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Christian Thoughts About Chronic Pain
Pain.....Pain....Go Away!
Have you ever woke up morning after morning in severe pain? Only a chronic pain sufferer can identify with the agony and oppression of pain each new day.
Physicians tell us pain is a warning signal that something is wrong in our body. The pain tells us we are well aware of this and seek relief for the problem.
After many years of suffering from severe vascular migraine attacks and other physical conditions, I have learned to depend upon God and trust in his grace to sustain and keep me. I have learned He has "a way" for each of us. He has healed me many times. Greater still is the fact He sustains us when we are not healed, and gives us extra grace to see us through the times when no medication or remedy seems to help.
For years I also suffered not only with vascular headaches, but also with severe arthritis and its effects. Before I had my morning cereal, I had already heard the "snap, crackle, and pop" of aching joints and felt the familiar aching which accompanied this condition. "Pain, pain, go away" became a ritualistic saying in my household. Thank goodness for an understanding husband and a God that is an ever present help in time of trouble.
Sometimes it seemed as if the head and the back or knees were in competition to see which could give the most problems or pain. When the full blown effects of a migraine were present, it would make you forget the pain of arthritis.
Medication for arthritis was harmful to the stomach lining, so this presented another new problem. How does one cope with another new pain when two are already present? Another pill for another problem is what the Physicians recommended. Then a kidney problem occurs. On and on the list could go, in a never ending search for relief from chronic pain and its effects. Only by the grace of God can a person get through the long days and nights of pain and its oppressing effects.
After many years of trying different medications, Physicians, and home remedies, I realized one day I was like the woman in the Bible who sought help but grew worse in spite of her medical treatments. It only took a mustard seed size faith to reach up into the heavens one day and ask God to take over as the "Great Physician". After all, He is the one that holds us in the palms of His hands, so why could he not do what I had trusted in the Physicians to do? I went from "aching knees" to "bending knees" as I sought God in prayer and He took away the arthritic pain and symptoms.
The headaches still occur, but I can deal with them and the pain seems minor when God's presence and grace is there with me. They are not as excruciating or frequent as they used to be, and I am trusting Him for complete healing and know His grace will keep and help me in any pain or suffering. The Scriptures have healing therein and we are told "He sent His Word and healed them". Read the Holy Bible daily, it is health and life unto us. I am reminded of the word of God to the Apostle Paul. When Paul prayed for a thorn in the flesh to be removed, God told Him his grace was sufficient.
When I fully trusted God, He answered and reminded me of those in the Scriptures who were healed as they "went their way". Once we pray and trust in the Lord to heal and help us, He will answer as we also "go our way". Each person's way is different. One may find healing through the hands of a Physician. Another may find help through medication, natural herbs or healing; or a health food and vitamin plan. Others will be completely healed or helped by God as He wills. We must always remember that God is in control of all methods of true healing. He gives the wisdom to the medical profession and all glory actually goes to our Lord. He will give us wisdom to know the path we are to take. He alone is the healer and all healing is in His hands.
We are told to pray for the sick, and they shall recover. I was prayed for by my Church after I had asked God to heal me on the way home from a Doctor's appointment earlier one day. I knew God heard and touched me in His way as I went "my way". Prayer changes medical conditions or any situation.
Prayer is communication and fellowship with the one who knows not only us but every sparrow, and feeds them. He clothes the lilies of the field in splendor. How much more will he take care and provide for us? We must have faith in Him. If we but ask, we will receive "a way".
Although instant healing is not given to all, grace is given to see all through their sufferings. God promises to never put more on us than we can bear. His promises are faithful and true. However He sees fit to help us, we must just trust Him and lean not to our own understanding. If we will acknowledge Him in all our ways and lean to Him, He tells us He will direct our paths. This includes our path of healing also.
One day we will lay down these earthly bodies and take on a perfected body in the Resurrection. There will be no more pain or suffering and God Himself will wipe every tear from our eyes. Until that day, His marvelous grace will keep and sustain us. He will bless and heal us and carry us when we feel we are weary and cannot go on.
Life is but a vapor slowly fading away but the promise of eternal life is a sure reality that changes and fades not. We have a blessed hope in Christ and know that we are bound for a City where there is "no pain". Until that time, live one day at a time in His grace. Look up, as our redemption draweth nigh. His grace is all sufficient in time of trouble.
God Bless,
Jo Ann
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