“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; He brought me into a spacious place. (Psalm 118:4-6)

Thomas Paine said, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

You may also feel that there have been times that tried your soul, tested your strength and ability to endure. And when we have our hopes high, too often we come crashing down to reality by a setback of our health, some new affliction arising, or just old issues reminding us just how much we hate our affliction and weakness.

Standing strong when we feel weak can seem impossible. Sometimes it feels that we are carrying the maximum load possible, and just one more setback, one more stressful event is all it will take to push us over the edge. This sort of situation is what makes me wonder how unbelievers survive affliction.

The KJV of Proverbs 18:14 says, “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?”

We find strength through our Lord Jesus Christ. He can take even a weak body, someone weighed down by affliction, and empower their spirit through the Holy Spirit–making them strong within, driven by power and energy from above.

We may be weak in body, but we need never be weak in spirit.

Facing our weaknesses and continuing to move forward, especially after a series of setbacks or disappointments have made us even weaker, is high on the list of challenges for those who live with illnesses. Picking ourselves back up when feeling so weak can seem impossible, yet with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).

It is only through God’s strength that we not only survive, but can thrive within our weaknesses.

Today you may find yourself locked into a weak body subject to its ailments and weaknesses, but if you have put your faith in the Lord, you can look beyond bodily ailments and rely upon the mind, heart, Spirit of the living God to carry you through your challenges in spite of your afflictions.

We may not have a strong body on this side of heaven, but no matter how little our physical strength, we have the power and might of God on our side, and with His help, we can press through our physical limitations and inabilities to become the spiritual powerhouses God intended for us to become.

Does your physical limitations and weaknesses make you feel helpless? Do you have a hard time picturing yourself as a strong person?

About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He is grateful that though he often feels weak, the Lord is his strength and power source.

Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes we feel so weak and helpless, yet help us to never forget that though we may be physically weak, through You we become strong within. Amen.

This song is called “Valley of the Shadow” by Rhonda Gunn. It is a beautiful song about how during our darkest moments–including those that feel like the valley of the shadow of death mentioned in the 23rd Psalm, God never leaves our side. -Lisa

photo credit: bitzcelt via photopin cc

The post More, Lord? When You are Pressed Beyond Your Strength appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for him” (Psalm 98:1).

Salvation for Him? I thought salvation was His gift to me, reconciliation back to the Father, my eternal destiny secured and –oh–now I get it. Salvation is also the means for God, through Christ, to take up residence within me–within each of us who believe. He desires to be my guide as I live out the gift of the life He has given to me.

He is the song I am learning to sing. My steps through life are the rhythm that can bless his heart as He looks back on His suffering and sings because now I am His. I want to learn from my Troubadour–lyricist of the words of the music I need, and my Maestro–conductor of the way the music is delivered.

I have been in circumstances where the joy of a song seemed impossible. Singing when afflicted seems an oxymoron, but I am exhorted to sing a new song.

“Troubadour,
what are the lyrics
you can give to me?

Can pain be lyrical?

Can suffering be sung?”

Perhaps these are not the right questions. Singing a song when one is burdened begs this question in Scripture: “How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:4)

My chronic afflictions and other challenges initially push me into a foreign land. And it does not end there. It is the land that needs to be questioned. My Maestro has already gone ahead to prepare the way yet remains within me as I am on the journey to this new place.

To answer the questions I go within. I go deeply within. I take my cries, pain, questions, fears, and doubts, and ask the One who knows how to sing. What I bring to Him is my song to Him. He takes it all: my words plus the groans representing words I do not have, and composes a new song.

I have become a co-writer with Him because He uses my input and mixes it with what He knows. We have co-labored. I have labored in my trust to turn to Him in honesty. His completed labor on the Cross helps Him to understand my cries and what to do with my words. A new song emerges–a duet.

He has walked the path of suffering before me and compassionately leads me along our way–with a song.

Prayer: “Lord, my life to You I bring, may each song I have to sing, be to You a lovely thing, in Your time.*” Amen. (* “In His Time,” a lyric by Diane Ball.)

About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. Since 1983, she has lived with vestibular dysfunction: constant dizziness, sessions of vertigo and related side effects of nausea, balance problems, neck and back pain, visual tracking and eye fatigue. She is a breast cancer survivor having gone through surgery and chemotherapy treatments in 1987-88. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. Do visit her blog at http://lynnseverance.blogspot.com

Have you recently entered a time that is foreign to you in the challenges it presents? How may the honesty of your cries to the Lord help you to feel his Presence with you? How will you let Him compose this time for you – and with a new song?

Lynn shares. . . I had the joy of meeting Jeff Johnson the summer of 2010 when he was the worship leader at a small arts’ conference. It was a huge step in faith for me to attend as I had not been able to go to such events for many years. I was deeply struggling physically as I sat in the small community church that first morning attendees met together. This is the song, “Christ Has Walked This Path,” that Jeff played and that we sang. Tears streamed down my face in recognition of the reality of its lyrics. -Lynn

Lynn thought you would enjoy this video of the song “Christ Has Walked This Path” with Jeff Johnson with Brain Dunning and Wendy Goodwin. -Lisa

The post How Do I Sing a New Song? How Do I Learn the Lyrics? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?” (Ecclesiastes 6:12)

Some days we groan only seconds after waking. Our first thoughts, if directed above at all, are a plea for strength. It is those days that take monumental effort to get moving. It takes a miracle of grace to cultivate a half reasonable attitude on such days. We need all the help we can get. Been there? Are you there?

Here is a trick that has served me well on such days. I have a letter written to me, by me. On rough days, if I remember to, I read it. When I do it always helps. It is custom made after all, so the wording is always just what I need to hear.

I write these letters on days that I am feeling fairly well and generally positive. I call these ‘on’ days. My attitude is up (by God’s grace) and my pain is not overwhelming my every thought. My writing is going smooth and ideas come swiftly. On such days, I get in the mood to tackle 100 things that come to mind but of course my body will only allow minimal productivity.

So after I start to tackle one of these jobs on my list, I will need a rest for my body even if my mind is ‘rearing to go’. Then is when I write myself a letter of encouragement. I jot down my positive thoughts and get my productive mental energies down on paper. I know exactly what I will need to hear on my not so victorious days. This has worked well for me.

I will share an example with you:

Hey Elizabeth!

I know you are struggling or you wouldn’t be reading this. I am writing to remind you that not every day is such challenge. This is only a 24 hour day and you know how things change, wax, and wane. Try not to let it get to you, I know it is hard. I want to remind you that you have made through many of these kind of days. Sometimes even victoriously!

You know God is on your side and you know He will not waste this experience. Try to figure out a way to benefit His Kingdom in this. Go deeper into the Word than you did yesterday, or pray long and hard for someone in dire straits. There are many good things you can do with your ‘down’ time, but I know your mind is foggy, so I am giving you ideas.

If you want to you can even write me a letter telling me off! Tell me all about how lousy you feel and how hopeless it all looks. I know you, and you, like the psalmist David, will end up counting your blessings and praising God before you are finished.

You are not so bad off, not on the inside. Your heart is true and your Savior adores you and has proven it time and again. Be gentle with yourself, give yourself the same level of compassion you have for others. God is good and you will survive this, and even if you didn’t, you’d have Heaven to enjoy. Either way you win. Hang in there; better days ahead.

As you can see I use a bit of tongue in cheek humor with myself. You will know what works best for you, like I said, it is custom made.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that no season lasts forever here on earth. Help me to look at the big picture when I am feeling poorly and tempted to despair. Your Beloved Son understood that sorrow is temporary and He used that to strengthen Himself to carry out Your plan for our salvation. Thank You Father, that we do not have to live forever like this. Thank You for Hope and Heaven. Most of all thank you for Your Son Jesus Christ and His obedience onto death for my sake. I offer this prayer in His precious name, Amen.

About the author:
Elizabeth Vendley is the wife David, and lives in North Central Michigan. They have raised seven children. Elizabeth has lived with severe Interstitial Cystitis since 1996. Her passion is glorifying the Lord by writing out the lessons He has taught her. She would love to hear from readers through the Sunroom.

What do you need to hear on rough days? Do you ever write a letter to yourself? Is there a special song or video you plan to enjoy for a lift on difficult days? What other things can you think of to put in your ‘rainy day kit’?

I feel like saying, “Okay, put your hands together” but this is one of those kinds of songs. “Alright” by SuperChic is a great reminder that life is chaotic, we are all tired, it is hard, and yet, it is all gonna be alright. It was a good reminder for me today as I posted this devotion. -Lisa

The post Preparing in Advance for the Hard Days appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you” (Psalm 42:5).

Although not an art expert, I do enjoy looking at lovely photos and paintings. Sometimes the frame itself enhances the picture greatly. The backdrop can add or detract from it as well. How many of us have taken pictures only to discover that something unattractive was hiding in the background and ruining the scene? I’ve also seen pictures that were unremarkable in one frame but became quite eye-catching in another.

In her Bible study Believing God, Beth Moore said that David and Jeremiah, among others, “deliberately refocused and reframed the difficult memories in the goodness and faithfulness of God.”

As I read that, I thought of difficult times in my own life, particularly those related to my health. If I dwell on them in a negative way, I become downcast–wishing things were different, wishing I had appreciated more, struggling with the “whys” and “what ifs,” etc.

I can, however, choose to see God in the background of each memory. As I reflect back, I see how God’s strength has continually carried me through my most difficult moments. I realize how the Lord used and continues to use other people in my life to display His mercy, compassion, and even admonishment when I need it.

I remember the wisdom and direction He gave for difficult decisions, and how He brought peace through the beauty of nature and creation which I had never noticed before.

The more I look for God in the pictures of my life, the more I see His hand at work in all things. Some of my pictures are rather bleak, but set against the backdrop and frame of God and His attributes, they are given a new and brighter look. My life has not been not perfect, but it is filled with the presence of God, and that changes the entire picture.

Prayer: Lord, when I struggle with negative thoughts and discouraging memories, help me look for signs of Your presence in them, causing me to remember You in my past, see You in my present, and trust You for my future. As I do, I will be uplifted and encouraged. Amen.

About the author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband and three grown daughters. God’s grace and strength have brought her through thyroid cancer and continue to sustain her through ongoing back pain, depression, headaches, multiple sensitivities, eye pain, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.

Are there any particularly painful memories or current negative situations you are facing in which you see evidence of God that you missed before? What attributes has He shown, and how can seeing them change the way you respond to problems now?

Whatever you are facing today, it is not to big for God. When we look back at our past, we may be assured that God was there. Wherever you are hurting today, remember to cry out to Jesus as Third Day sings in their song, “Cry Out To Jesus.” Simply lovely. -Lisa

The post Reframing Our Memories– Was God Present After All? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“Sing to the Lord a new song: sing to the Lord, all the earth” (Psalm 96:1).

The Bible is full of verses about singing, worship, and dance. So what happens when the music fades, due to illnesses?

Over the years, I’ve had many times of having “the crutches” that I rely upon stripped away. It’s not a comfortable experience, but God uses it to refine me.

As a singer in the 80s, I remember the confusion when I clearly heard that the Lord wanted me to lead a dance group at our church, not a group of singers.

I set about arguing with God and reminded Him that singing was my gift and talent! What a frivolous activity to try to argue with God! He knew what was best.

Singing was shelved, as I relied heavily on prayer and humbly asked God to help me to lead a team of dancers into ministry. The worship that we experienced through dance was truly divine. As we relied on God to lead us in worship services, using dance, we saw release come for those in the service, with many emotional healings. How could I have doubted that what God wanted was best for those 10 years?!

He returned my singing when we moved churches. My passion is to sing in worship to my Lord. It was joyous to lead the singers each week and often to open worship through song. What I’d been taught during those 10 years of dance ministry was truly precious in leading worship.

One of my favorite songs was the “Heart of Worship.” Little did I know that the music would fade . . . to a stop!

I’m unable to listen to music, due to impact upon my sensory nervous system through chronic fatigue syndrome and the sensitivities that accompany it. If I listen to music or attempt to sing I suffer extreme nausea and fatigue, while feeling like my body will collapse.

So, what does God want me to learn from this time of having music “stripped away?”

The words in the song below say it all. The Lord wants my breath, my heart, my soul. He simply wants me to come to Him in worship. He wants me to focus on Jesus when I come. No need for anything else, as my focus is upon Jesus.

What have I gained? A new song has evolved. One of being simply in the presence of my dear Lord Jesus. What a gift!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for stripping away music, so that I can be more intimately in Your presence. Help me to bring You more than a song. Amen.

About the Author:
Kerryn Wright lives with her family amongst the gum trees in South Australia. She was a special education teacher prior to chronic illnesses. Her husband is carer for three of their family, who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. God has always guided them through life’s challenges, often in surprising ways.

What music ministers most deeply to your soul? What has the Lord “stripped away” from you that has taken you deeper into relationship with Him?

Michael W. Smith sings “Heart of Worship” in one of Kerryn’s favorite videos she chose just for you. -Lisa

The post Worshiping The Lord When The Music Fades appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:11)

Happy Mother’s Day. I write that with the hope that many of you will feel blessed today. Perhaps you will spend the day with your children. Maybe they will call from another state, drop by for a visit. They will tell you how much you mean to them.

Or. . . maybe not . . .

Celebrating motherhood can be bittersweet for many. Some of you still long to be a mother, others of you have children in heaven. Some of you just. . . struggle.

I am one who is struggling.

I love my son. Unconditionally. But my days as a mother are different than how I had imagined.

My story is complex, and I cannot share it–because it is his story too. And I am scrambling, trying to figure out  how to process it all, how to find joy each day. Years ago, I learned how to cope with my own illness, my past pains, by sharing it with you–unfiltered.

I have coped through confession. I have learned to manage it through finding the message in it.

My instinct is to try to learn my lesson from God quickly so I can run and share it with others, perhaps saving them a few steps of their own struggles. But when it comes to motherhood, my confessions must only be at the Lord’s feet. My hope must be in the changes He makes in me– not in a message I long to share.

God says no to me making it into a message. “No, this will take time. This is between you and I. You do not have to save the world. You are not God. I am God, and I have something to teach you.” I am not getting the Cliff Notes version of God’s instruction. He is digging much deeper into my heart. And my character. And it hurts. I realize how weak I really am.

There are areas of my illness that I have handled “well enough” on my own strength, and God wants me dependent solely on Him. I need God every day to cope with pain and deformities, bad news from the doctors, tests and treatments. But to receive that full submission to Him, He is using my role as “Mother.” It is motherhood that is bringing me to my knees–at His feet–looking up.

Hebrews 12:11 is a scripture that many quote to reassure mothers that when their children are unhappy about being disciplined to not feel badly. It is for the good of their children. When I read this verse this week, however, I heard God speaking to me.

I am the one who is being disciplined right now. Being a parent takes great discipline and we often think we will be overcome with joy every moment. Isn’t motherhood just like those Hallmark commercials? But being a mom is not always joyful. There are moments of sorrow. Fear. Questions. Tears. Helplessness.

I can attest to the fact that as a mom, I have experienced the widest range of emotions I never even knew existed. Between the sorrows, there are times of extraordinary joy, pride, and celebrations over the smallest things no one else would understand.

As a mom, I have gone beyond what I would have thought was possible with this body of mine.

. . . I have gone to battle at 7:15 AM–with bagels.
. . . I have hired advocates.
. . . I have driven long distances despite my anxiety on freeways.
. . . I have been woken at 7 AM sick from chemotherapy treatment, and spoken with an IEP team over the phone, when they scheduled a meeting without informing me.

And I have collapsed at the Lord’s feet.

Every. Single. Day.

Before I was a mom, I thought I knew what motherhood was all about. I thought it was about raising a child–and as a chronically ill mom, I thought it would be about chasing him at the park and worried about not being able to sit on the floor with him. But it is so much more.

This–motherhood–is how God will mold me. Motherhood is tool that will–I hope–make me more Christ-like.

But there will be many requirements. God has expectations for my own benefit. Motherhood requires patience, forgiveness, sacrifice, surrender.

How many times do I let him get away with that God?
        How many times have I forgiven you, My child?

I believe God knows what He is doing. He knows this journey.

He knows my weaknesses.
He know my body.
He knows my son–and his precious heart. Because He resides there.

For all of this I am grateful.

My understanding of God and His relationship to His children is more comprehensive to me because am a mom. For our God, being a parent and sacrificing His own son was, I would assume, the hardest thing He has ever done. And yet, look at how Jesus fulfilled this part of the scripture. “. . . afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

I will never know where “afterwards” fits into the timeline of my son’s life and my own. It may be next year, 10 years from now, or even after my death, but for today, I will trust God completely; I will give Him–entirely–my role as “Mother” and wait with anticipation to see what He does with it.

Prayer: God, thank You for the gift of motherhood to so many of us today, whether it be through those we mentor, nieces, our foster children, or our own children. Motherhood comes in so many forms and we all need Your strength to endure what You have called us to do. Be with me always, reminding me that You are there through it all. Amen.

About the author:
Lisa Copen typed this with some difficulty because her son just broke the “Y” key on her keyboard. As she tried to fix it, she tried not to laugh that God made it the “Y” key (as in “why? why?”) Such is motherhood! She is the founder of Rest Ministries and she has lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 1993. She lives with her son and husband in San Diego. She has been working on a book for chronically ill moms for far too long, because parenting keeps slowing down the progress of the book. However, it is up to nearly 600 pages, so a rewrite is forthcoming.

What thoughts about motherhood would you like to share today?

This video so accurately portrays what motherhood is all about. I hope you enjoy. -Lisa

The post Mother’s Day Reflections on God’s Plan appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

Here are some of our favorite Mother’s Day videos for the many emotions you may be experiencing today.

If you are wondering if you are making a difference to your children…

Steven Curtis Chapman sings “One Heartbeat at a Time.”

If you have lost a child who is now in heaven…

What Makes a Mother

or “Held” with Natalie Grant (This is How it Feels)

If you have adopted a child and are thinking about his or her birthmom today…

Mark Schultz sings “Everything to Me” to his birthmom

If you have lost your own mother…

“Goodbye For Now” by Kathy Troccoli (get a tissue) Troccoli wrote this song as well as performing it.

or “When You Come Home” with Billy Gilman

If you are a mom of a child who has fallen in love…

Carrie Underwood sings, “Mama’s Song”

The post Mother’s Day Videos That Will Touch You appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“. . . to be busy at home . . .” (Titus 2:5)

Most of the women in my family have taken the Titus 2 teaching to the extreme. Whenever I go home, I feel like I’m watching those “perfect” housewives from the old movies: sparkling homes; neatly ironed and starched laundry; hot meals every morning and night. These women manage to be neatly groomed at all times. They work, are active in church, and maintain social calendars.

It’s hard for me to believe that I was a part of that circle until chronic illness took its toll on my body. When I got sick, I knew there was no way I could maintain the standard of housekeeping I’d grown up with. For years, I struggled with guilt because I lacked the ability to uphold my responsibilities.

When a bad flare hit and all I could only manage to do was move from the bed to the couch, I forgot about keeping such a demanding schedule. At the time I didn’t know if I would fully recover, so I took as much joy in my young children as I could. I allowed them to pour their toys all over the floor, watch cartoons, and eat pizza. All that mattered was being close to them.

That episode freed me from bondage, from the desire to be perfect; to control my life and physical appearance; and to meet the standards set by the women in my family–not those in God’s Word.

Slowly, I learned balance.

When I talk with my children about their childhood, their memories aren’t about a perfectly cleaned home or the meals for dinner. They talk about the fun they had building tents with blankets; playing mini cook in the kitchen; “racing” to see who could put away their toys the fastest; snuggling with me and Norm for bedtime stories.

They have admitted that they were not aware of how sick I was. That makes my heart glad and eases some of the guilt I’ve carried about being a sick mom.

I’m so thankful that I have adopted a “good enough” mentality that has freed me to concentrate on what is most important in my life – my family, my friends, and my relationship with God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being perfect so we don’t have to strive to be. Help us to rely on Your wisdom and strength. Set us free from the need to impress others. Amen.

About the Author:
Dorothea Love lives in California with her family. She has lived with various chronic illnesses and pain for over 20 years. She relies on God’s grace to strengthen and encourage her each day. She loves to hear from her readers. Please visit her in the Sunroom at: www.restministriessunroom.ning.com/profile/Dorothea Love or read some of her other works at www.dorothealove.wordpress.com

What helped you to learn to balance your life and let go of the expectations of other people?

Steven Curtis Chapman sings “One Heartbeat at a Time.” If you feel like a mom who is struggling to keep up with life and wondering if you are handing down a legacy or just anxiety, please take the time to watch this video. As I watched it today, it was a blessing God wanted me to hear. I know He wants you to hear it too. You are good enough. Never doubt it. -Lisa

The post Do You Wonder if You Are Good Enough? appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young–a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising You.” (Psalm 84: 3-4).

Our house is for sale. We are moving a whopping three miles to the next town. We had hoped to relocate when we were in our late sixties, but my chronic illness sped up our plans twenty years. We’re excited, however, that this move will lessen our home-maintenance load a bit and provide an easier lifestyle.

There is apprehension. Our house has only been on the market a short time and I’ve already wondered if we are crazy to try to sell at a time when my energy is low. Keeping a home clean with three children and a puppy is not easy.

I am learning to let go and accept the fact the house may not be perfectly clean for showings–which is difficult. I’m also trying to work on pacing myself so my body does not crash from over work; I have not always been successful at this, as my family and close friends will attest.

When anxiety seeps in because I begin to think this move will not happen and our lives will not go in the direction I think is needed, I remind myself that God is ultimately in control of the situation. And that thought is very comforting.

The sparrow has found a home and so will we, and God will help us when the time and place is right. God will find a way for I am not ultimately the one in charge of this situation.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for reminding me that you are always there to support and guide us in our lives. This is such a comfort to me and others. Please help us to be reminded of this even when we are going through very trying situations. Amen.

About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband and three kids. She retired from her job as an elementary school counselor in 2012. She is writing a book about her struggles with dysautonomia _ a neurological condition in which the autonomic nervous system malfunctions, affected such things as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and temperature regulation.

How do you find comfort in knowing that God is guiding your life?

Does a major life change feel like it is causing major upheaval in all areas of your life? This song, “Broken” by Lifehouse may explain what you are going through well. I know what is like to go to bed each night wondering if you can get through the next day and where the energy will come from to do it. I hope you enjoy the lyrics. – Lisa

The post Clinging To God While Moving to a New Home appeared first on Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support.

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (I Corinthians 9:24).

Lately I have been reminded of the fact that I can’t run–or even walk well. I have seen countless cars with stickers for running half or full marathons. Two of my daughters ran in a mud run. And our area is again hosting the Marine Corps Half Marathon race.

Years ago I exercised faithfully and enjoyed staying in shape. Giving that up due to back pain was very difficult, and at times like these I still struggle with that loss.

As I noticed yet another marathon sticker, I realized that those of us with health problems run a race with pain every day. Serious runners are in continual training mode and so are we. This may involve our diets (because we can’t eat certain foods), our sleep (or lack of it), and our activities. We are continually adjusting and reworking our lives to accommodate our limitations. We live and breathe our training.

All of this is quite exhausting. Yet at the end of each day, God enables us to win our race. On less painful days the race may seem like a stroll through the park. Other days it may be a marathon. We may run this race on foot, with a cane, in a wheelchair, or in bed. But whether we end the day standing up straight in victory or unable to stand at all, we have won.

I don’t need to envy any runners. I am one.

One day I will be able to run a literal marathon and perhaps I will. But somehow I don’t think that satisfaction will compare to the knowledge that right now I am persevering with God through my race of pain. I want to keep running, regardless of how exhausted I am, until I run right up to God’s finish line and get that crown of life. And because of His mercy and strength, I will.

Prayer: Lord, you have chosen me to run in this race of pain. Continue to give me the endurance and perseverance I need to run this race to the end, and to do it for Your glory. Amen.

About the author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband and three grown daughters. God’s grace and strength have brought her through thyroid cancer and continue to sustain her through ongoing back pain, depression, headaches, multiple sensitivities, eye pain, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.

What aspects of your “race” are the hardest for you right now? How is God strengthening you to face these challenges?

There are days when we wonder if we will ever finish the race, but in this upbeat and inspiring song Building 429 sings “We Won’t Be Shaken.” This seems like the kind of song I would blast in the car and sing along to on the hard days. -Lisa

photo credit: Sky Noir via photopin cc

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“Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)

I’m presently preaching through a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer that so many of us prayer week in week in our worship gatherings more like robotic drones than disciples of the one the one who taught us how to pray. I’m presently at week four. Right in the middle of the Lord’s Prayer Jesus gives us a statement in prayer that I have long struggled with. “Give us this day our daily bread.” (ESV)

This statement in prayer has always been puzzling to me.

The statement seems to be too demanding to me. When my children are young one of the first things I do is to emphasize the proper way to ask for things. My two-year-old daughter demandingly says to me “I want chock-it milk!”

I reply, “Sweetheart, how do we ask for chocolate milk?”

Her reply, “Peese may I have chock-it milk, daddy?”

Give us this day our daily bread? How about saying please?

Why do I need to pray this part of the prayer at all? Didn’t Jesus just say that the Father already knows what I need? “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8 ESV)

I know Jesus is the Son of God and everything, but this is really ambiguous. He knows what I need but I have to remind Him? I know God’s been around for a long time but I seriously doubt He has any memory loss.

I’ve come to realize and deeply accept that this is yet another biblical instance where I’m praying more to change me than to change my circumstances. It’s true that in much of the world a prayer simply for daily bread could be life changing. Be careful not to interpret this prayer purely through the lens of a Western world view. In many places around the world even children cry out “My God! Please provide bread for me. . . today!” The prayer on its own terms has merit.

Especially for those of who have abundance in provision it is key for our spiritual health to remember where that provision comes from. This part of the prayer is a prayer for us to remember where our provision comes from, not to remind God that He needs to give it. This is as much a prayer of adoration as it is petition. Father, thank you for providing me, today.

Prayer: Everlasting Lord, strong to save, thank You for providing for my daily needs. Thank You for teaching me to depend upon You and You alone. Amen.

About the author:
Chris Surber is the Pastor at Cypress Chapel Christian Church in Suffolk, Virginia. He is a religion columnist for the Suffolk News Herald and a contributor to various Christian publications. You can his website at www.chrissurber.com

Search you heart. Where does your “daily bread” come from?

“Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing” is a beautiful song written by the 18th century pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson. Robert Robinson penned the words at age 22 in the year 1757. This version is sung by Chris Rice. There is something special about the old hymns. I hope you enjoy. -Lisa

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