As of July 20th our stock from our little shop is in transit. At this time we are also working on our store software (it seemed to make the most sense) which is why you have landed here.

Since 2008 we have had the ability to have our shipping done by a large ministry who was our distributor. They charged us, but it was just the right “size” of warehouse and just the right price.

We are currently evaluating our next step as far as shipments and distribution.

I truly appreciate your prayer in making wise choices regarding how to proceed.

Thanks so much,

The post Our Shop appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

It can be irritating to hear someone tell us how grateful we should be because life could be much worse. Or that our losses are blessings in disguise. Vicki looks at how God defines ‘less.’

“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

How would you console a child who got the smallest brownie?

Surely not by saying, “Don’t be sad. Less is more.”

Like me, are you doing less because of your illness or pain? Would it comfort you if someone said, “Don’t be sad! Less is more!”?

While others savor their big piece of life, we’re left with a small slice.

Or are we?

It might help to consider the “more” times in our lives, and the “less” times.

During the “more” times, you probably accomplished a lot. Life was big. Goals were met. You helped many people. You were a doer. That’s what you miss most.

In your time of “less” your world has shrunken. Now people are helping you.

I consider, what have I lost because of my MS? I teach less and I feel I have less of an impact.

What have I gained? I’ve gained more rest. I have more time with my family and friends, more time for a writing ministry, and best of all–more of an understanding of God’s love for me.

So I guess my less is more.

Here’s God’s outward less and inward more:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).

God transforms our “less” into His “more.” A waterfall of thanksgiving results!

Paul understood how “less” becomes “more”: “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15).

God’s “more” helps us in our “less.” His waterfall of grace leads to our praise.

“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14).

Prayer: Dear Father, Help me not skim over familiar verses like 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Remind me each day that the less strength I have, the more Yours will carry me through. In my physical weakness, You give me strength needed for the tasks ahead. In my emotional weakness, You restore hope and fill me with Your peace. When others see me, I don’t want them just to see my illness. I want them to see less of me and more of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 33-year-old-son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her blog, she reaches out to other mothers of children with mental illness. http://mentalillnessmom2mom.net/

Vicki wrote a picture book about bullying: Heart Eyes: Beth and the Bullies. You can find out more about that book by visiting her Heart Eyes website: www.hearteyes.net

Have you had an experience where you saw God using your “less” for His “more”?

The post When Illness is Subtracting Part of Life is Less Really More appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

Even during the best of times with our comprised health we must make plans to accommodate our disease. Laura shares.

“And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault ‘sky.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.’ And it was so. And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault ‘sky.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day” (Genesis 1:6-9).

I stood above a mountain of sand, looking out at the view. It was as if I could see forever–miles of homes and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. It was an easy reminder of the beauty that God has created.

We were in the Outer Banks of North Carolina enjoying a week at the ocean during Easter. It was a beautiful location for a week of relaxation; time with our family before the rush of end-of-school activities begins. As my daughter prepares for high school graduation and then college, my husband and boys are finishing up their school year and looking forward to a relaxed summer.

I walked the ocean each day and prayed. I really could not think of a better place to thank God for our beautiful environment; our family and friends. I thanked Him for another day, and for allowing me time to relax.

I find the ocean so calming and beautiful. Even on days in which I felt exhausted the ocean provided respite.

For my kids, they learned I am somewhat athletic. I played a tiny amount of tennis with my crew; showing the kids I can actually serve and volley. “Mom I did not know you were athletic,” said my youngest. There was no need to tell him I needed to stop early as watching the ball was causing dizziness.

We had many adventures on the trip, including a visit to the local emergency room for my daughter’s bad case of strep throat. I took her then rested.

I needed to rest a lot on the trip and my husband helped by doing day trips and dinners out. I had to choose what I could do. I scheduled one complete day at the beginning of the trip to recover from traveling. I am saddened sometimes that I miss activities, but I would rather do some, than not try at all.

And once home, it seemed as if I slept a solid week. It was worth the physical pains to make memories with my family. And I thank God for such an opportunity.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as we reflect on the beautiful meaning of the seasons, allow us to continue to embrace this life and the love You provide us. Amen.

About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband of 27 years and three children. She is a retired elementary school counselor who currently runs a HopeKeepers group at her church. She has dysautonomia, the deregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls such invisible functions as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and temperature regulation.

How do you make modifications in life so you can participate? Do you ever grow sad because it feels like there are enough enough accommodations you can make in order to participate, travel–live the life you imagined?

The post How do You Participate in Life When Ill? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

When you have an illness, you experience fatigue and pain. But we still must choose just what our life will magnify. Lisa shares.

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord'” (Luke 1:46, NIV)
And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord'” (Luke 1:46, ESV).

About 15 months ago my husband was laid off of his job of nearly 20 years. I had just recently begun to homeschool our son and suddenly the daily routines of life were chaotic again. Now? One thing we know for certain is that we don’t know anything for certain. And our plans are now to “not make any plans.” It has been a year of incredible stress–and some joys as well. It has been a time for grief–and also unexpected celebrations and surprises of provision.

When we began this journey it was important to me to not allow the struggle to define me. At times I wonder if I am in denial and should be more worried about the realities of financial woes, loss or change of health insurance, etc. Is it that I trust God or I am just too exhausted to think that much?

With social media we can so easily post whatever feeling at the moment–forgetting that perhaps it doesn’t glorify or magnify the Lord. We can easily get caught up in the trend of being “authentic” and later see it was our sinful human nature that made us post something that didn’t magnify God in our life. So sometimes–when I am just too emotionally wiped out to filter my own attitude–I withdraw from it.

We don’t need to hide our struggle, because therein lies our testimony of God working through the trial. If no one knows our realities, they do not see how God pieces together all the chaos and makes His masterpiece. And yet, as we list the justification we have to feel a certain way or snap at someone we love, God doesn’t give us extra credit for being “real.” He still wants us to reflect Him–or at least strive to.

Rather than fulfilling our need for affirmation and understanding through Facebook friends, He wants us to come to Him first. Our life can quickly become defined by a collection of how we reacted to the tough days. We always magnify something. I struggle enough to not be known as “the mom who was always tired” or the “wife who gasped every time her knee slipped backwards.” I can’t control it all, but I can do my best to let my attitude reflect who my God is.

About the author:
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and the woman behind posting devotionals. She hasn’t been purposely being casual about them but rather In the last few months she has had foot surgery and fought off a post-surgery infection. She The website is having issues, she has major spam taking over her in-box and basically feels like she is in a bit of a Bermuda Triangle of tech issues.

Between what she is juggling health-wise, as well as tech stuff, she regrets they have not consistently been 5 days a week. In the last year her illness has moved into a new level of disability, accompanied by fatigue and pain that is different than she has experienced before. She is also homeschooling and assisting her husband with their new jewelry business as much as she can. She thanks you for the mercy you give her and the prayers.

When you consider your life, what is it right now, in this season you are magnifying? It is something you have worked on, or something you need to work on?

The post What is Your Life Magnifying? We all Magnify Something. appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

When hard times come what do you really–truly–choose to depend upon? Karlton shares.

“Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to Him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).

What you think, what you believe–it matters. When the world comes crashing down on you, and everything possible goes wrong, the core of your beliefs will rise to the surface.

What you think about life, about death, about yourself and others will shape your actions and reactions throughout your life. If you have a life built upon the foundation of Jesus then no matter what comes your way, nothing can ultimately defeat you, not even death.

For those who do not believe in Jesus, there is no promise to cling to. There is no hope to look forward to when life gives you its worst. Who will pick you up when life knocks you down? What can carry you if you have no core foundation of belief that there is more to life than suffering and death?

I have been through the dark night of the soul, with the barking dog of depression at my heels. The enemy of my soul shouting into my mind that there was no hope, only death awaiting me, endless darkness my lot. Yet God sent His word and delivered me from darkness.

Who would I believe? God or satan?

“I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done” (Psalm 118:17).

When my enemy threw his worst at me, he did not succeed because I was clinging to God’s best. Hope in Jesus can turn the darkest night into day, it can change circumstances from despair to delight.

There is no hope for anyone other than Jesus. There are not many paths, but there is one road: Jesus.

What you believe can be a matter of life or death. And Who you believe in can give you hope even when at the door of death. For those who believe, we have a Savior who overcame death, and can provide for our needs throughout our lives.

Prayer: Dear Lord, our hope and faith is in You. Help us to keep that faith through the good times and bad.

About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He has believed in Jesus from a young age, and Jesus has been his hope and deliverer more times than he can count.

What holds you together through tough times? Have you asked Jesus to become the anchor for your soul, the hope of your life?

The post Did You Know That What You Believe Matters? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

We each have a unique prayer life but when you consider what it means to devote yourself to prayer, what does that look like? Laura shares.

“Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).

I was running a HopeKeeper’s meeting and one member responded to what I said with “You sound like you know God and talk with Him.”

“I do talk to Him,” I said, “and so can you.”

I talk to God when I wake up and thank Him for another day. I talk to Him when I say standard prayers I have known for 40-plus years. I talk to Him when I take inventory of the day just lived, thanking Him and asking for guidance. And, of course, I talk with Him while asking, sometimes pleading, for assistance.

And the remarkable thing is pre-2010 I did not have this relationship with our Savior. Sure, I went to church on Sundays and prayed, mostly before meals or when crises hit. Actual conversations, however, were rare.

In late 2010, early 2011, I developed a different relationship, a deeper one, with God.

First, I was angry with Him for causing my illness–which I now know is a ridiculous accusation. I slowly quieted myself and calmed down and discovered the most amazing fact–God did not cause any of this, and He has supported me throughout.

If I would just slow down, sit and listen I could hear Him. And this fact is comforting.

A dear friend once told me of how she calls on God during stressful medical situations. She visualizes God holding her in His arms; as a father would hold his child. What an amazing idea to ponder the next time you face a medical scare. God has us all in His arms, even when we have no idea of this.

We must persevere and try to live our best life; the life that God would want for us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to find time daily to pray to You and to listen. For we know that all things are better with You by our side. Amen.

About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband of 27 years and her three children. She is a retired elementary school counselor who currently runs a HopeKeepers group at her church. She has dysautonomia, the deregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls such invisible functions as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and temperature regulation.

When do you pray?

The post What Happens When We Really Devote Ourselves to Prayer? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

We often share how few understand what it is like to have a chronic illness. We lament that the details in our life rarely seem familiar to those who are not challenged by health issues. But some do. And others try. Karen shares.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

There are so many who struggle with chronic illness. It’s a hard road that is fought one day at a time. I think it’s important to appreciate and thank those that walk beside us in this journey.

I have those in my life that:

• help me with the household chores that I am unable to do
• ask me how I am feeling
• are kind and understanding when I do not feel well
• encourage me when I am discouraged

I know that I am blessed. I understand that there are many who are not as fortunate. Many don’t have anyone for support.

That is why it is important that those of us who understand being chronically ill help others when we can.

Be sure to thank that person in your life if they have

• sincerely inquired about your health
• gave you some encouraging words
• tried to make you smile
• brought you food
• sent you flowers
• called to see how you were
• sent you a card

This world seems to be spinning faster and faster. Many people barely have time to think of others. This world is full of people with hurts and problems of many kinds. Many people are struggling in their own lives with heartbreaking situations.

Those people who look beyond their own struggles to care about yours deserve your appreciation.

If you have someone in your life like this, make sure to say “thank you” with a call, card, email, etc.

If you don’t have someone in your life like this, I encourage you to reach out to someone by being the type of friend you would like to have. Others feel lonely and are praying that someone would reach out to them.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be kind to others. I want to share your love with others. Amen.

About the author:
Karen has been dealing with auto-immune disease and fibromyalgia for over 20 years. She has a passion to encourage others dealing with chronic illness.

Do you have someone in your life that you can thank for their kindness to you?

Save

The post Thank Those Who Walk Beside You Through Illness appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

Illness can make us feel like we are in one crisis after another and it’s easy to wonder if God is still watching out for us. Fiona shares.

“When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: ‘…I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me'” (Acts 27:20-25).

I’ve been reading Acts and towards the end of the book we are hearing about Paul’s persecution by people who don’t want to see the spread of Christianity. Nor do they want to acknowledge that Christ was the Messiah they’d been waiting for.

Paul stands on trial before the likes of Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, to answer for his words and actions–to testify to what he believes, about his calling to preach to the gentiles. He continues to face adversity, hostility, and unbelief.

Then as a prisoner, he sets out on a journey to Rome. A long and arduous journey that included storms and shipwreck, time on an island waiting out the winter, and many other things that we’d not want to experience.

I was struck by the verses at the end of Chapter 27. Despite all the crew wanted to do to Paul, he lets them know that God has promised they won’t be harmed if they don’t try to escape. While they may have treated Paul fairly well, he was still a prisoner. Yet Paul was concerned that not one of their lives should be lost, just as ultimately God was too.

While battling the rough seas and storms for many days==they had not even stopped to eat–knowing that they would need all the strength they could have to make it ashore. God, through Paul, urges them to eat so that they will survive. In verse 36 it says “they were all encouraged.”

Their obedience was rewarded. They were saved and welcomed ashore on Malta.

Their difficult journey is like what our chronic illness can be at times. But God cares and sends us strength and encouragement along the way, so that we too reach our final destination–with courage and faith.

Prayer: Father God, when life seems to be full of storms, or even shipwrecks, may we take courage in the faith we have in You and hold on, knowing You will ultimately bring us through whatever challenges we face. Amen.

About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful that God walks each step of her life with her, and that He continues to teach her new things as she learns to live with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to share those things with others. She has been writing devotionals for Rest Ministries for a number of years. You can contact her, or if you wish to follow more of her writing, at godspromptingtowrite@gmail.com

Does the challenge of chronic illness seem like you’re in the midst of a shipwreck or storm at times? How can you be more aware of God and His care for you, during those times, than you are of the things that scare and challenge you?

The post Shipwrecked Or Keeping Up Our Courage? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

The advice of others doesn’t always fit our circumstances and God’s peculiar answered prayers for our life may appear strange to others. Kerynn shares.

“Then Saul gave David his own armor–a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. ‘I can’t go in these,’ he protested to Saul. ‘I’m not used to them.’ So David took them off again” (1 Samuel 17:38-39).

Apparently King Saul was around 6’4” tall and at least “a head taller” than anyone else in Israel (1 Samuel 9:2).

David was “only a boy” and not old enough to be in the army where the average height was about 5’4”, so it’s assumed he was only about 5 feet tall (1 Samuel 9:2).

Now picture David, at around 5 feet tall, putting on King Saul’s armor that fitted a solid man of approximately 6’4”! Imagine the hilarity of the situation with David trying to walk in armor that’s way too big for him! A funny and crazy situation before a serious battle!

King Saul wanted to protect young David, so he thoughtfully gave him what had always worked for him, but David is not Saul. It didn’t fit!

How often do we accept people’s ill-fitting advice?

They may do it out of love and it may be what has worked for them, but they are not you. Here is where we need wisdom and discernment from God–and sometimes a sense of humor too.

David wisely decided to take the ill-fitting earthly armor off. He removed what didn’t fit him and chose to trust God’s spiritual armor (1 Samuel 17:37).

Whatever challenge, struggle, or battle you’re in, God has the perfect solution. God’s ways are not our ways though, so it may be a peculiar solution to perfectly fit you.

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord'” (Isaiah 55:8).

For David, his solution was not wearing physical armor and using 5 round stones and a sling shot that was familiar. It was a crazy scenario, but one where strong faith in God, wisdom, and knowledge of his strengths created victory.

Prayer: Thank You Lord that You have the perfect solution for me! Help me to listen to You and have faith in the directions You’re taking me, even when it’s not what other people think is right. Give me Godly wisdom and discernment. Amen.

About the Author:
Kerryn Wright was living with her family among the gum trees in South Australia. Currently she’s living with a friend while they sell their family home. She was a special education teacher prior to chronic illnesses. Her husband is carer for three of their family, who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. God has always guided them through life’s challenges, often in surprising ways.

What peculiar direction is God leading you in right now? Could it be that what seems crazy is actually the best fit for you?

The post God’s Peculiar Solutions Always Fit Our Live Perfectly appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

How do we find the courage to keep being brace when we feel so weak? Karen shares.

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'” (Hebrews 13:6).

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “Chronic Illness Warrior.” I have to be honest with you, today I feel like a “Chronic Illness Wimp.” Nothing inside me screams “warrior!”

A month ago I came down with influenza. I have never had the real flu before and I can tell you, it makes you feel like you have run into the side of a mountain at full speed.

Having the flu was difficult enough, but that triggered migraines and a flare up of my auto-immune diseases. While still trying to recover, my weakened immune system gave me another infection. For five weeks it was one thing after another.

Now, every new symptom scares me because I think “what else can go wrong in my body?” It isn’t strong enough to fight anything else.

Today, I prayed “Lord, help me not to be scared in spite of myself.” The Bible is full of verses that tell us to not be afraid.

God told Joshua as he stood ready to go into the Promised Land “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified…” (Joshua 1:9). I wonder if he ever felt more like a wimp than a warrior.

The good news is that we don’t have to come up with the strength to be that warrior, God will provide it. He can do it in spite of our fearful nature.

Whatever has you scared today (there is plenty in this world to scare you), give it to God and trust that He will help you be that warrior you want to be.

God gave Joshua the courage he needed to be a warrior. He did the same for Daniel, David, and Peter just to name a few.

He can do for us what our weak human heart can’t do for itself–be brave.

Prayer: Lord, help my fearful nature. Help me not to be afraid in spite of myself. Help me to trust in You. Amen.

Do you get scared about your health? Do you feel more like a warrior or a wimp today?

About the author:
Karen has dealt with several autoimmune diseases for over 20 years. She has a passion for encouraging others with the hope of God through the path of illness.

The post Feeling Less Than a Chronic Illness Warrior? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

God is the expert at taking our messes and pain and uppcycling them into something beautiful. But there will come a day when He stops. Lisa explains.

” He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecc. 3:11).

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!'” (Revelation 21:4,5a).

It has been about five weeks since I had my hammer toes straightened and other bones removed from my feet when my husband how long it would take for the swelling in my foot to be “normal.”

“Months,” I replied. Having had this a couple years ago on my other foot I realize that it takes 6-12 for my toes to find their new normal. “It is a good thing you didn’t marry me for my cute feet,” I joked.

I recently chose the two scriptures above for some new watercolor pendant designs, and these two scriptures got me thinking of how God creates. Ecclesiastes says “He makes everything beautiful in His time.” When I read this it makes me think of how–despite the appearance of certain things, eventually God will do something with it.

For example, I know I will never have pretty feet. After foot surgery two years ago on my right foot I was supposed to have a decent looking foot at last. Instead, one toe decided to overlap another and the doctor said to just leave it alone because it was actually new bone growth and had already fused itself.

And my foot turns blue daily–blue enough from Raynaud’s syndrome that on Christmas Eve my sister said “we need to get you to the hospital!” So . . . no pretty feet for me. But there is beauty being able to walk. When I get up I am grateful I can put two feet on the ground. It takes time but eventually circumstances change or how we view them change.

In Revelations, however, God makes all things new. Brand new! We will be new. I won’t be Lisa 2.0. We won’t be recycled, upcyled, or renovated. We won’t be refurbished, restored, or rehabilitated. It will be as if there was never sin–which includes fear, grief, anger–none of it.

Prayer: Lord, it is hard to imagine truly being brand new. When I look at the years of medications, therapies, surgeries, and other efforts to giving me a body that does not have wear, I consider the body you will give me some day. But my dreams are often as simple as the freedom to move without pain, the absence of some of the limitations. I can’t comprehend having a body that is brand new and a spirit that has not known pain. Thank You for this incomprehensible gift. May I cling to it in comfort on hard days. Amen.

About the author:
Lisa Copen founded Rest Ministries in 1996 and has lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 1993. As her disease has progressed to a new normal this year she is struggling to know how to continue to hope for more decades of joy, while also recognizing that her body will continue to break down at a fast pace unless the Lord intervenes. She continues to search out joy in RM, her husband who runs Gutsy Goodness, their jewelry business, and homeschooling her son.

When you compare the 2 scriptures above about “everything beautiful in its time” and God making “all things new” what reflections do you have?

The post There Will Come a Day When God Stops Upcycling Our Lives appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

Despite the world’s view that those of us with illness are worth less to the success of society, God sees our true value. Have you forgotten your worth? Karlton shares.

“Lord, be gracious to us; we long for You. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress” (Isaiah 33:2).

In the book David And Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell, the author describes several people and circumstances that went against accepted wisdom, yet found successful outcomes. The author describes unlikely heroes, determined misfits, and oddballs who overcame what seemed the impossible to everyone around them.

Many disabled and chronically ill Christians can relate to the people and stories in such a book. For we too are looked upon as life’s losers–considered weak, sickly, diseased, and unable to perform mighty acts or deeds. We will never do many of the things that the world considers mighty or powerful or noteworthy.

Yet God sees every hurdle we overcome. He knows where others would fold under the weight of such difficulties, that instead we carry on in faith and hope in Him.

We do not give up, give in, or cash out. We are silent soldiers in an army of misfits that our Father treasures above the successful in this world, greater in His eyes than the mighty, the popular, or the famous.

There is a wisdom and strength that comes from suffering, and while we may not seek it, those who have endured one hard trial after another know what I am talking about.

Suffering gives us perspective, it shoves the non-essentials out of the way to bring the truly important things of life into a laser sharp focus.

While you may never face and defeat an actual giant, there will be many “Goliaths” in your life to overcome if you live with illness and disease.

Whatever your affliction, the very fact you are still here and face each day with everything that life throws at you means you are one of God’s silent heroes, a mighty man or woman in the Lord’s army.

Prayer: Dear Lord, life often beats us into the ground, but with Your help we rise up again, and again, and again. Thank You Lord for strengthening us in our weakness. Amen.

About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He has faced many weaknesses and humiliations, but the Lord has given him victory over his giants through the power of Jesus Christ.

Have you taken stock of all the challenges the Lord has brought you through? It can change your perspective when facing future giants.

The post Are You a Silent Hero in This Battle of Pain? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.