I. DEFINITIONS<\/p>\n
People in pain need peace. Most people who suffer from chronic pain assume, If I could just get rid of this illness, I would have peace. But peace is not dependent on wellness. Although Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was to drink from a different cup of suffering, He yielded His will to the will of the heavenly Father. He modeled how people in pain should pray \u2026<\/p>\n
\u201c \u2018Abba, Father,\u2019 he [Jesus] said, \u2018everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.\u2019 \u201d
\n(Mark 14:36)<\/p>\n
A. What Is a Chronic Illness?<\/p>\n
\u2022 A chronic illness is a persistent, unhealthy condition of the body that lingers over a long period of time.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The word chronic comes from the Greek word chronos, which means \u201ctime.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 A person who lives with chronic illness suffers physical weakness, frequent discomfort, and often a life of persistent pain.<\/p>\n
\u2022 This cup of suffering holds not just physical stress, but sometimes also a large measure of emotional distress because of a decrease in caring relationships, social opportunities, and spiritual understanding.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.\u201d
\n(Psalm 31:10)<\/p>\n
Q \u201cWhat is the difference between a chronic illness and a physical disability?\u201d<\/p>\n
A person who has a physical disability such as blindness, deafness, or paralysis may have excellent health otherwise. The impairment may have resulted from a onetime illness. Some disabled persons, however, live with the pain of an ongoing or chronic illness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable?\u201d (Jeremiah 15:18)<\/p>\n
COMMON CHRONIC ILLNESSES \/ DISABILITIES<\/p>\n
\u2022 Acid Reflux
\n\u2022 Addison\u2019s Disease
\n\u2022 AIDS
\n\u2022 Allergies
\n\u2022 Alzheimer\u2019s Disease
\n\u2022 Amputations
\n\u2022 Anemia
\n\u2022 Angina Pectoris
\n\u2022 Arthritis (both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis)
\n\u2022 Asthma
\n\u2022 Autism<\/p>\n
\u2022 Bell\u2019s Palsy
\n\u2022 Blindness (sight impairment)
\n\u2022 Bronchitis
\n\u2022 Bursitis<\/p>\n
\u2022 Cancer
\n\u2022 Cardiovascular Disease
\n\u2022 Cataracts
\n\u2022 Cerebral Palsy
\n\u2022 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
\n\u2022 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
\n\u2022 Chronic Pain
\n\u2022 Cirrhosis of the Liver
\n\u2022 Colitis
\n\u2022 Congestive Heart Failure
\n\u2022 Crohn\u2019s Disease
\n\u2022 Cystic Fibrosis<\/p>\n
\u2022 Deafness (hearing impariment)
\n\u2022 Dermatitis
\n\u2022 Diabetes
\n\u2022 Diverticulitis<\/p>\n
\u2022 Emphysema
\n\u2022 Epilepsy<\/p>\n
\u2022 Fibromyalgia<\/p>\n
\u2022 Gall Bladder Disease
\n\u2022 Glaucoma (Chronic)
\n\u2022 Gout
\n\u2022 Grave\u2019s Disease<\/p>\n
\u2022 Hemophilia
\n\u2022 Hepatitis
\n\u2022 Hodgkin\u2019s Disease
\n\u2022 Hypertension
\n\u2022 Hyperthyroidism\/Hypothyroidism
\n\u2022 Hypoglycemia<\/p>\n
\u2022 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Kidney Disease<\/p>\n
\u2022 Leukemia
\n\u2022 Lou Gehrig\u2019s Disease (ALS)
\n\u2022 Lupus
\n\u2022 Lyme Disease<\/p>\n
\u2022 Macular Degeneration
\n\u2022 Mental Illness
\n\u2022 Migraine Headaches
\n\u2022 Multiple Sclerosis
\n\u2022 Muscular Dystrophy<\/p>\n
\u2022 Paraplegia\/Quadriplegia
\n\u2022 Pancreatitis (Chronic)
\n\u2022 Parkinson\u2019s Disease
\n\u2022 Pneumonia
\n\u2022 Prostatitis<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sickle Cell Anemia
\n\u2022 Sleep Disorders (Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Narcolepsy)
\n\u2022 Stroke<\/p>\n
\u2022 Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
\n\u2022 TMJ
\n\u2022 Tuberculosis<\/p>\n
\u2022 Ulcers
\n\u2022 Urinary Tract Infections<\/p>\n
\u2022 Venereal Diseases<\/p>\n
\u2022 Yeast Infections (Chronic)<\/p>\n
\u201cFor he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.\u201d
\n(Psalm 22:24)<\/p>\n
Q \u201cIs it okay to take medication when you are suffering with an illness, or does that demonstrate a lack of faith in God?\u201d<\/p>\n
Using medicine is biblical. Our creator, God, placed medicinal qualities within His creation \u2026 within nature. You can certainly exercise faith in God and at the same time take medicine as prescribed. Though not all people who take medicine are healed, the Bible clearly states that God made \u201c\u2026 leaves for healing\u201d (Ezekiel 47:12).<\/p>\n
B. What Is the Confusion about Afflictions?<\/p>\n
God\u2019s suffering servant Job revealed his bewildered heart and expressed the questions that trouble the mind of a person with chronic illness.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Why did this happen to me?
\n\u2022 Did I do something to make God angry?
\n\u2022 Is God punishing me?
\n\u2022 What have I done to deserve this?
\n\u2022 Has my sin brought on this illness?
\n\u2022 Why do I feel guilty?
\n\u2022 Does God really care about my suffering?
\n\u2022 If I have enough faith, will God heal me?<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of men? Why
\nhave you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?\u201d
\n(Job 7:20)<\/p>\n
Q \u201cIs a physical affliction the result of sin?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sometimes yes; sometimes no. Based on the Bible, sickness can be the consequence of sin or can be permitted by God to accomplish His higher purpose.<\/p>\n
\u2022 a consequence of sin:<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.\u201d (1 Corinthians 11:27\u201330)<\/p>\n
\u2022 not a consequence of sin:<\/p>\n
\u201cAs he [Jesus] went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, \u2018Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?\u2019 \u2018Neither this man nor his parents sinned,\u2019 said Jesus, \u2018but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.\u2019 \u201d (John 9:1\u20133)<\/p>\n
C. Are there Blessings from Afflictions?<\/p>\n
When blasted by the winds of adversity, the heart that is sheltered in the hands of God still produces a life that is full of meaning and purpose.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Suffering softens your heart toward obeying God\u2019s Word.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.\u201d (Psalm 119:67)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Suffering opens your heart to make you more teachable.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.\u201d (Psalm 119:71)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Suffering mellows your heart to make you more compassionate.<\/p>\n
\u201cPraise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.\u201d (2 Corinthians 1:3\u20134)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Suffering strengthens your heart to make you more mature.<\/p>\n
\u201cConsider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.\u201d (James 1:2\u20134)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Suffering humbles your heart to keep you from being conceited.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.\u201d (2 Corinthians 12:7)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Suffering uncovers your heart\u2019s weakness so that Christ is your strength.<\/p>\n
\u201c \u2018My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.\u2019 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ\u2019s power may rest on me.\u201d (2 Corinthians 12:9)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Suffering gives your heart a desire for eternal values.<\/p>\n
\u201cI consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.\u201d (Romans 8:18)<\/p>\n
\u201cBlessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.\u201d
\n(James 1:12)<\/p>\n
Q \u201cWhy would a loving God want me to Suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n
God does not delight in your suffering, but He allows suffering in order to refine your faith, to develop Christ\u2019s character in you, and to bring glory to Himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith\u2014of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire\u2014may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.\u201d (1 Peter 1:6\u20137)<\/p>\n
II. CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE WITH AFFLICTIONS<\/p>\n
A. Processing the Pain<\/p>\n
Grief is a natural and appropriate response to a chronic illness, and denial of your sorrow can do more damage than physical suffering. The cup of pain does not pass only to the afflicted one, but is also shared with family and friends, for they too drink deeply from this cup. If you honestly and openly experience each stage of sorrow, you can know that in His time, God will heal your heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe [God] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.\u201d
\n(Psalm 147:3)<\/p>\n
THE FIVE STAGES OF SORROW<\/p>\n
#1 Denial \u2026 avoiding the pain of reality<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cThe test results are probably wrong. I\u2019ll go to another doctor.\u201d (It is, however, always good to get a second opinion.)<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cI\u2019m feeling much better. I\u2019m sure I am improving.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cThere will be a cure for this soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSurely God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hands of evildoers.\u201d (Job 8:20)<\/p>\n
#2 Anger \u2026 opening up honest emotions<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cWhy has this happened to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cOthers don\u2019t have to suffer like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cGod is not fair.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.\u201d (Job 10:1)<\/p>\n
#3 Bargaining \u2026 attempting to change reality<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cI am going to live a healthier lifestyle, and maybe I\u2019ll get well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cI have not been a good person. I\u2019ll change, and God will forgive me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cIf I have enough faith, God will miraculously heal me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly grant me these two things, O God, and then I will not hide from you: Withdraw your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors.\u201d (Job 13:20\u201321)<\/p>\n
#4 Depression \u2026 feeling despair over the grief and loss<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cMy life will never be the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cI hate being so dependent on others.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cMy life is over. I don\u2019t want to live.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI despise my life; I would not live forever. Let me alone; my days have no meaning.\u201d (Job 7:16)<\/p>\n
#5 Acceptance \u2026 gaining a positive outlook on life<\/p>\n
Acceptance (not resignation) embraces God\u2019s grace on a daily basis. This kind of acceptance allows you to move from being a \u201cvictim\u201d of the illness to being a victorious, shining testimony to God\u2019s sufficiency in a world that does not know Him.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.\u201d (Job 42:5)<\/p>\n
Q \u201cIs it okay to pray for miraculous healing?\u201d<\/p>\n
Yes. Absolutely. It is Biblical to present your request to God for full restoration. It is also Biblical to pray as Jesus did, \u201cYet not my will, but yours be done\u201d (Luke 22:42). If it is God\u2019s will, you will receive what you asked \u2026 but, again, only if it is God\u2019s will.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us\u2014whatever we ask\u2014we know that we have what we asked of him.\u201d (1 John 5:14\u201315)<\/p>\n
B. Personalizing the Pain<\/p>\n
Coping with a chronic illness means living with symptoms that spell \u201closs\u201d\u2014loss of a way of life. It involves loss of abilities, endurance, skills, resources, and often your way of relating to others. Such a change drastically cuts through the comfort zone of living life the way you have always lived it. This change also opens the door to the Scriptural principle of gaining through losing: losing your old self-centered life and gaining your new Christ-centered life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.\u201d
\n(Philippians 3:7\u20138)<\/p>\n
LIVING WITH LOSS<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of energy<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of friends and social activities<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of strength<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of financial resources<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of feeling good<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of sexual enjoyment<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of work efficiency<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of physical appearance<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of concentration<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of independence in caring for oneself<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of physical recreation<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of control<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of purpose in life<\/p>\n
\u2022 Loss of sense of identity<\/p>\n
Q \u201cHow can a life that has experienced so much loss hold any promise of joy here and now?\u201d<\/p>\n
As you respond to suffering by growing in the character of Christ, you will experience freedom and unparalleled joy in living for God.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.\u201d (1 Peter 4:1\u20132)<\/p>\n
III. CAUSES OF UNNECESSARY PAIN<\/p>\n
A. Responses that Reinforce Resentment<\/p>\n
THE CUP OF BITTERNESS<\/p>\n
\u201cEach heart knows its own bitterness.\u201d
\n(Proverbs 14:10)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rejecting reality<\/p>\n
\u2022 Repressing true feelings<\/p>\n
\u2022 Responding with unrealistic hopes<\/p>\n
\u2022 Refusing medical advice and treatment<\/p>\n
\u2022 Resorting to manipulation for control<\/p>\n
\u2022 Resisting the help of others<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rehearsing complaints<\/p>\n
\u2022 Requiring sympathy<\/p>\n
\u2022 Resigning to hopelessness<\/p>\n
\u2022 Regarding God as unfair<\/p>\n
\u201cSee to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.\u201d
\n(Hebrews 12:15)<\/p>\n
Q \u201cWhy did this happen to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
The better question is, \u201cWhy not me?\u201d Is anyone exempt from the common problems of the human race? No, Jesus promised, \u201cIn this world you will have trouble\u201d (John 16:33).<\/p>\n
B. Root Cause of Resentment<\/p>\n
WRONG BELIEF:<\/p>\n
\u201cI will never be able to do the things I once was able to do. My life has no significance. I\u2019m just a burden to others.\u201d<\/p>\n
RIGHT BELIEF:<\/p>\n
I will not be resentful because God has allowed these circumstances for His purposes. Since my body belongs to Christ, I\u2019ll pray for my life to be an honor to Him and a blessing to others.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.\u201d (1 Corinthians 6:19\u201320)<\/p>\n
IV. STEPS TO SOLUTION<\/p>\n
A. Key Verse to Memorize<\/p>\n
\u201cHe [Christ] said to me, \u2018My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.\u2019 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ\u2019s power may rest on me.\u201d
\n(2 Corinthians 12:9)<\/p>\n
B. Key Passage to Read and Reread<\/p>\n
2 Corinthians 12:7\u201310<\/p>\n
LEARNING TO LEAN<\/p>\n
Just to keep my heart humble,
\nv. 7
\nGod allowed this deep pain.
\nv. 7
\n\u2019Twas a cup of affliction,
\nv. 7
\nNo relief could I gain.
\nv. 7
\nAll my pleas for a healing
\nv. 8
\nBrought Your Word from above:
\nv. 9
\nIn my weakness is power.
\nv. 9
\nIt\u2019s Your pathway of love.
\nv. 9
\nNow the \u201cwhy\u2019s\u201d are all silent,
\nv. 10
\nFor His truth I have seen.
\nv. 10
\nI shall rest in my weakness,
\nv. 10
\nAnd on Christ I will lean.
\nv. 10<\/p>\n
Q \u201cIf I truly follow Christ and pray with total faith, doesn\u2019t the Bible say I will be blessed with health, wealth, and problem-free living?\u201d<\/p>\n
No. The Bible clearly reveals that Jesus and the apostles, who truly gave their lives to Christ, did not experience health, wealth, and problem-free living. But Scripture does state that when you \u201cshare in the sufferings of Christ,\u201d you are blessed by God.<\/p>\n
\u201cRejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.\u201d (1 Peter 4:13\u201314)<\/p>\n
C. The Cup of Life<\/p>\n
The common enemy of all chronic sufferers is stress. Tension tends to aggravate both physical and emotional pain. Learning to live with any chronic illness requires an adjustment in lifestyle. This adjustment means aligning your life with God\u2019s priorities to alleviate the needless cycle of stress.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable\u2014if anything is excellent or praiseworthy\u2014think about such things.\u201d
\n(Philippians 4:6\u20138)<\/p>\n
LEARNING TO LIVE<\/p>\n
\u2022 Learn to cry.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Your tears help you identify and deal with your feelings.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Know that your tears are noticed by God.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecord my lament; list my tears on your scroll\u2014are they not in your record?\u201d (Psalm 56:8)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Learn to let go.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Give up expectations of life as you once knew it.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Trust God with your future.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.\u201d (Proverbs 3:5\u20136)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Learn to rest.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Get physical rest whenever possible.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Rest in the adequacy of God.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.\u201d (Psalm 46:10)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Learn to defer.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Modify your activities and address to fit your needs.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Count on God\u2019s strength to replace your weakness.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.\u201d (Isaiah 40:29)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Learn to laugh.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Refuse to take yourself or your condition too seriously.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Enjoy the funny things that happen in life.<\/p>\n
\u201cA cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.\u201d (Proverbs 17:22)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Learn to be disciplined.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Rely on your doctor\u2019s advice to develop the habit of regular exercise.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Work up a plan with a professional nutritionist to help meet your nutritional needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.\u201d (Proverbs 15:22)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Learn to give thanks.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Show gratitude to family and friends who help and support you.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Praise God daily for who He is and for His love and care for you.<\/p>\n
\u201cGive thanks in all circumstances, for this is God\u2019s will for you in Christ Jesus.\u201d (1 Thessalonians 5:18)<\/p>\n
Q \u201cHow can a life that is severely restricted have any meaning?\u201d<\/p>\n
All who have the presence of Christ living within them have God-given worth, meaning, and purpose.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.\u201d (Galatians 2:20)<\/p>\n
D. The Cup of Truth<\/p>\n
ACCEPTING GOD\u2019S TRUTHS \u2026 THE KEY TO COPING WITH LIMITATIONS<\/p>\n
\u201cMy soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.\u201d
\n(Psalm 119:28)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Your troubles are temporary\u2014your glory is eternal.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.\u201d (2 Corinthians 4:16\u201318)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Your physical body is designed to decay.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.\u201d (Genesis 3:19)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Your afflictions are allowed by God in order to teach you.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.\u201d (Psalm 119:71)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Your temptations are made bearable by God.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.\u201d (1 Corinthians 10:13)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Your crushed spirit will be sustained when you are indwelt by the Spirit of God.<\/p>\n
\u201cA man\u2019s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?\u201d (Proverbs 18:14)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Your suffering enables you to see God.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.\u201d (Job 42:5)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Your life is being conformed to the image of Christ through your suffering.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.\u201d (Romans 8:28\u201329)<\/p>\n
Q \u201cWhat is the truth about physical healing? I expected a miracle when I prayed with faith, but I\u2019m not healed.\u201d<\/p>\n
God can heal anyone at any time in any way. However, many godly people of genuine faith do not receive physical healing. After all, we don\u2019t see Christians living to be two hundred, three hundred, or four hundred years old! Don\u2019t place all your expectations in physical healing. Pray for God\u2019s will for your life, for He is able to give you more than you can imagine.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.\u201d (Ephesians 3:20\u201321)<\/p>\n
E. Accepting God\u2019s Truths<\/p>\n
THE KEY TO ACCEPTING AFFLICTION
\n\u2022 Your troubles are temporary\u2014your glory is eternal.
\n\u201cTherefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.\u201d (2 Corinthians 4:16\u201318)
\n\u2022 Your physical body is designed to decay.
\n\u201cBy the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.\u201d (Genesis 3:19)<\/p>\n
THE KEY TO ACCEPTING AFFLICTION
\n\u2022 Your afflictions are allowed by God in order to teach you.
\n\u201cIt was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.\u201d (Psalm 119:71)
\n\u2022 Your temptations are made bearable by God.
\n\u201cNo temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.\u201d (1 Corinthians 10:13)
\n\u2022 Your suffering enables you to see God.
\n\u201cMy ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.\u201d (Job 42:5)
\n\u2022 Your life is being conformed to the image of Christ through your suffering.
\n\u201cAnd we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.\u201d (Romans 8:28)<\/p>\n
Any illness can be a burden or a blessing. When I allow affliction to draw me closer to the Lord, it\u2019s a blessing\u2014a blessed gift. And the tag on the gift reads, \u201cGrace from God included.\u201d
\n\u2014June Hunt<\/p>\n
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION\u00ae. NIV\u00ae.
\nCopyright \u00a9 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n
We acknowledge that mistakes could occur in the writing of any of our resources or an omission may be found in the many Scripture references and citations contained herein. Although the editors have sought to avoid all errors, some may have crept in or been overlooked, for which we take full responsibility. The considerate reader would render us a great service by calling our attention to any such error.<\/p>\n
The Biblical Counseling Keys should not be construed as a substitute for one-on-one, Christ-centered counseling when needed.<\/p>\n
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\nWidowhood, and other related topics,
\ncontact HOPE FOR THE HEART P.O. Box 7 Dallas, TX 75221 or call toll-free 1-800-488-HOPE (4673).
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\nwww.hopefortheheart.org<\/p>\n
All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form without written permission from HOPE FOR THE HEART.
\n\u00a9 1990\u20132008 HOPE FOR THE HEART<\/p>\n
@book{Hunt_2008,
\nplace={Dallas, TX},
\ntitle={Biblical Counseling Keys on Chronic Illness\/Disabilities: God\u2019s Peace in the Midst of Pain},
\npublisher={Hope For The Heart},
\nauthor={Hunt, June},
\nyear={2008}}<\/p>\n
Exportiert aus Verbum, 14:44 18. Februar 2019.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I. DEFINITIONS People in pain need peace. Most people who suffer from chronic pain assume, If I could just get rid of this illness, I would have peace. But peace is not dependent on wellness. Although Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was to drink from a different cup of suffering, He yielded His will to … <\/p>\n