I spent 8 months in physical therapy, and just recently decided to pursue treatment by a rehabilitation specialist. She is doing more testing this week prior to giving her treatment recommendations. I am still hopeful that this is just a temporary issue, albeit a "long" temporary issue! The elbow is now fine. We just need to fix everything above the elbow...
It gives me a greater sense of compassion for people who suffer in endless and chronic pain for various reasons. Doctoring is time consuming and costly! It can be overwhelming to many, and just doing day to day tasks can be difficult. Treatment and a search for healing can become your whole world if you allow it to.
Many people who suffer chronic pain often question God why He would let them hurt this way. They might pray ceaselessly for healing or an answer. I have other medical issues I deal with on a daily basis, and have sought answers myself. Here's what I came up with:
1. We may need to change the question! Asking "why" may be an endless journey. We may never know the reasons why until the day we see Him face to face and get to see "the big picture!" We're just one tiny piece of the puzzle. Maybe we need to change the "why" question to the following: "How can we use this, Lord? What can I do in this situation that will bring glory to You, and draw others closer to You? What example can I be to others in this situation?" We might be amazed at the answers we'll get to those particular questions!
2. God does hear your prayers. Sometimes He answers them, sometimes it seems He doesn't. When He doesn't seem to hear you, remember that He truly DOES!
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (NIV)
He may not answer you right away, or in the way you want Him to. Your "job" is to trust His wisdom and knowledge. Like I said earlier, we can' t see "the big picture." God can. He doesn't do anything without a plan and a purpose with a Kingdom outcome!
3. When I am weak, He is strong! With my current issues, I can't do things as easily as I have in the past. Guess what? That means God gets the glory for whatever I am able to do at present! It's only by His grace and strength that I am still working, and can develop this writing ministry for you. I don't know how much travelling I'll be able to do to go speak at churches or other events, so I leave that up to Him. Whatever doors He wants opened will open in this endeavor. I rely on Him so much! I know I can't do this on my own...
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (NIV)
4. Jesus knows all about pain. There is nothing about pain He cannot relate to you about! Fact is, He probably knows more about pain and suffering than anyone here on earth. He bore the sins of the world on His back. Your sins. And mine. He suffered horrific pain and death at Calvary. We may not always be healed physically of our ailments, but we can be spiritually healed when we call on His name.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
I don't know the outcome of this left arm. You may not know the outcome of your chronic pain issue. If we let it, we can become very discouraged in our circumstances. I have those days from time to time where I am frustrated with "what is." Then I remember God's promise to never leave me nor forsake me. He knows my every need. And yours! Trust Him with the outcome. Trust Him to meet your needs. Ask Him how to use your situation to let others see Jesus in you. You'll be amazed at what He can do when you ask Him not "why," but "HOW..."
Lucy
1 comment:
Thank you Lucy. I see it has been a while since you posted this and pray that your pain is more managable now. I've lived with chronic pain/illness for about 17 years and really feel for you. If you haven't found it, a wonderful resource is Rest Ministries at www.restministries.org
Blessings!
Jenni Saake
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