When You Become Angry with God

DO YOU EVER GET ANGRY AT GOD? It happens, and learning to admit it rather than deny it will only make the time you are separated from God lessen. Read this devotional from a very honest woman with chronic illness who shares her journey--even through anger.

Have you ever been angry with God? Laura shares her journey through anger and how she dealt with it rather than deny it. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8) Really, God, is this the answer you are giving me? I don’t have a clue why you are telling me this, can you be a little clearer? This is the conversation God and I had recently in my frustrated state. I know that God’s answers often don’t come when I want them to and may be different than the ones I’m seeking. I have explained this to people who scoff at the idea that God answers our … [Read more...]

How to Take the High Road (When Your Doctor Is Mean)

HOW TO TAKE THE HIGH ROAD (WHEN YOUR DOCTOR IS MEAN): It can be so hard to "take the high road" when we have a doctor who has hurt us -- physicially, emotionally -- maybe even permantly. What exactly does "taking the high road" mean though? @ Lisa Copen attempts to answer this question when it comes to those who we feel have wronged us.

It can be hard to take the high road when it comes to physicians who feel they are in control of your treatment and what you are allowed (or not allowed) to do. WEGO Health asks for their daily writing challenge “write about a time you had to take the high road." Day #6. I was young, 27, and had only had rheumatoid arthritis for a few years. I was learning to navigate the world of medical care, insurance premiums, nursing politics, and doctors who (felt they) had power. According to the Urban Dictionary, to "take the high road" expression refers to "one being a 'class act' during a very difficult time. Those who take the high road, are demonstrating being honest, fair, and selfless while not being completely defenseless." I had … [Read more...]

When Nothing Will Make Me Happy While Dealing With Pain

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"There are times when nothing will make me happy," shares Lisa. Do you ever have moments of refusing comfort? "All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted." (Genesis 37:35) "There is nothing you can say that will make me happy. I just need some time alone right now." Have you ever said these words? Last week sitting around on the patio with friends, we talked about marriage and communication. One man shared how he felt like regardless of what he did, his wife still didn't communicate with him. He never knew when she was actually happy and when she wasn't. I said that there were times when I knew my husband just couldn't win and I would literally tell him, "There is nothing that is going to … [Read more...]

Grief Feelings When Living with Chronic Illness

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How do you cope with grief feelings of coping with chronic illness, while still recognizing what you have already attained through Christ? “Only let us live up to what we have already attained” (Philippians 3:16). Each summer I have the same struggle. As I see people enjoying more physical activities and travel, I want to mourn what I have lost. Ungrateful as it sounds, I feel I am missing out on what summer is all about. I am having grief feeling about my chronic illness. The Holy Spirit brings conviction and truth about these negative thoughts. I work through them and get over it--until the next time. This verse in Philippians challenges me. Paul talks about pressing on to receive the prize and then he tells us to live up to … [Read more...]

How to Handle Hurt Feelings In Health Social Networks

HOW TO HANDLE HURT FEELINGS IN HEALTH SOCIAL NETWORKS: Health social networks can be a tremendous support for the chronically ill, but they can also be a source of many hurt feelings. How do we prevent this? If you have ever been on a health social network, chances are you have had your feeling hurt. It comes with the territory of people being in pain, on and off new meds, lacking sleep and short fuses. Great article if you have a #invisibleillness

Health social networks can be a tremendous support for the chronically ill, but they can also be a source of many hurt feelings. How do we prevent this? By Lisa Copen The Internet has provided us with a support community environment of online health social networks that are unique and always available. In the illness community, it is no surprise how helpful it can be when you are awake at 3 AM and there is someone online who is also awake due to pain. However, with this easily accessible health social networks of people also comes the frustrations that typically occur with our in-person relationships. Add to this, the fact that many people are not feeling well and may be moody, in addition to the likelihood that people are much more … [Read more...]

4 Steps to Take to Get Rid of Resentment You May Hold Against Others

4 STEPS TO GET RID OF RESENTMENT:

Resentment does not give us any benefits, yet many of us still hold onto it. Even if we may not want to feel resentful, we aren't sure how to get rid of it. Leslie explains. By Leslie Vernick When someone hurts us, is foolish, or sins against us, the consequences of their behaviors often impact us more than the other person. Anger, bitterness and resentment can be the result. Even when someone hasn't intentionally inflicted harm, these negative emotions creep into our spirits and are hard to get rid of. Here are 4 things you can do if you find yourself stuck in resentment. 1. Ask yourself what purpose do these negative emotions serve? Is it payback? Is it an attitude of I get to be right? Or, is it that you haven't been able … [Read more...]

4 Lies About Anger

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By Leslie Vernick "Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper- it only leads to harm." (Psalm 37:8) Anger is a normal part of being a human being but it can be a dangerous emotion and has the potential to wreck our relationships and our lives. Here are the four most common lies about anger. 1. When I feel angry, I must let it all out. Too much damage has been done to people we love by blurting out angry feelings in the moment of their greatest intensity. Doing this might provide some sort of relief but it is never beneficial to the hearer or the relationship. I liken it to vomiting. You do feel better getting it out, but vomit belongs in the toilet, not on another person. Proverbs 12:18 says, "Reckless words pierce … [Read more...]

Latte With Lisa – Can Fear Spur on Anger?

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Hi, friends, Join me in this 5-minute clip below to hear what is new here at Rest Ministries, where I can use your prayers, and see what I've been struggling with lately as my body doesn't "do" as I think it should! If you are receiving this via email and do not see a video below, click on the title of this "blog post" to take you to the video clip. You can also watch it on our YouTube Channel. Related articles When Family and Friends Are Not Around to Help You When You Are Ill (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com) God Doesn't Need You to Set New Year's Resolutions (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com) … [Read more...]

I’ve Had it! I’m 32 & Now Have Another Illness!

I am 32 years old & was recently diagnosed with diabetes on top of having another chronic condition. I am very frustrated, & I feel like I have always had a gracious spirit & have been patient to discover the Lord's plans for my life despite the challenges of chronic illnesses. But lately I am more discouraged than ever & if one more person tells me that I should be thankful that it's not worse, I am going to scream. Any advice? –Jackie Hi Jackie. I know what it's like to live with chronic illness. I've struggled for several years with an autoimmune form of arthritis that keeps me in a lot of pain. Mornings are the hardest, so I've tried to remember to start each day by reading my Bible & praising God. There are days when I have to … [Read more...]

Nick Vujicic – A Ministry You Should Know About

Nick Vujicic, 26, has a ministry called Life Without Limbs & it is an affiliate of Joni & Friends, as we are here at Rest Ministries. He says on his web site, "I was born without arms or legs & given no medical reason for this condition. Faced with countless challenges & obstacles, God has given me the strength to surmount what others might call impossible. Along with that, the Lord has placed within me an unquenchable passion to share this same hope & genuine love that I've personally experienced with more than two million people all over the globe." Regardless of what one may believe, I can't fathom how they could watch this man & the joy he has & not want to know more about the God that gives him his strength & ministry. Be sure to … [Read more...]

Fireproof – A Good Valentine’s Rental Movie

Fireproof is an amazing movie that was out in 2008 that set records for any independent film. Starring actor Kirk Cameron, heplays a fire chief & a man who is well-respected by those in his community. But his marriage is nearing the end. It’s not because of an affair with another person, or some dramatic event that takes place; but rather because, day by day, both spouses take one another a little more for granted & move away from each other than toward each other. Both are searching for validation of their emotions & even simple appreciation. Despite the fact that the movie was at the theaters two years ago the ministry of this movie continues to impact lives & change marriages. They have set up a Fireproof website specifically for … [Read more...]

Why Won’t My Doctor Treat Me?

What do you suggest to a patient who likely has a chronic illness but whose doctor refuses to treat her or refer her to a specialist? I have a friend whose doctor insists on treating her with antibiotics to treat the symptoms, but not the illness. It has been going on for over a year. She is suffering & getting depressed. —name withheld Does your friend have an HMO that requires her primary physician to be a “gate keeper?” In this model, doctors must cut costs by limiting referrals. It may be necessary to contact the HMO administration to dem& a second opinion. Read the fine print in the insurance packet before calling. Alternatively, she may request a new primary physician. These two processes will take … [Read more...]