Pressing Through Your Pain

I only write here when I feel deeply led. My prayer is that anything shared might encourage someone. I know some who follow my page can totally relate to my struggles. I know some others have no clue what life altering pain feels like. So, here is my unfiltered processing of what it’s like in this battle.

First of all, when you’ve battled something so long it becomes exhausting. It takes a huge toll on your body and mind. You have to push yourself out the bed many days. Major chronic pain drains you physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally.

Secondly, even the smallest things can feel overwhelming. You wake up feeling the limits of your body. What you would like to do and can do feels miles apart. You have to proactively think about every step or you will only increase your pain.

Thirdly, you have to be honest with yourself and others. Confession is healing and boundaries are a critical necessity. You can’t expect others to read your mind or totally understand your everyday struggle. However, you have to make it clear that your old normal is not your new normal.

Fourthly, you have to focus on the praiseworthy. When you feel really bad you have to fight to celebrate the good. How has God blessed you? What are you grateful you can do, despite what you can’t do.

Finally, you have to lean heavily on your faith. Life is a faith walk, not a cake walk. You can’t make it through life’s toughest valleys alone. You need to walk daily with Jesus. You also need other Jesus followers in your life who can encourage your faith walk.

To me, one of the biggest lid lifters is repurposing your pain. You have to choose to believe God has a purpose for all things. You have to choose to let God use your pain to help others through their pain. None of us want pain, but there is nothing God speaks louder through than pain.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT