We can grow frustrated when others don’t get what we are going through, both the good and the bad. But Fiona explains that this is okay.
“He is the one you praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes” (Deuteronomy 10:21).
Having lived with chronic pain for nearly 28 years now–I forget what it was like to not have pain.
Sometimes people are blown away by that fact. I guess many don’t really understand chronic pain. That’s okay– I’ve got used to that reaction and I pray they never have to find out for themselves.
Do we really need others to “get it” when we talk about what life is for us?
When they don’t understand our joy at accomplishing something others might take for granted should we be upset?
Recently I was explaining to my small group how special it had been to see God work through, and despite, so many perceived obstacles, so that a meeting of two friends could take place. While they may have shared some of my joy over the outcome, I don’t think they really understood in what amazing ways God worked and what that confirmed to me
Does it matter?
If God is confirming to me that He is in control and that He cares about things I care about; if God is seen to answer prayers and remove obstacles so things happen; if only I see that–does it matter? God gets it!
I think it’s frustrating sometimes when others don’t seem to “get” how big, how awesome and how amazing God is–just because I want them to bask in that knowledge as I am. I want it to increase their faith as it does mine. I want them to know and experience how much God cares for us in case they doubt any of those facts.
Chronic pain may have changed my life, but rather than understanding that, I want others to see how God changes my life for the better, every day.
Prayer: God You are awesome and I’m so grateful that You confirm that to me in so many ways. Help me to be attentive –but help me to share what really matters, so others can recognize You working in their lives too. Amen.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful that God walks each step of her life with her, and that He is teaching her new things as she learns to live with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to share those things with others. You can contact her in the Sunroom, or read more of her writing on her blog there.
Have you had times when you felt it mattered that others didn’t really understand what you shared with them? What do you do to help others see what they might be missing?
This is artist Israel Houghton singing “Others” about how we want to love others the way God loves us. Regardless of what we are going through, we can be assured that those around us are experiencing their own struggles and griefs and they can certainly use our understanding and compassion. It’s a good reminder to look outside of ourself and love others the way God loves us–unconditionally. -Lisa
hi I was wondering if you can help me, im feeling kinda stuck. I have been sick for 20 yrs with depression, anxiety, bipolar and chronic lyme. I was bedridden for yrs and then put in a nursing home. that was a lot of trauma for me and I could not take care of my son.i have been out of the nursing home for 5 yrs now. I just starting seeing a natural doc cause I just don’t feel good at all. he said I have adrenal fatigue and hashimotos . he wants to treat these first before he decides if the lyme needs to be treated again. my son is 21 also suffers from depression and anxiety and also has aspergers. its seems like if I still push myself to do things I don’t feel better. any suggestions on how I can help myself, I really need to feel better to help my son. I also don’t even tell my mom or friends that I don’t feel good because I went through those invisible illnesses for 20 yrs and lost the friends that I did have and most of my family did not come to see me in the nursing home or bother with me. so im kinda feeling very alone.
thanks
Thanks Fiona. 🙂 A great perspective on this.
When I was well & caring for my very ill middle son, I sure didn’t “get” much of what he was experiencing, despite my very best efforts. It’s only since I’ve become ill too that I now “get” it! I’ve realized that no-one will really “get” how we feel, unless they go through it themselves …… & I sure don’t want them to experience that! So it is what it is. Thank goodness that God “gets” it & that our RM friends also “get” it!
I sure know exactly how amazing it was that we managed to meet. God’s miracles to achieve this! Praise Him! LOTSoluv Kerryn ♥
Hi Michelle!
I hear soooooo much in your words. I’m sorry you’ve been through such a tough time! Praise God for a natural Dr that has diagnosed Hashimoto & adrenal fatigue! That’s a good 1st step. I have a friend with Hashimoto & once she was treated for it, started to feel much better & had more energy.
Also the adrenal fatigue can be addressed too. I have CFIDS, which is very similar, & my naturopath has been a HUGE help with this. Even just having her understand what I’m going through is a help, as she had CFS for 2 years herself. “Pushing through” really makes me feel very ill, so I’ve had to learn not to do that, unless it’s an emergency! It’s sooooo hard not to “push through” when I’ve been a high achiever all my life, so I feel for you in that. If you look up “The Spoon Theory” online…. it has a great story to explain what you’re talking about & it also helps in explaining what you’re going through to others.
Having been a Special Ed teacher I have taught many with Asperger’s & LOVE their odd ways, yet I know how much energy it takes to care for them. I pray that the help you’re getting from the natural Dr will help to give you a bit more energy to assist in caring for your son. Praying for you now. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Hi Michelle! I’m thinking it might help you to join the RM Sunroom & then join the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME group. There are many in that group who may have suggestions to help you.
To join the RM Sunroom go to the top of the page & click “Sunroom – Go to it!” I welcome people & will give you a help about how to join the groups there. Hope to see you there Michelle. 🙂 God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Fiona so glad ndjoy d your devotional here. I like how you have moved past the “get it” to care more that they see or “get” the best part which is God working in Your life. Such a great new perspective that I hope to remember! God bless, hugs. Di
Michelle,
Sorry you have gone through all that and still having challenges. I guess you have experienced how people don’t “get it” all too often.
I hope you’ll take Kerryn’s advice about joining a group in the Sunroom and pray that you will find encouragement for the journey there, amongst others who do understand.
Blessings,
Fiona
Thanks Kerryn 🙂
We are so blessed to have friends who “get it” and you and I will always have the knowledge that God really showed up to overcome the challenges that day.
I reckon that’s a good thing to hold on to when things look impossible – not for HIM!
Bless you friend 🙂
Fiona
Thanks Di 🙂
I’m not sure if I always “move past” wanting others to “get it”, but I do want to try and keep that perspective.
It is easier knowing we have friends who do really get it!
Praying for you 🙂
Fiona