The Right Word at the Right Time
The Right Word at the Right Time
Since 2009, I have suffered from chronic migraines, nerve damage from head to toe, and lots of other weird symptoms. It took 3 years to arrive at a rare diagnosis of Mitochondrial Disease. Even though there is no cure, I am learning one minute at a time how to find hope and peace especially in the midst of pain.
A few months ago a friend of mine sent me an article about finding hope in suffering, but I found it this week because I really needed to know I am not alone. Even though this article refers specifically to physical suffering, it reminded me that suffering comes in all kinds of packages. Whether it’s physical, financial, emotional or all three at once, we can find comfort in Jesus and His Word.
As Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Sometimes that verse and others can sound trite in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. We can even think to ourselves, “Jesus, I’m glad you’ve overcome the world, but you just don’t know what I’m going through right now.” If we zoom out, as I call it, and see the verses around John 16:33, we remember the overwhelming circumstances Jesus stared down right when He said those words. One friend was about to betray Him and the other disciples were about to scatter leaving Jesus to die for our sins practically alone.
Since Jesus endured such betrayal and physical pain, we can rely on His Word that has so much to say about enduring trials and letting the joy of the Lord be our strength. Even if we’ve read or heard the same verses so many times that they’ve become meaningless, pray for eyes to see and ears to hear then take another look. The Holy Spirit will lead us to the verse, book, or article we need for today.
Maybe that article on, “How to Find Hope in the Midst of Chronic Pain and Suffering” is just what you need, and you can find it at www.facebook.com/paigelongjoyfm/