“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples ask Him, ‘Rabbi who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.’” (John 9: 1-3)
One dear-lady on one of the prayer forums I visit requested prayer for her church and a member of this church. This church-member suffers from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, one of the illnesses we refer to as an “invisible illness” because we can not actually see the results of the damage this illness can cause. Since there is little known about this disorder, the church members took it upon themselves to intervene and try to heal this member in their own way.
Rather than offering support and prayer, they offered her what they assumed was a “sure-fire”cure.
They felt that this lady was not “physically” ill as she had said but rather suffering from sin in her life. They offered her a book that has chemicals on it to help her overcome her problems. The idea is basically that the more she smells the chemicals in this book, the more she will realize that her illness is and has been all in her imagination.
It always breaks my heart when others pass judgment on those who are in pain. . .
Well-meaning church-members assume they have the answers.
Well-meaning friends offer their cures, remedies and advice.
Well-meaning family members don’t understand why we are in pain.
Soon, we find ourselves questioning our life and illness and wondering if sin has been the reason we suffer so. In John chapter nine, we see a similar situation. The disciples saw a blind man. This blind man had suffered all of his life. The disciples ask Jesus who had sinned, him or his parents that he might have such an affliction. Jesus replied neither had sinned.
You see, it does not please God that we suffer, The Lord desires only the best for us, but the Lord can see past our pain in this temporary life to the eternal gain we will someday receive. This man’s weakness was displaying his spiritual strength, by relying on the Lord to work through him.God’s grace was the power for this blind man to endure his burden. He was strengthened as he relied on the strength of the Lord in his life. God’s powerful grace is more real to us in our sufferings. God’s glory could be demonstrated by working through the human weakness.
I know that when my pain is deep and intense and I am so troubled, despaired and alone, I would like to have an interceding friend who is concerned enough to pray for me and with me.
I would like a friend who would listen and understand.
I have that friend today in Jesus.
He is a friend I can always turn to.
He understands me through and through.
What kind of a friend are you today?
Can you intercede for another in pain? Perhaps you need prayer and understanding today in your own life. Remember precious one, you are so loved today and you are not alone. The Lord does understand and He knows your pain.
Dear Lord: Thank You for reminding us it is not our fault that we suffer so. Please help us to forgive ourselves and take away any guilt that is misplaced. You demonstrated in Your Word that this world offers pain because the world is flawed, but that we as individuals are not at fault when illness strikes. We can be blessed and assured that you understand the pain we are in and we are grateful to find any relief through You and Your Word! Thank you, Lord. Amen.
About the author:
Deborah Farmer suffers daily from a few of those invisible illnesses. She desires that everyone in pain today feel the loving arms of a Savior who understands and loves them. Deborah offers her prayers and hugs to you today!
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Have you ever been hurt by a well-meaning person who offered a quick cure or solution to your physical ailments? Did you hurt about it even more than your loved ones would have expected? How have you used this experience to respond differently when you are encouraging another person who is suffering?
Thank you for these words. I agree… we know God’s grace more through our suffering… and for that, I am thankful. I wouldn’t trade the relationship I have with Him for anything, as much as I dislike the pain. I am so saddened when I hear of well- meaning people trying to “help” and instead causing more pain. I have been there, it’s so hard not to retreat, hide out, after times like that. I have just recently found this website and am so thankful. I have had Lyme Disease for 20 years… certainly an invisible illness. Through the this site, I am finding vocabulary for thoughts and emotions that I have held inside because of the invisible aspect to my illness. Thank you… it is beginning to bring an emotional healing to my heart, and that is strengthening to my soul!
Kristin:
Bless your heart dear, I am so glad this devotional helped you today. I have also been on the receiving end of those who do not understand what we go through. It can hurt so much more that the physical pain does. I am so grateful for a loving God who sees us through the pain! My prayers are with you today!
I am a pastor who has fibromyalgia and chronic myofacial pain, in addition to heart problems, gout,. etc. I spent the better part of a homily a few weeks ago explaining to my small congregation, all of whom have disabilities, that it wasn’t lack of faith that caused them to remain sick.
God does what He wants in his own time.
For me, I needed and still need pain and suffering to draw close to the Lord. This does not mean I ignore the latest medical care. I have a fine doctor who treats my problems, and I would hate to be without him.
Thank you Rev. Daniel Beegan; What a blessing today to read that you have ministered to your congregation about chronic illness and how we can still “Praise God through it” and let Him strengthen us for His Glory, in His time and in His will! Please know I will be keeping you and your church in my prayers…
Deborah: Yes, I’ve experienced “trying to be helpful”people actually doing me more harm than good. Sometimes it has brought much additional pain. When I’m reminded that God understands me completely and cares deeply, I find release from misplaced guilt. After all, it’s what He thinks about me that really matters. He’s the One I’m really seeking to serve.
Thank you for this.
Your words are so correct and well said Beth! He’s the ONE we really should seek to serve! What a blessing to read your comment today! Thank you and sending prayers and HUGS!
I’m forever having others tell me to focus on healing or a miraculous cure. I try to explain my energies seem better used in focusing on the contentment and peace the Holy Spirit provides regardless of what is happening to my body.
Joanne:
I love your quote: “I try to explain my energies seem better used in focusing on the contentment and peace the Holy Spirit provides regardless of what is happening to my body.”
What a wonderful response to someone who tries to help only to offer us “free medical advice”. Thank you for reading my devotional today!
Joann, that is exactly how I have always felt too. God knows my heart and how I can be most influential for Him. If I had spent my energy on a cure or miracle, Rest Ministries would not exist…
Deborah,
Thank you for this devotional. I was looking for one dealing with “hurt feelings” specifically and found yours. Last night I attended our weekly Bible study and came home feeling very sad and misunderstood. This is the same group I have been meeting with for several years now. I have shared my “invisible” illnesses with them… and yet I don’t think they understand at all. The discussion went the way it has before. Several members seem to look down on what they call “nominal” Christians (those who only show up for church on Christmas and Easter) and those of us who do not or are not able to attend church every week. I would love to be able to go every Sunday. But it is impossible. Wish I could think of some way to help them understand. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get “the church” to recognize our unique group of believers? If I am put off by their attitude, I know others are also.
Sorry this post is so long. I know God understands how I feel and I rest in His love. Thanks for listening.
OH Pam!
My heart breaks for you today dear sister as I read your post! I have been in the exact same boat as you before, as I know many people have. I became a voice (when I could) encouraging our churches to consider starting a Hope-keepers group. This maybe something you could bring up to your church as well. Hope-keepers is a Rest-Ministries group specifically designed to help those with invisible illness.
You can read more about this at: http://restministries.com/category/church-resources/hopekeepers-start-up-info/
If I had my way, all churches would have such a group. We tend to forget those who suffer daily in our churches, not because of lack of love, but because of unawareness and lack of resources available to encourage ministry to those who cannot function as others can.
Please know my prayers are with you today PAM! HUGS!
Thank you , Deborah!
I really appreciate your prayers and hugs…And for suggesting Hope-keepers. I definitely will do more reading and praying about this group.
Gentle hugs & blessings to you.