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| Living With Chronic Pain |
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11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 I think for those of us with Chronic Pain and Illness the distraction can often be our pain and suffering. We once had a clear VISION. For many of us our focus was once squarely on Christ. Then the unthinkable happened. And out of shear GRIEF our focus became consumed with the details of our illness. We became completely distracted from our true passion and slowly we ceased to be LIGHT UNTO THE WORLD that we once knew Christ has called us to be.
In our desperate attempts to take cover from the frequent strikes of PAIN being perpetrated against us, our sight then becomes fixed on finding anything that can distract us from the gnawing painful ache that often ravishes our body and often our SOUL. These distractions we choose to use for relief often are steeped in self and selfish needs that quietly draw us away from a pure devotion to Christ. We crawl into the crevices of the world looking for solace finding it in darkness rather than LIGHT. As a result we are stolen from our spouse…our family…and even ourselves. Indeed, the enemy will use whatever means it takes.
We have to keep in mind that the enemy brings his very best performance when he is in character playing the role of an ‘angel of light’. The distractions that are calling us away from the ways of Christ are not necessarily BAD things in and of themselves. But, we must be ever vigilant for the tricks of the enemy to draw us toward “good causes” rather than experiencing God’s best which is found in Christ Himself. Paul said it this way, “”But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) Paul knew about distractions.
We do have a choice you know. We can choose Christ. We can. We can choose to keep our focus on these things which are lovely, and pure, and holy, and right. PAIN that has been allowed…and yes, it has been allowed by our Maker…can become the very thing of BEAUTY that our heart desires when, instead of finding worldly “distractions”, we draw nearer to Him. Our Brother, Jesus Christ, had a moment in the garden where he pondered if there might not another way. A way in which that the ultimate outcome could be accomplished without the need to go through the PAIN and SUFFERING of the cross. Oh, how terrible it would be for us today had he allowed himself to become distracted, finding a way…any way…to NOT have to endure the excruciating PAIN cross. Thank you for your obedience Jesus. God’s perfect LOVE indeed gave Your OBEDIENCE PURPOSE!
What our Father chooses to allow to enter into our lives is with tremendous and deep consideration. He is never flippant with His Love. He is sure of what He allows. It is not a mistake. Although, it can feel like more than we can endure – with Christ nothing is impossible. And we can take what the world sees as a CURSE and help them to see the true BLESSING that it is.
This kind of spiritual surrender is not accomplished by being strong in oneself, but in yeilding our “right” to live pain free by whatever means – distraction we can find. Prostrating Himself before the Father, Paul, in response to the thorn in his flesh, writes that it is the GRACE of God (which is Christ) alone that is his SUFFICIENCY. And this kind of humility will find that Christ alone is indeed sufficient for our THORN as well. ~ Kimberly Walker
I have started a group on my church’s network call HeartCry. It is for anyone seeking comfort in the arms of our Heavenly Father from chronic pain and illness. When your heart cries out to God there is comfort in knowing He is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. We will be covering a devotional by Judy Gann “The God of all Comfort.” www.judygann.com. If anyone would be interested in joining let me know. |
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| To add a comment to "Living With Chronic Pain" |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| Mike - Thanks, is this close to what you were talking about? |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| I`m interested in joining. I have been dealing with chronic illness and growing pain now for some years. I do fight not to be distracted by the pain and would benefit from your study. Look forward to hearing more when you have your group together. |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| yep!! |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| i will join....i was told by a church that i could not be healed because my faith was not strong enough or i was somehow blocking God's healing. i have been to doctors who told me to see a psychatrist. but i am still not better. but i have learned so much in my expeirences that i would not have otherwise. and btw, the church who told me that it was my fault that i don't get healed, i don't go to anymore. |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| Bren, this is awesome. It's exactly how I'm coping with it. |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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Goodto hear from you Bren. I've missed you but I haven't been on her alot lately.
I think this group will be a tremendous help to those who are suffering. Be blessed my friend |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| Amy – I am sorry to hear what you have gone through. I look forward to having you join our group. |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| Joey – Thanks. I look forward to you sharing your insights with the group. |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| Mary and Barb thanks for the stars |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| Crystal - Thanks. It is good to hear from you too. Be blessed my friend. |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| This is MyChurch (or really, the BODY of Christ) at it's finest! |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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see God give's us just what we need if we dont look to the enemy for our comfort in out time of pain and suffering. Ive been reading God's word and also been reading posts at serveantsofgrace, listen to a sermon, which I find helps me forget my pain and feeling so lousey for that time! I know frommy past I alwasy gave in to the enemy and today I LOOK the other way, to Christ! for my healing!! I am joining and look forwards to it! thanks Bren love ya>BlessYou |
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| July 10, 2009 |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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Thank you everyone for the stars. |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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| Mike - Well, I think you are MyChurch (or really, the BODY of Christ) at it's finest! You have blessed me and so many people here on MyChurch and I am sure in your local community as well. God bless you. |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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| I've always felt connected with you, Bren. I think of you often and pray for your comfort. I'm glad I saw you online this morning. I came to your page to tell you good morning and find this blog. You may remember that I have been suffering since the two car wrecks in 2006. I do want to focus on God and be a part of this new group. May God bless you. |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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Donna – Yes, we need to look to Christ for our healing and comfort. I am honored to have you in our group. God bless you…love ya 2 |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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| Gwen – Thank you for keeping me in prayer. I was just on the phone with a friend and a friend of his was just in a car accident and fractured his neck. Please keep him in prayer. I am honored to have you in our group. God bless you. |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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This is such an excellent blog -- and while I do not suffer from chronic pain, I have a parallel to it in other areas of life -- and you have spoken beautifully about how the enemy works against us yet God can be magnificiently glorified when we truly give all we are -- even the pain -- to Him. Bravo! |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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| Brenda - Thank you. To God be the Glory! |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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Bren,... Oh My Goodness, there is so much truth in this, it is just Awesome. First, as a member of Covenant, I am sorry I hadn't opended this one. The concert announcement and a couple others seemed to be local things there in Tx.,... so I assumed... anyway,.. I want to join and I'll see if I can be used in anyway. Wow. Luv ya. |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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| Preston - Thank you. I am sure you will be a blessing. luv ya 2. |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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| i will hold the car wreck victim in my prayers today. thanks Bren. |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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| AsGod says to Paul I will not remove your thrown but by faith I will give the grace to deal with it....Praise God..LY in Christ always.....PC |
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| July 11, 2009 |
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| thanks Gwen and PC |
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| July 13, 2009 |
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I'm still gonna pray for God to heal you! In the meantime, you are truly an inspiration. So many of us whine and murmur and complain over such stupid things!!! What some would give for a pain-free day! Lord forgive us. Love ya, Bren! |
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| July 13, 2009 |
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A pain-free day....oh, that sounds so nice...but, didn't Paul also have a thorn in his side? Lord, keep me hanging in and hanging on!!! For what would I do without you?
LoveLeigh |
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| July 14, 2009 |
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| Lara – Thank you for your prayers. That’s right there are so many who would love to have just a pain-free day. That’s why I felt lead to start this group for the people who are suffering in silence and precious ones like Amy who have been told it’s their own fault or don’t have enough faith. We need acceptance and fellowship not condemnation and judgment. Of course, above all prayer. |
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| July 14, 2009 |
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Leigh – Yes, a pain-free day would be wonderful! Paul did have a thorn in his side. It is only by the grace of God that I am able to endure mine. Without the Lord I don’t think I would be able to keep hanging in and hanging on! Love & Blessings |
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| July 14, 2009 |
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| Marcella - Thank you so much for the star. Love & Blessings. |
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| July 19, 2009 |
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I live with the pain of arthritis, and perhaps that is why I keep so busy so I don't linger on the pain and let it control me. There are days after I sit for a little while that I can barely walk when I first get up, but I do and I keep on going and will for as long as I can. I have to much to do for Jesus to let something like pain slow me down. |
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| July 19, 2009 |
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| Praying for you |
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| July 19, 2009 |
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| July 20, 2009 |
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| Deb – thank you for your comments. I have heard that it is best to keep moving when you have arthritis. Praise God for all that you do. There are many people with different conditions that do not have a choice but to slow down. |
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| July 20, 2009 |
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| Wolf Spirit Child – thank you so much for your prayer. Love & Blessings |
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| July 20, 2009 |
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| Have recently read somewhere that any foods that contain acids like tomatos and lemons etc can cause the arthritis to react more anyone else hear about this?? |
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| August 07, 2009 |
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Hi Brenda, I'm glad I was led to read your blogs. I had you on my mind a few weeks ago. Then I saw you staring Blogs. I notice your not writing. I hope as of late,You are doing good. I love what you wrote. I live with chronic pain also.
Nerve damage in the spinal cord is no joke. My legs and feet have the worst of it. Been taking muscle relaxers and spasm pills for almost 13 years now. It helps manage it, that's all but thank God!! Feels like my toes are curling inside!!
Anyway I joined your group Heart Cry. Without Jesus as my peace, I would be in bad shape mentally.
Gods blessings of hope Sis,
waiting to hear from you,
Sis Cece. |
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| August 07, 2009 |
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| Sis CeCe – Thanks, I am glad you were lead to my blog. Thank you for your concern. I am going through a bad spell and it is very difficult for me to write. Sorry to hear about all of your pain. I will keep you in prayer. Thanks for joining Heartcry. I will send you more information. Love & Blessings |
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| August 08, 2009 |
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Praise the Lord Brenda. Thank you!! For your concern.
I will be looking forward to the information you will send. I will
pray for you as well. Love and blessings to you also. |
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