Tuesday, July 31, 2012
by Unknown
It is a fact of Christian experience that life is a series of troughs and peaks. In His efforts to get permanent possession of the soul, God relies on the troughs more than the peaks. And some of His special favorites have gone through longer and deeper troughs than anyone else.
-Peter Marshall
So what are we to do when we are suffering? First Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."
Rejoice always? How do I rejoice in the midst of my suffering? Today is day 41 of pain in my hip. Doctor thinks I pulled a muscle...I think he is wrong. I have never pulled a muscle that feels like a stabbing every time I take a step. Each passing day the pain is worse! Really?!! Why now? Why this? I had so much planned this month and my daughter's birthday is in 9 days. I had to borrow a walker from my neighbor so I can hobble around my house. I finally ventured out of my house today and that was a huge mistake!!! pain is now radiating down my leg...anyway in the middle of this much pain I am still called to rejoice.
I look and see my beautiful, sleeping baby girl and realize what a blessing I have and I rejoice. I look across the room and see my husband studying God's Word and I am so thankful for all God has done to bless my marriage! Most importantly, I can rejoice in knowing my sins are forgiven and that I have full assurance of my salvation! AND...I am one day closer to being in my glorified body and being with my Savior! Hallelujah!
Are you in in a valley in life right now that seems endless with no point? Take heart and know that God not only knows where you are, He planned it and loves you! He will not take you anywhere where His grace cannot keep you! His eyes never leave you! That He promises. Take comfort in Him! |
Posted in:
affliction,
christian,
chronic pain,
depression,
faith,
faithful,
God's medicine,
help in pain,
hope,
I can't take this pain,
numerous medications,
pain,
patient,
prayer,
scared,
thankful,
trigeminal neuralgia
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Tuesday, July 24, 2012
by Unknown
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Today I felt defeated, even though I had not even gotten out of bed yet! Can you relate? I was picturing my day ahead-already knowing the pain I would be in. Thinking about it, reflecting on it and just feeling defeated. When I read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Paul's words echoed in my heart. I needed those words. I still do, as it is 6:30pm and my pain has not left me yet. As I read these verses I see my need to read God's Word more and reflect more on Him and not on my pain, for it is "wasting away." Hallelujah! Knowing this makes it easier to deal with. My inner nature (my soul) is being renewed each day...but ONLY if I choose to get into God's Word and meditate on its Truths.
If I choose not to read or have had a bad day and don't get time for His word I am not renewing my mind. I am reminding myself of my pain and the feelings of "woe is me" creep in...slowly at first but then if I think too much on it it consumes my thoughts.
You see, our pain is preparing us! It is God's work to get us ready for something beyond what we can ever imagine! He is good-Praise Him in and through your pain today. So friend, do not dwell on your pain today; rather dwell on the Lord. He will never leave you or forsake you.
Posted in:
affliction,
chronic pain,
depression,
faith,
faithful,
God's medicine,
help in pain,
hope,
I can't take this pain,
losing hope,
numerous medications,
pain,
patient,
prayer,
scared,
thankful,
trigeminal neuralgia
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