a normal person! Wow!

It was about 70, a sunny day, a nice breeze, the trees were in bloom. A glorious day!  I was sitting in the passenger seat just about overstimulated with the colors I saw and the fragrance in the air from so many trees and flowers in bloom.  My spirit began praising God who created such a beautiful world for us to enjoy!

How could people see a spring day and not praise God!

Then I realized that those who are "normal" in their health and lives, see this every day.  They take it for granted that there are trees, and flowers, sunny skies or rain, because they are out in it everyday.  How sad.

Do you hear what I am saying?  How sad, to be a normal person!

For many people, my day out would be no big deal.  We went to get groceries, run errands, eat sandwiches.  But for those of us who are housebound, it was a real treat.  It almost seemed as if I were a normal person, except for the cane and scooter in the grocery store.  It was a feast for my senses to go through the produce section as I smelled the fragrance of citrus fruits stacked on the table.

I enjoyed every bit of the day.  And I will store up memories of shopping with my daughter and seeing her eyes laugh at the way her mother was so excited at the little things.  Even the display of Easter stuffed animals that I had to touch to see how soft the fur was.

Tomorrow I will most likely be in pain.  I will definitely be exhausted.  This is the price that I pay for going out.  But it is worth it.  I will treasure the memories of the blue sky, trees decked out in white blossoms, or pale green leaf buds, the smell of tables stacked with citrus fruits, and "playing with" the stuffed bunnies with my daughter.

God is good and "My hope is in Him all day long."

About the Author:  Sandra Platt is a Minister's wife and mother of two college aged kids.  She lives in Kentucky with her family and two spoiled cats.  Her hearts cry is found in Psalm 19:14  "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my redeemer."

Let God Be Your Portion

Psalm 73: 26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion.

      There are days when my body is willing but my heart is not in the game and there are days when my heart says go and my body refuses to suit up. But there are the days when both of these worlds collide. These are the worst.

      Today my body is tired and so is my heart. It is the second day after a fibromyalgia flare and I am recovering. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I pick up the list of things I wanted to get done today and with a sigh throw it back on the kitchen table. I walk back into my bedroom and see my sweet little dog Sassy sleeping soundly on my bed totally oblivious to any of this. Is God trying to tell me something?

      

      What has God given me the strength to do today? Work, rest, play, read, pray or just be. It is a vicious cycle for me sometimes. When I am in pain I cannot work, but when I feel a bit better, I try to do catch up and then I end up in pain again. Of all the things I have had to learn this is the most difficult. But I know God’s heart and He reminds me again that He is for me not against me. His lap will always be ready to receive me just as I am. He is intimately acquainted with my struggle. He is my portion, my inheritance.

      I have taken the to do list and tucked it in my Bible. I won’t lie and say I won’t take it out and look at it again, but maybe today is the day I will lay my burdens down and really trust God with my life. Maybe today I will rely on Him and not myself to make a way where there doesn’t seem to be one. Maybe today this verse will truly become my portion. Help me Father to believe.

Catherine Barron lives in Sheridan, Montana with her daughter Laura. She is semi retired and enjoys reading, writing and her new passion photography. Catherine considers her illness a formidable teacher

Comfort In Suffering

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV)

Paul used the word "comfort" many times in 2 Corinthians.  He taught that believers should encourage each other in faith, every time they met.

Many of us need God's comfort daily, even hourly.  We face pain and fatigue.  So many life changes, and struggles.  But when we reach out to God, He brings us comfort.  In Him, His word, and prayer, we begin to get comfortable again. 

God is our comforter, encourager, He cheers our hearts and minds.  God does this because He loves us.  We are His children.  It is a gift to us.  A gift that we can share and give to others.  We can become comforters in Christ.

I have recently seen many support groups and forums on line.  And I have truly been touched how people quickly reach out to others that are suffering in the same way.  Prayers and encouraging words immediately going out to any one asking.  Sincere advice is given on things that help our daily lives, and soon friendships  begin to build.  Our willingness to share what God has given to us, reflects the sincerity of our faith.

When ever we face difficulties, we should first reach out to God, and then share with others, our needs and sufferings. Many will be in prayer, and many thanks given to God.  I pray comfort for all those suffering today, and praise and give all thanks to God, for His comfort and opportunity to be a comforter in Christ.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father,  There is no comfort that can compare to what You give to us.  Thank You, and thank You for the opportunity to share Your comfort with others.   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 at mscott123@cox.net.

Is It Soup Yet?

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is

the man who takes refuge in him." (Psa. 34:8 NIV)

One of my most favorite things to do is make homemade

soups from scratch. I especially like making vegetable

soup and I always put everything in it but the kitchen

sink. I start with a tomato base and then anything can

end up in it from cabbage to perhaps even turnips.

Homemade foods are a comfort to us and they give us

that peaceful homey feeling... like we get with family

and with God's love. Just sitting around the table for a

meal with our loved ones gives us that special feeling

that nothing can take the place of.

Making the soup and putting all the different ingredients

together reminds me of all the different things in our lives

that make us who we are. A little pinch of this spice and

a little pinch of that. Yet when the pot is all put together

and gently simmered it brings "that wonderful taste" that

can't be beat.

 

We are similar to that soup. Each of us has our own

ingredients that God has put into us to make us who

we are, unique and individual.

Some of us can write, some may be able to sing or play

an instrument. Others can paint beautiful pictures. Many

have the ability to show compassion to those that are

hurting or to be a good listener.

God has given us all something. He has created the vessel

of soup and put in all the right ingredients.

Do you know what your ingredients are? Don't give up dear

friend because you face illness in your life today. God has all

the special ingredients just for you and He will give you the

ability and strength to be satisfied and fulfilled, knowing that

you are at peace and indeed in the center of His will.

Thank you Father for making us individually who we are.

Help us to fill that special void in our lives allowing the

right ingredients that you have bestowed upon us to

be used in our lives daily... In Jesus name, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Dittert (Founder & Overseer of Fibro/Chronic
Pain Support Ministry) lives in a berm home in Rural
Central Iowa with her husband & soul mate Patrick,
4 cats and a Lab/Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are
both pastors, retiring early because of illness. Nancy
lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Absence Seizures and
Neuropathy, and her husband had a brain tumor that
left him disabled. They are still actively involved in Chronic
Pain Support Ministry through the Internet and as Christian
Freelance writers. Write Nancy at nancierose@msn. com
and visit her Chronic Pain Web Site at...
http://Fibromyalgiahelp.homestead. com/index. html

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Are You Wrestling With God?

Genesis 32:28

      Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and overcome.”

      I awoke this morning needing to go grocery shopping and my truck needed an oil change. The only problem was that the fibromyalgia pain had been so intense in the past 4 days I wasn’t sure if I could or even wanted to get out of bed. I laid there and not unlike Jacob I wrestled with God.

      Be honest, we all wrestle with God. But what I see from this verse, wrestling isn’t something that God frowns on. He actually renamed Jacob Israel because he had done this very thing and overcome. Jacob also received a blessing from God when all was said and done.

      Later in the morning I was able to get up, dressed, got to the store and yes, my truck was relieved to have fresh oil in its joints. God’s grace was sufficient and I was very thankful. Maybe this pain, this chronic illness is more about intimacy with God then it is about the circumstances it causes in my life and the immobility it produces in my body. Maybe I am BLESSED in a way others aren’t. I am forced every day to seek God, because without him I am unable to do anything and I know it. I do not take for granted the “good” days as I know they are a gift. I am also constantly searching His word for the answers I so desperately need.

      God also speaks of Jacob struggle with man. Who among us hasn’t done that, family, friends, even doctors whether it has to do with our faith or our illness, we do wrestle. God compliments Jacob for this as well.

      There are days we are not even sure we will survive this “torn in the flesh” but I would say go ahead and wrestle with God, you could end up with a new name and a blessing.

Catherine Barron lives in Sheridan, Montana with her daughter Laura. She is semi retired and enjoys reading, writing and her new passion photography. Catherine considers her illness a formidable teacher.