Chronic Illness Pain Devotionals

We Ain't Done Crashin' Yet

For you have been my refuge a strong tower against the foe. (Psalm 61:3 NIV)

I recently read a story in a book about a Huey Cobra helicopter practicing auto rotations during a military night-training exercise, that landed on its tail rotor, separating the tail boom from the rest of the aircraft. Fortunately the aircraft wound up on its skids, sliding down the runway doing 360's in a shower of sparks. As the Cobra passed the tower this exchange was heard:

TOWER "Sir, do you need assistance?"

COBRA: "I don't know, tower, we ain't done crashin' yet."

Life with a chronic illness seems a lot like that helicopter. Life is constantly throwing us new health problems causing us to feel as though "we ain't done

crashin' yet." We are reminded today in Psalm 61:3 that we have a place of refuge. We have a strong tower that is available to us to help us endure the suffering in our lives. That Tower is Christ himself.

Are you wounded today dear loved-one? There is one who not only understands your pain, but has promised to use the broken and shattered pieces of your life

for His service, if at first we offer those pieces to Him. You are so loved today!

Remember, the Lord never promised us sunshine for everyday…But He will give us rest, grace, endurance, strength, and hope…if we seek His assistance in the

trials of our lives, even if we ain't done crashin' yet.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debbi Farmer is the administrator of "Beyond Surviving Homeschool",

from Rest-Ministries and a homeschool mom of 2 in North Carolina. She

suffers from several illnesses including MS and Fibromyalgia.

http://beyondsurvivinghomeschool.yuku.com/

Http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beyond_surviving_homeschool/

http://restministriessunroom.ning.com/group/BeyondSurvivingHomeschooling

Living With Things Undone

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test ... what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)       

Years ago, in a Bible study, I learned this principle:  Women must learn to live with things undone. This has been a life-long struggle for me. How much is related to my Attention Deficit Disorder, I’m not sure. But having major trouble with concentration, decision-making and co-ordination certainly makes life more challenging. My working pace is very slow. And any added pressure simply increases the difficulty.

In our present world we have many voices telling us what to do. Parents, teachers, friends, bosses, the media and more, all influence us. We’re told we must make money for a comfortable retirement, make a positive contribution to society, take care of ourselves and our families, maintain neat, attractive homes and yards, go green, fill out tax returns, and– well, you get the idea. But where is God’s voice in all of this? What is most important to Him?

Jesus answered the question this way, “Love the Lord your God....This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37) This is the broad answer. One liberating concept is that we are primarily responsible to Him. Another is that our value as human beings is based on His standards. He made each of us unique, and loves us equally.

God does not expect us to do what He doesn’t provide the resources to do. And these will likely change as we go through our lives. There are many things I think I have to do, but does this come from His Spirit’s guidance? Or from my own ideas, which are often greatly influenced by “the pattern of this world”? Maybe we each need to spend more quiet time with Him to get His ideas for our day. That may mean saying “No” more often, and not feeling guilty!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth Cottrill lives in a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, with her recently retired pastor/teacher husband, Bob. She finds living with Attention Deficit Disorder, depression, osteo-arthritis and a stroke of several years ago a challenge, but also training for a ministry to others. This couple have one child, a dear son, a special daughter-in-law, who with their two wonderful young children are living in Mexico, preparing for a church planting ministry.

It's All About Compassion

"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:35 NIV) 

At what point does the real comfort come? Is it in the advice someone gives concerning where to go or what to do or how you should feel? Is it in reassurance of words or hope? Is it the expressions of sorrow on someone's face? It’s actually much deeper than all of that. What really counts is this: that in the moments of pain and suffering, someone took the time to stay with you.

In his book titled Compassion, the late Henri J. M. Nouwen stated, “When someone says to us in the mist of a crisis, ‘I do not know what to say or what to do, but I want you to realize that I am with you, that I will not leave you alone,’ ” we have a friend through whom we can find consolation and comfort." (p.11) “Simply being with someone is difficult, because it asks of us that we share in the other’s vulnerability, enter with him or her into the experience of weakness and powerlessness, become part of uncertainty, and give up control and self-determination." (p.12) “Those who offer us comfort and consolation by being and staying with us in moments of illness, mental anguish, or spiritual darkness often grow as close to us as those with whom we have biological ties." (p.12). They enter the dark, unsure / uncharted spaces of our soul. 

Those words give us just a small peek into what is meant when it’s said; ‘God-with-us.’ God came to share in our lives. He enters with us into our illnesses, mental anguish, and spiritual darkness, problems, confusions and questions. Because He is God-with-us, He has committed Himself to living in solidarity with us; and to share our pains, joys, disappointments -- to defend and protect us. He suffers all of life with us.

Talk to Him; tell Him how you’re feeling and what you’re feeling. Tell Him all about every problem, every detail, every pain. Allow him to embrace you in His compassion.

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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.

Doing Our Part

“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be…As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…” (1 Corinthians 12:18-23  NIV)

Before my accident, I used to be a ‘doer’. I was always running about. I held down an intense job, ran with the kids, cared for my husband, cooked, cleaned. Now, just thinking about it exhausts me!  Then life changed and chronic pain began. I struggled and tried to keep up, but eventually could not. Finally, when I admitted I could ‘do-no-longer’, God took hold of me and my new relationship with Him began.

Still, I remember feeling useless - insignificant in the world of ‘doers’. I watched those who were ‘doing’ service for the Lord in physical ways and felt guilty. One day, with a sense of worthlessness, I confessed, “God, all I can do is pray!”

1 Corinthians12 explains that we each have an important role in serving God with the gifts He has given us. We cannot ‘do’ everything – nor does God want us to. Each of us are of great value and vital to Him as part of the body of Christ.

Since my confession, God has shown me that the gift of prayer is not of little value. Instead, it’s something He values greatly – a gift He wants some of us to develop - a vital connection to God, joining us to Him and to one another.

If your chronic pain or illness is making you feel worthless, realize that God may be calling you to serve Him in a different way. Beloved, don’t belittle your gifts. If you can pray, do so fervently with all that He is placing in your heart. Embrace your gift with passion. It is the part of the Christ’s body He’s calling and anointing you to partake in.

Prayer: “Father, we embrace and use the gifts you give us with passion, knowing that you value our service in the body of Christ. 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

Comfort In Suffering

COMFORT IN SUFFERING

2 Corinthians 1: 3,4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
 mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation,
 that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the
 comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Paul used the word "comfort" many times in 2 Corinthians.  He taught
 that belivers should encourage each other in fatih, 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.

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

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.

The Missing Piece

" Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Are you into jig-saw puzzles? They can teach us a lot about life. I have often looked and looked  for a piece that goes in a certain place, only to come to the conclusion that it’s missing. (Oh dear!) Then, as I work on other sections, there are fewer and fewer pieces left. But I decide to try one in that spot again. And it fits! A careful examination shows I was looking for something different, but it is definitely what was needed.

The completed picture is like a completed life, with an important difference. We can see a photograph of the finished puzzle on the box beforehand, but we can see only a part of our lives. Sometimes our view is narrowed to one little part –perhaps the period of time we’re in right now. And it doesn’t seem to match our expectations of what our life should be. Nor can we see where it’s going to lead us.

God alone sees the big picture, not only of my life, but also of how it fits in with other lives around me. But, by His love and grace, when my life on earth is over, and I see my Saviour face to face, I’ll be transformed into His likeness. How comforting to know that He has a wonderful future for each believer. That despite our confusion and fears, He’s using even our pain, limitations and frustration to bring it about.

That is the meaning of Romans 8:28. “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Rejoice with me, fellow-traveler, as you think about this. The promise is expressed well in John Peterson’s hymn “All Things Work Out for Good.” He says, “Some day the path He chose for me will all be understood; / In heaven’s clearer light I’ll see all things worked out for good.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth Cottrill lives in a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, with her recently retired pastor/teacher husband, Bob. She finds living with Attention Deficit Disorder, depression, osteo-arthritis and a stroke of several years ago a challenge, but also training for a ministry to others. This couple have one child, a dear son, a special daughter-in-law, who with their two wonderful young children are living in Mexico, preparing for a church planting ministry.

God's Care

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.” (Romans 8:26-27  NIV)

On the night before my second surgery, my mind was plagued with worry. I knew that the four-hour procedure presented many risks. I prayed for God’s peace in all that was to come, as I sought deliverance from the terrible anxiety.

As I searched for calmness, God spoke to my heart. I wanted Him to tell me that all would be fine, that I was worrying for nothing. Instead, His words were, “continue to reach out from yourself”. These were not the words I expected, but I understood. After my injury, I became fixated only on me - my conditions, my circumstances, my pain. But finally, God reached me and I learned to shift my focus away from me, and towards Him and those who needed His love and care. The anxiety lingered, but I began to pray for all who would see to my care.

At the hospital the next morning, my assignment continued. I prayed silently for my husband, the volunteers and clerks, the nurses and aides, the anesthesiologists, my surgeons. All I encountered were focused on me, but as they spoke, asked questions and saw to my care, I silently prayed for them and saw to theirs. While I waited to go into the operating room, God moved me also to pray for a lonely woman with no one at her side and a sick toddler with his worried parents – there were so many who needed His touch.

As I breathed in the anesthesia, I felt a great sense of comfort and peace. God was there – caring for everyone - not just for me, but for all, according to their needs.

Prayer: “God, you reach out to us in our circumstances, so we can reach out to others. Help our minds remain fixed on You and the needs of Your world, at all times and in all places. 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

The Compassion Of God

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth your eyes saw my unformed body.”
Psalm 139:15-16a

I love that God knows each of us so intimately. It amazes me! It also amazes me that He will see to the tiniest detail of our lives. What is important to one person may be trivial or of no importance at all to another. He knows that! Chapter 139 of Psalms leaves no doubt as to how well He knows us.

The people who founded AA could not have been more correct when they began to use the concept of taking one day at a time. God’s compassions are new every day (Lamentations 3:22-23); He created time for us (Genesis 1:3-5) and He instructs us not to borrow trouble from tomorrow, because today has enough of it’s own. (Matthew 6:34)

We who deal with chronic illness and pain know that today surely does have enough trouble of it’s own! Because of this, I thank God that His compassions are new each and every day.

If the God who created you, the God who saw your unformed body, the God who “determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name” (Psalm 147:4) can do all that, how much can He comfort you in your pain and illness? Infinitely, boundlessly, and every day without fail.

Can you imagine the number of stars? I can’t. But God named them all! He cares enough to call them by name and He cares for you and me so much more. It fills me with awe and wonder when I look at the stars and think about this.

Call on His name; He will answer you. Tell Him all your feelings, both good and bad; He wants you to! It will draw you closer and your relationship with Him will be stronger.

Father God, I praise You that You numbered the stars and call them by name. Thank you that You care for us so much more. Thank you that Your compassions come to us new each day. Help us to call on You. AMEN.

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Priscilla Ervin lives in Arlington, Texas with chronic Epstein Barr, Fibromyalgia and other health issues. She is grateful to all her family for their love and support and to God, who has sent her such wonderful Bible teachers throughout her life.

Titles

"But you are a chosen people, a

royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people

belonging to God, that you may declare the

praises of him who called you out of darkness

into his wonderful light."  (1Peter 2:9 NIV)

Think about it! When someone has a title before their

name such as Pastor, Reverend, Doctor, etc. and there

are many others, these are just a few. Do you look at

them differently? They demand respect and many

deserve it. There are those that do not deserve a title.

They abuse it.

When I was in the Army they always stated that Gen.

so and so was coming to inspect us or some big officer

was here and wanted to inspect us.  I always told my

men... that  person was really no better than us. The

only thing that makes him better is his rank. Some

deserved it. Others didn't.  You my friend deserve the

rank of God's Kid

Even if you have no title before your name and are not

anybody in your eyes, you are always something in God's

eyes.  He doesn't care if you have a title. The only thing

he cares about is that you accept his Son into your life

and that you are obedient to him. You see... when we are

Gods kids we need no title because we are royalty. We

are chosen and we are great in the sight of God.

My friend... did you know the devil will try to make us feel

down, and make us feel like we are nothing, but we tell him

the scripture above and let him know exactly who we are.

He will try to tempt us and get us down and that is

when he strikes the hardest, but we must realize who

we are in Christ.

Whether you are disabled with chronic pain or

something else you are still a gem in God's eyes.

You say you do not feel like one? Do not go by your

feelings. Go by the Word of God.

Remember Paul also had a thorn in the flesh and

had to deal with it daily. Every promise he had we

have also.

We are everything God's Word declares us to be.

Claim it, live it, be bold in Christ, be strong and

courageous.  You are God's kid.

Father, I ask that you will touch those that are down

and feel like they are nothing. Give them the hope

and favor that they deserve in you.  in Jesus name. 

AMEN....

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pastor Pat Dittert lives in a berm home in Central
Iowa with his lovely wife Nancy and 5 fur babies.
Pat lives with Chronic Pain from a number of surgeries
and injuries. Brain Tumor surgery left him disabled and
unable to do most physical activities. He is also a survivor
of Cancer and has 2 stints in his heart. Pat has several
Internet Ministries,and is a freelance writer with Christian

newpapers,books,Internet, etc. His Devotional page is...
http://fibromyalgia help.homestead. com/RevPatsDevot ional.html
Contact him at rivpat77@msn. com

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Our Comforter

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:22-23 NIV)

When my children were born, my husband was by my side. Having been through childbirth classes, he helped me during labor as I also tried to follow the Lamaze principles we had learned.

That pain was short-lived as compared to the chronic pain I now experience. Now, when I awaken from the restless sleep I now claim as “normal”, I am struck with aching pain. I groan inwardly and force myself out of bed. I know this body used to move with agility, used to crave exercise, but now that has changed.

Mothers have varying experiences in childbirth, some are quick and almost painless, yet others suffer for days, requiring medication and special care. So it is with all of God’s creation. Some people go through life with few physical worries, yet others seem to suffer at each turn. Nonetheless, each of us is going through some sort of labor - we are each involved in God’s process of redemption and deliverance of creation into His eternity.

As my body labors with daily pain, Christ’s Spirit within me serves as my built-in Lamaze coach. He bears me up when pain tries to overcome me. He comforts me and soothes me, reminds me that I belong to Him and that the time is coming when I will suffer no more. He shows me that in Him I can go on – I can prevail over my difficult circumstances.

Inside, the Holy Spirit comforts us and strengthens us spiritually while physically we suffer. Our suffering is long-lived, but God reminds us that the earthly realm will pass – we won’t linger in this state forever. Just like an earthly body gives birth to precious children, so also will our spiritual bodies be reborn and resurrected into a precious newness someday in heaven.

Prayer: “God, we know we will be freed from the bondage to pain and be made perfect in eternal life. Thank you for Your gift of the Holy Spirit to help us on our way! Amen.”

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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