Q: How do I handle physical body pain over the years even though I’ve been praying for help ? —Joseph
A: Chronic pain is a challenge that has a great impact on every aspect of life. There’s no simple solution for dealing with it. A person in pain must be ready to acknowledge pain’s effects—including the limitations it imposes—but also strive to live as fully as possible given the circumstances.
The apostle Paul had a chronic problem that he called his “thorn in the flesh.” It was likely a physical malady. This is how Paul handled his suffering: “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
My God’s grace and comfort provide just what you need today, Joseph (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). —Dan VanderLugt
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BearPair on July 18, 2014 at 7:37 pm
My wife and I have lived wt severe, chronic pain for many years. While there are no quick & easy solutions, one way that we have found helpful is to push ourselves, if possible, to get involved in some project, especially one which will focus on others.
Many times, as I have begun working on one of our Cup of Cold Water pieces, it is in the midst of pain. However, as I move my attention from the pain to Scripture & illustrations that will encourage others, I find that the pain is more easily tolerated.
And, I agree wt Dan’s comments… if God wants to heal/remove the pain, that’s great. However, acknowledging this weakness–and even thanking Him for it–can often lead to Him using us–through the pain–to be a blessing to others. Look at the wonderful epistles that were written from those rank prison cells!