“Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise You with the lyre, O God, my God” (Psalm 43:4).

Releasing parts of our former lives can be painful and slow!.

Recently I’ve received the final box of my special education teaching material from my former school. I had left it there to continue the program seamlessly, when I had to leave suddenly through illness. However, with major changes at the school, I felt that it was time to have my belongings returned.

After sifting through a car load of boxed school materials, I found what was mine and returned the rest.

My little pile of belongings have been sitting in our lounge room for weeks now. I haven’t had the physical, emotional or mental energy to sort through them.

I’ve realized that it’s sitting in the lounge room–almost like an altar!

My recliner faces this pile, so I’ve spent a lot of time looking at it. This has brought about reflecting on my teaching career and what an altar is, as well as what the Lord wants to say to me through this episode in my life journey.

An altar was a place of sacrifice, memorial, worship.

The word “altar” is mentioned 968 times in the Bible, so clearly it’s of huge significance to our understanding and lessons from God.

It seems that my little pile of belongings, of such a long career are both . . . a sacrifice–through illness–and a memorial to all that happened in my teaching career.

I am certainly not worshiping it, but I am reflecting upon all that this means and worshiping the Lord for His help in this journey.

This has taken me to a deeper understanding of the Old Testament altar and that Jesus’ death on the cross has released us from the need for physical altars. Jesus is our living altar now–One of sacrifice, memorial, and worship.

Alongside this, I’ve realized that God wants me to reflect on the memories of joyful times of teaching and not just on the pain of releasing it. Yet again, I can choose where my focus lies. I choose joy and delight!

Praise God for His Word.

Praise God for our history with Him.

Praise God for Jesus’ death on the cross for us.

Praise God for the lessons learned through something like a pile of belongings from my special education teaching career.

Prayer: Lord, help me to come to the alter now . . . to You. As I release the griefs of illness losses, bring to remembrance all of the precious joys and memories from times past. Amen.

About the Author:
Kerryn Wright lives with her family amongst the gum trees in South Australia. 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 are your alters of memorial or sacrifice? What precious memories do you have that always bring joy and delight?

This song is “Help Me Find It” by Sidewalk Prophets. The lyrics are beautiful and describe feelings I think all of us who live with chronic illness have experienced as we are looking at our life–before illness and after illness–as we tell God not to give up on us. -Lisa

The post Have You Made Your Life Before Illness Into an Altar? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

He turns 18 this month and 10 days later graduates from high school–the first of our three kids to reach this milestone. I remember the day he graduated from preschool, kindergarten and eighth grade, but this one is different; I was healthy for the others.

Soon I will watch him cross the same stage in which my husband and I graduated. In fact, it is the high school where we met and began dating 31 years earlier. It will be difficult not to become a bit melancholy as I think back to the dreams I had as a 17-year-old graduate. I know this, however–my life has had its challenges but it has been fulfilling and I am blessed.

I can no longer attend events without some preplanning, as many people living with chronic illness must do. I will pace my energy the week of graduation. I will delegate chores, skip watching my daughter’s softball games and do everything in my power to conserve energy all week for the 7 p.m. ceremony.

I’ll schedule my weekly IV fluids for the day before the graduation to make sure I am well hydrated in hopes of keeping my symptoms at bay. I need to be realistic and know that if something goes wrong I can exit the auditorium and try to get back in time to see my son receive his diploma. And I can pray that God will give me that extra strength and guide my autonomic nervous system to behave for the ninety minutes or so necessary.

It can be a hassle to preplan in hopes of averting a disaster. But the joy of watching my oldest reach this milestone on his life’s journey is well worth the hardships that I might face to experience this moment.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for allowing me to understand my body well enough to be able to do things that help sustain and enable me to enjoy these important events. Help those who are celebrating life events this summer enjoy themselves despite the obstacles that their chronic illness might present. Amen.

About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband and three children. She retired last year from a job of 23 years as an elementary school counselor. She is writing a book about dealing with dysautonomia, a neurological condition in which the autonomic nervous system malfunctions; affecting such things as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and temperature regulation.

What preparations do you take to allow yourself to participate in events that are important to you?

Do you have special events or things you would like to do this summer? It can be depressing when you aren’t able to do them. But. . . maybe you can–or maybe not. But find a way to avoid crying alone. This song is a happy and upbeat music video by Phil Wickham called “This Is The Day.” Regardless of our circumstances, we can all use some hopeful and joyful music today, right? -Lisa

The post How Do You Prepare For Celebrations When You Are Ill? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:3)

Who is at risk of losing their identity in more ways than one? Someone with a disability can feel like they lost it figuratively. And can fear losing it literally.

Recently, I went to my optometrist appointment.

I reported, “I got new insurance since my last visit. Do you need to see my Medicare card?”

“No. We already have your Social Security number.”

I thought, How do they have my social security number? I don’t remember giving it to them!

Like others, I’m careful not to disclose my Social Security number unless it’s absolutely necessary. It’s bad enough I feel my identity slipping away as my illness impacts my life. I don’t need identity theft to threaten my personal information.

Ever since my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), it seems everyone needs information regarding my identity. Social Security Administration for disability benefits, specialists for medical records, etc.

If MS doesn’t wear me out, the endless paperwork will! I’ve lost count of the numerous forms I’ve filled out. Each year I visit a specialist, I have to update my information. I’m given several pages to complete. I know I should take them seriously, but sometimes humor is in order.

I amuse myself by pretending I’m reading a restaurant menu. Let’s see. . . I’ll take five of these tests. Three of these conditions. Hold the predispositions due to family history–Don’t worry. I provide all the necessary info.

I’m hesitant to give critical information to anyone who asks. Can you blame me? There are horror stories of identities being stolen.

But I don’t have to fear losing the identity God gave me.

Has MS stolen who I am? No! Nothing can interfere with the work my Creator did, is doing, and will do. He formed me. Is conforming me to His image. And one day in heaven, He’ll transform me.

Thankfully, I’m not just a Social Security number to God. He knows my name and everything about me—my thoughts, fears, needs, hopes, and dreams. He protects who I am and what He’s invested in me. He’s shaping my life and teaching me lessons I can share with others.

Prayer: Dear Father, Thank You that You know me so well. You know my every thought before I think it. You number the hairs on my head. Thank You for sending Your Son so my name can be written in Your book of life. Help me not live in fear of having my personal information stolen. Fill me afresh with Your peace. 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 31 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/

Did you ever feel like you were drowning in medical paperwork? What or who did God use as His life preserver to rescue you?

This song, “Remind Me Who I Am” is Jason Gray, a Christian artist. On Wikipedia I read that he deals with a stutter, which is why many of his songs emphasize finding strength in weakness. I hope you enjoy this young man. -Lisa

The post Do You Feel Like You Have Lost Your Identity Because of Illness? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (Psalm 27:6b)

My friend Pam Farrel has a motto: “Choose Joy!” Chuck Swindoll has said, “Joy is a choice. It is a matter of attitude that stems from one’s confidence in God–that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening, and will happen.”

But how can we choose joy when our world is falling apart? How can I be joyful when nothing is working out the way I had planned? When the pain of your illness won’t relent for a few minutes?

Most of you have heard that Rick and Kay Warren recently lost their son to suicide after a lifetime of suffering from mental illness. This is a family who was already familiar with suffering, as Christianity Today interviewed Kay a year ago and listed her challenges: she has had two different forms of cancer, a daughter-in-law with a serious brain tumor, a premature grandchild, and loved ones suffering from mental illness.

She said, “Suffering does give one an appreciation for joy. . . those who have suffered have been given the opportunity to recognize the limitations of ourselves and to know God in our darkest days.” When asked about her work as an advocate for orphans and those with HIV/AIDS, she responded, “These people are my most powerful joy-mentors. . . . these people, who have experienced tremendous suffering . . . .”

Joy is a choice. And I choose it every day. Well, most days. But it isn’t lasting. It is like the manna that God gave the Israelites, I must choose more of it over and over and over again, throughout the day.

I must try to find the joy when my son is being demanding, when in reality he is worried about something he has no control over it. I must choose joy when I stand up and my knee doesn’t–and I have a million things to do in the next two hours. I must choose joy when the doctor says, “We’ll just order 3 more tests” and that requires energy, time, and money I don’t have.

I choose joy. When you think of that statement, we want to hear it in a sweet, calm voice. Remember, choosing joy takes a warrior and it’s okay to have a bit of a deep growling voice when you say it to yourself. Because you are in battle. One of the easiest things Satan tries to steal from us each day is our joy. And he wins far too often.

“Joy is a choice” is a nice motto. But what Psalm 27:6b really tells us is that it is a sacrifice The KJV says, “Therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.” You can choose joy, but when you do, it is a sacrifice you are making to God. When you are doing something for someone else, you are giving a sacrifice of joy for God.

Prayer: Lord, as I choose joy, choosing not to make those around me suffer for my pain, choosing joy in cooking dinner even though I will still do the dishes, choosing– let me have the joy by giving You my sacrifice of joy. Amen.

How have you given a sacrifice of joy? Do you feel you must choose joy a million times a day to stay patient in your affliction?

If you are trying your hardest to tidy up your life, and it seems like you keep doing it over and over, take a minute to be refreshed by this video, “Can I Stay Here Forever” with Starfield. Enjoy. -Lisa

The post Why Is It So Hard to Choose Joy? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

Is my complaint directed to man? Why should I not be impatient?” (Job 21:4)

Be honest, how many of you have heard the expression–especially by Christians, “don’t pray for patience; God will definitely make you deal with stuff!”?

Well I know I have. In fact, I have uttered or thought those very words myself at times in my life–quickly trying to erase them away thinking, “Just kidding, God!”

In the past five years, I have learned a greater appreciation for this wonderful gift from God, a gift I’d like to share with you. The virtue of patience is often misunderstood. When speaking of it in the sense of prayer, it is often looked at as an open door for God to send pestilence and trouble our way, when in reality it is an opportunity for God to show us how very much He Loves us.

When you look at the book of Job, you can’t believe all that God allowed him to endure. Over and over God allowed Satan to touch Job’s life in ways that were devastating. His wife, his friends, all thought it was from sin. They told him to walk away from God, but he chose to wait patiently for God.

I’m not saying he enjoyed it by any means, but he endured it, he grew from it, and in the end , God blessed him abundantly.

Over the last five years God has taken me through a maze of experiences in which I have been blessed to see how truly amazing He is. He has poured upon me His grace, mercy, and strength, allowing me to be comforted by the knowledge that I do not have to forge this life on my own.

He has taught me submissiveness, endurance, and calmness in the midst of adversity. He has shown me that patience isn’t just about enduring the stormy weather, but it also includes the building of steadfast character in the midst of pain, affliction, and hardship.

He has taught me about learning to enjoy the journey, not just trying to get to the destination. It’s about allowing God to show you everything He has for you in this season of time, in this very moment of your life.

Though this might not sound inviting to some, it is, in reality, the best five years I have had in my life. For without it I may not have ever sought God with the depth of all my heart and soul, desiring to know Him in a way I have never done before.

So if you are seeking to fulfill your soul with His presence in a way that will go beyond all that you have ever fathomed, pray, asking for His patience, and then wait patiently, for He will always honor those who seek Him with all their heart. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

Prayer: Father, as we begin each day, let us not fear to ask You for all the good and pleasing gifts You can pour upon us just because they may cause us growing pains. But let us realize that with those gifts comes a deeper understanding of You. Amen.

About the author:
Diane Kalata lives in Florida. She has three grown children, and a wonderful husband who offers much support. She enjoys leading a women’s bible study group as well as a chronic pain and illness support group. She enjoys art and writing as well. She is a colon cancer survivor; has chronic digestive illnesses, fibromyalgia other issues. But her joy is in serving God and bringing encouragement to others.

In what ways has God grown you through the virtue of patience? Do you see praying for it as a benefit or a detriment?

Addison Road sings “Won’t Let Me Go” reminding us that despite the disasters in our life, the heart aches, the physical pain, God will never leave our side. I am liking this band! -Lisa

The post Patience is a Fruit To Be Embraced, Not Feared appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants” (Deuteronomy 32:2).

In our life, with chronic invisible illnesses, there are times where everything seems to come crashing down on us–all at once.

Currently, it’s one of those times!

It didn’t help my body, or mood, that it was raining constantly. . . and the previous day . . . and for the next few days, as we approach winter in Australia.

I had just sent a phone text to thank a friend for their help and prayers. At the end I wrote: “When it rains, it pours!”

As soon as I’d sent the text I felt that “nudge from the Lord” that I well know. It was a nudge to say that there’s something important, from Him, for me–if I want to listen.

I had been focusing on all that was challenging and pouring down, like stinging rain.

As I sat with the Lord I had a picture of myself standing in the rain, when an umbrella suddenly appeared in my hand! That was the first reminder:

He will provide for my needs and He knows what I need. God then reminded me of the many times He has intervened, in incredible ways recently, that can only be His hand.

I looked up into the umbrella, as I opened it up. That was the second reminder.

I need to look up to Him, not down at the circumstances.

It was a specific umbrella . . . long and clear, so that I could see through it to where I’m going, while being protected from the rain. There was my third reminder.

The Lord will protect me. The rain might continue, but He’ll direct me through it with some shelter. I may not see clearly through the plastic in the rain, but it will be enough to direct my steps.

It was such a simple picture, yet one that gave me great comfort and peace.

Finally, I reflected on Deuteronomy 32:2 “Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.”

All of the obvious reminders came about rain being poured out to create life, growth and drinking water. Suddenly I realized how thirsty I am. Thirsty for the Living Water! My soul was longing for the Living Water and worship. It might have been pelting with rain, yet I was thirsty!

Lord, “only You can satisfy!”

Prayer: Lord, I’m tired and thirsty. Help me to come to You now, for “only You can satisfy.” Refresh me with Your Living Water. Thank You, gracious Lord. Amen.

About the Author:
Kerryn Wright lives with her family amongst the gum trees in South Australia. 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.

“When it rains, it pours” What has the Lord taught you during those difficult times of downpours? What pictures does the Lord give you that help bring comfort and peace?

Kerryn thought you may enjoy the song “As the Deer” and this is a beautiful acappella version. I hope you enjoy. -Lisa

photo credit: devinish via photopin cc

The post “When It Rains, It Pours!” Now What Lord? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

I counted the phrase “And it came to pass. . . ” to occur over 49 times in the King James Version of the Gospel of Luke. It is left out of many translations, but I rather like thinking on that phrase when it comes to life’s afflictions.

It came to eventually move on, pass by. It, my thorn, came. It didn’t just happen at random or evolve; it was the result of a plan. That plan is temporary and earthbound. Living with chronic pain and illness makes the ‘eventually’ part seem insurmountable. There are days when we don’t feel much comforted by the idea of relief being at the end of many years. And then we get the flu. . . or a cold, or a toothache.

The latter was my recent plight and it reminded me of a simple truth I need to relearn from time to time. I can heal, some things do go away. It is all still in the Master’s hand.

Am I a little loopy to be encouraged by abscessed teeth, and dry sockets? Probably, yet I prefer to consider it being a fool for Christ. First off, it reminds me that I can go through a malady fairly normally. Other factors pop to my mind then, as I start down the path of gratitude. I am used to living with pain and have adjusted my lifestyle.

My young neighbor with several small children to care for and farm chores would really have it worse than I do because she is not accustomed to this sort thing. Another point is that I have access to pain medication. To some folks in my church a pain pill means a Tylenol tablet–and if they are forced to take two!

So what would seem near disaster to the uninitiated is status quo for me. Sometimes, our “new normal” can be a handy thing.

And so my mind goes on to the fact, yes, face that as my tooth woes were remedied by antibiotic and extraction, so will my years of pain find eventual remedy. It will seem light, it will find resolution, and it will shrink in size. Smaller ailments are a bother, but they have a lesson to teach us.

Prayer: Father, how can it be that I am thankful for toothaches and viruses? You have turned my world upside down and strengthened me at the same time. Help me to remember the big picture that You see, not my tiny earthly view. Thank for Jesus, the ultimate remedy for my soul. Amen.

About the author:
Elizabeth Vendley is the wife of David, and lives in North Central Michigan. They have raised seven children. Elizabeth has lived with severe Interstitial Cystitis since 1996. Her passion is glorifying the Lord by writing out the lessons He has taught her. She would love to hear from readers through the Sunroom. Elizabeth welcomes readers to see her musings and gleanings in her blog http://evendley.blogspot.com/.

Did you stop to consider, the last time you got a cut or cold sore, that you can get rid of some things? While stomach flu can send some of our conditions into a dangerous tailspin, can we actually see that the virus itself goes on its way eventually? Can you ind even oddball things to be grateful for in the midst of the storm?

Even though we may wonder if life will get better than this, remember. . . God made you for a purpose! I love the song, “We Are” by Kari Jobe as she reminds us that we were meant for more than this. Don’t let your circumstances drag you down. God has great plans for your life! I believe it. -Lisa

The post And It Came to Pass. Will Life Get Better? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.” (Psalm 31:10)

I find myself guilty lately of “waiting to live.” Certain times of the year are worse for me, and other times are generally better, and I often get into a habit of thinking, in another two weeks I will feel better or surely in another month I will be able to do more. I suspect you may do the same on occasion.

The problem comes from those better days not arriving. A month later I find myself feeling just as lousy as the previous month. There is nothing wrong with being optimistic and having “great expectations,” but we can set ourselves up for discouragement when the “better time” has not arrived when expected.

The real challenge is living in the here and now when things are rather lousy.

Many of us have a variety of health issues to juggle. We may improve slightly in one area, only to be knocked down in another area. We may also find ourselves weighed down by a bad flare up of one symptom or one aspect of our disease that is enough to bring down our overall health situation.

We can get so focused on the “better times ahead” that we stop living, stop planning, and even stop trying to find meaningful ways to live today. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to look back at wasted days that were spent in mere expectation of the times ahead. We may not be able to do much on the very difficult, the very hard and challenging days of our illness, but we should focus on what we can do today, and not waste it merely hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Hope is a good thing, as is optimism, we will need these in our life, but let us not spend this entire day merely being hopeful about tomorrow. No, let us be as productive as we can be today, whether if it is praying for another, some small kind deed for someone, an encouraging phone call, anything within our ability to do today.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be optimistic about tomorrow, but let us never waste today being merely optimistic about tomorrow. Amen.

About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He does not want to spend today waiting for tomorrow to arrive.

Do you feel that you have let days slip by waiting on a better tomorrow? Have you considered what you might do this day?

This song, “The Best Is Yet To Come” is sung by Scott Krippayne is absolutely beautiful. You can see the lyrics here if you are interested. The best is yet to come, so enjoy the time you have here on earth with loved ones and sharing how God gets you through those tough days. But don’t be discouraged–this life is not as good as it will get. The best is yet to come. -Lisa

The post Do You Wait to Live Life When You “Feel Better”? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Do you have days when you feel like you are making such a mess of your life:

• complaining because you are sick of things being as hard as they seem?
• not acting towards others as you know you should?
• so focused on you–not seeing much else around you?

This was one of those days–or weeks–or months!It’s been seeming harder than “usual” most of this year for me.

It was time for a routine trip to the dentist. Since the time she knew I was being hospitalized a year or so ago, both she and her nurse have always enquired about how my back is and how I’m managing the pain. While you don’t talk much with someone’s hands in your mouth, it seems our relationship has grown since they found out I also, was a Christian last year.

Knowing that we shared that faith, meant that our “how are you going” was on a different level.

This time when she asked, we had more than a few words conversation, even though she was busy. She went on to say how much she admires my attitude to things being difficult; how I manage to still smile; and how I seem to have patience and acceptance of the limitations I face–even as they increase.

I think I laughed and said, “Even if it has taken me 25 years to get there?”

She shared how she was feeling she doesn’t handle stuff as well as she once did–with age or whatever, yet she sees me having to handle more and more.

It seemed that my attitude had been witnessing to them long before they knew I was a Christian. On that day, I came away encouraged because it seemed I was reflecting a good attitude–how my faith keeps me striving to get through another day with God’s help.

Maybe I wasn’t making such a mess of life that day.

Prayer: Father, we just never know what others are seeing–on the good, or the bad days–help us to reflect You and the difference You make in our lives, to those we are in contact with and may we point them towards You. 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 is teaching 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. You can contact her in the Sunroom, or read more of her writing on her blog there.

Are there times when you know your attitude hasn’t been the greatest? Have you seen how that affects others around you, for good or bad?

This is a great video about what our legacy will be. Are we impacting people’s life and showing them Jesus’ love whole we are here on earth? It is easy to forget that people like even our dentist and doctors are influenced by us–especially since they know how much we suffer. This is a group I like, Sidewalk Prophets as they sing “Live Like That.” Bless you! -Lisa

The post Who is Watching How You Cope? Even The Dentist! appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

Stand firm, and you will win life.” (Luke 21:19)

My wife has some very stark gardening practices. Her basic assumption is that anything worth growing should be able to grow back. Each fall and spring she basically cuts back every flower bearing or beauty adding plant in the yard.

She uses a pushing lawn mower to mow down daffodils. She whips down planted wild flowers. If I’d let her I’m certain she would cut back rose bushes with my chainsaw. It is her conviction that only the strong should survive!

She does make a good point though. “When you cut them way back and feed and water them they come back more lush and beautiful than before.” Her methods to me seem unnecessarily blunt but I must admit her little flower garden blooms with simple beauty.

The plants that stand firm in their roots are able to receive the nutrition she pours on them in their semi-dormant state and blossom in spring time; very much to the joy and satisfaction of their gardener.

Friend, God works similarly with us. Watchman Nee says it this way. “God must bring us to a point–I cannot tell you how it will be, but he will do it–where, through a deep dark experience, our natural power is touched and fundamentally weakened, so that we no longer dare trust ourselves.

He has had to deal with some of us very strangely, and take us through difficult and painful ways, in order to get us there . . . But then at last it is that he can begin to use us . . .”

Our greatest good is His greatest glory. Our pain, at least in one sense, is the allowance of pruning through pain so that in due season we will explode with the radiant colors and bountiful bouquet of worship to God. Stand firm in the pain. Through it we will win life!

Romans 14:8 in the ESV says, “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”

Prayer: Mighty and Everlasting God, be glorified in my pain as I find myself satisfied in Your love. Brimg revival in me through pruning. Amen.

About the author:
Chris Surber is the Pastor at Cypress Chapel Christian Church in Suffolk, Virginia. He is a religion columnist for the Suffolk News Herald. You can his website at www.chrissurber.com

How may we grow in our devotion to God in our pain today? God alone is the righteous judge. How may we enter into increased devotion to His will in our trial?

Chris thought you may enjoy this sermon by Leonard Ravenhill “What is Your Life?”

The post The Pain of Pruning: Is It Really part of God’s Plan? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love Me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.’, (John 21:16a)

In John 21, Jesus and Peter take a walk on the beach. Jesus takes time to bring Peter back from the despondency he’s feeling after denying he knew Jesus and seeing the crucifixion of his teacher and friend.

Jesus was leaving the earth, but first He wanted to reinstate Peter by giving him the chance to assert his allegiance to Jesus again. Jesus didn’t want Peter to get stuck where he was–He felt it important to take time to let Peter set things right.

Though sometimes Peter is remembered for denying Jesus, or doubting he could walk on the water–Peter went on to lead the early church and spread the word of new life in Christ.

This made me think about another walk on the beach.

My parents brought a home near the beach to retire to and in the years before they lived there full-time, we used to spend many weekends and holidays there. It was a favorite place of mine and many of our friends also spent time there with us.

I remember the day a dear friend took the time to walk on the beach with me–to talk through how I was feeling and where I was at in coming to terms with the changes and limitations in my life, following my accidents. She shared things with me about her own journey to make a new life following her serious accident.

She said she cared about me and didn’t want to leave Australia without helping me to see the rut I’d got myself into and helping me find a way to make a new life for myself. She didn’t want me to lose sight of the potential my life still held–even though things were now very different.

That day, I wasn’t feeling that grateful for her efforts, but later I came to see how important that conversation was in helping me to begin looking forward, instead of back to what I no longer had.

God meets our needs in many different ways and uses people who are open to His leading, in what may seem insignificant instances at the time, yet can change us forever.

Aprayer: Father, Thanks that You have a plan and purpose for my life. Help me to trust You when things don’t always make much sense, and be open to learn and grow from them. 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 is teaching 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. You can contact her in the Sunroom, or read more of her writing on her blog there.

How has God used others to point out what needs to change in your life? Did you want to hear what they had to say at the time?

If you are feeling like you don’t have a friend to encourage you or who takes time to communicate their concern, remember that you do have Jesus. He will walk beside you, just like He did Peter. This song, “Befriended” sung by Matt Redman is a nice reminder of the friend we have in Jesus. -Lisa

The post When Friends Take Us For a Walk on a Beach appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“’Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.’” (John 5:7)

In today’s passage I see hope. This man’s chances of being the first in the pool were pretty slim, but he was there none the less. We all hold out that sliver of hope in spite of all logic, that somehow, some way, some miracle may still cure us. Even a reduction in pain and limitation would be grand. We need to have hope or we get heart sick, as Proverbs tells us.

I also see faith here. Someone, either the afflicted man or his loved ones, had enough faith to get him to that spot. He later proves his own faith when Jesus grants him healing.

Faith had been there every day before that, as well as hope. On that day, however, Jesus added one more element with His divine power–charity.

Just yesterday my son told me of a word picture story he heard in a devotional. He compared these three elements to a motor.

Hope was the fuel, the gas that keeps us pushing forward.
Faith is the nuts and bolts, the hardware of the engine that holds it together and stabilizes things.
Charity is the oil or lubricant that smooth’s the rough edges and keeps the unit running.

All necessary, but nothing will move and progress cannot be made without the oil of charity.

In today’s verse Jesus bathed the man in pure love and, voilà, movement! It worked! It wasn’t long however until man’s pietistic ignorance came into the picture with legalism and human logic. Lord have mercy on us fools! And yet Jesus adds more oil of charity by telling the man the key to true joy–sin no more.

This motor parable has sent my mind to many levels, as an individual, in my family, as a church, and as a member of the human race. I need these elements to keep my motor running properly.

By the way, did you notice that perfect health was not on the list of what we have to have to make it in life? I did. It is the broken He came for not the righteous and perfect.

Prayer: Father, You have given me all I need to live abundant life. You see past the physical and heal my heart and soul. Thank You for Your oil of charity through the shed blood of Your Son Jesus Christ. That’s enough for me! Amen.

About the author:
Elizabeth Vendley is the wife of David, and lives in North Central Michigan. They have raised seven children. Elizabeth has lived with severe Interstitial Cystitis since 1996. Her passion is glorifying the Lord by writing out the lessons He has taught her. She would love to hear from readers through the Sunroom. Elizabeth welcomes readers to see her musings and gleanings in her blog http://evendley.blogspot.com/.

What areas in your life could use the lubricating of charity? Can faith and hope ever be enough without charity? Do you believe that our spiritual lives can thrive even with broken bodies? How has the Lord proven this in your life?

In this video Hillsong sings “Healer” about a Godwho loves us. The lyrics tell Him how we believe is is our Healer and nothing is impossible for Him. Yet, at the same time, He is all we need. we don’t need healing to be complete–we just need Him. Bless you. -Lisa

The post Faith, Hope, and Charity Make The Engine Go appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.