Dealing with Chronic Illness ~ Part 3: Help! I Need an Operating Manual!

        Let’s review a bit! We’ve talked about accepting chronic conditions while knowing all God ordains is good. Then we went over some coping skills. And let’s not forget how vital securing our eternal destination is!

        But there’s one thing I’ve not mentioned so far that’s absolutely necessary!

        What’s something every train has on board? A formal operating manual outlining rules, procedures, and safety standards train conductors/engineers must follow while on duty, assuring all passengers experience a good trip.

        I don’t have an operating manual, you might think. Help!

        But guess what!

        You, oh well-travelled passenger, have access to the greatest manual of all—written by God Himself! The Holy Bible.

        In the 66 Books forming the whole Book of books are answers for every question or need you’ll ever encounter in your entire life. Nothing is missing. Absolutely nothing.

        But I have a chronic condition. How can the Bible help me with that? There’s someone in there who “gets” what I’m going through?

        Yes, there is. You can read about Job (pronounced with a long “O” vowel sound) in the Bible Book named after him. (If you’re not familiar with the order of the 66 Books in the Bible, there’s an index in the front. Job is toward the middle of the Old Testament Books.) Job suffered multiple mega-problems, yet He never turned away from his faith in God.

        Are you wondering if the Lord understands your condition?

        He certainly does. You can start by reading about the suffering Messiah in Isaiah 53 (also in the Old Testament but later than Job). The Person being slain there is the prophesied Jesus. Yes, the Savior of the world understands what it’s like to suffer to the death.

        Perhaps you’re wanting several short portions of Scripture, possibly written on cards you can place by your bed, next to your favorite chair, or carry in your pocket as reminders. There are so many promises in The Word of God to help you.

        May I share a couple accounts with you where such made a difference in the life of our youngest son?

        Benjamin (Min) had just been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Gifts, cards, children’s drawings, and more poured in to cheer him as he began his difficult journey with chronic illness and chemotherapy.

        Some of those gifts standing out in my memory to this day:

~Colorful pictures drawn on paper plates by a pre-school class. Their teacher added Bible verses that matched each drawing.

~Another gift, beautifully created by a church women’s group? A quilted Scripture throw, covered with Bible promises. Our son expressed, “I love being covered up in these Bible verses. They help me.”

~And no-frills 8½ x 11 paper with Bible promises (computer-printed) that Benjamin could post on his hospital wall or wherever he chose. These were sent by a gentleman who shared he’d also gone through most difficult times and found great comfort in the particular verses he chose.

        Never underestimate what God’s Word can do for you—how It ministers to your soul, which will in and of itself help you, even in the most difficult of times.

        Can you write out verses on cards, save them in a file on your computer, ask someone else to write them out for you, or be the person who gives them as a gift to a suffering friend?

        There are literally thousands of Bible promises. I’m only going to share a handful with you today. For more—hey—you do the homework. Okay? 😉

         There are many versions of the Bible for you to choose from. Some are easier to understand than others. If you’ve been raised with KJV, you might want to stick with that. If you’ve had limited or no experience with The Holy Bible, you may want to consider NKJV, NASB, or ESV. Those initials might not be familiar to you, but they’re on the Bible bindings and sometimes on the front. (The way I’ve listed them go from more traditional language to easier-to-understand.)

        So, here are some verse references to get you started:

Psalm 54:4, Psalm 119:75-77, Psalm 121:1-5,

I Peter 5:7, Proverbs 3:5&6, Psalm 56:8,

Romans 8:28&29, Matthew 11:28-30,

Psalm 23:1&2, Psalm 61:2

 

        Above I’ve mentioned our son, Min, and his struggle with brain cancer. He also suffers from a genetic disease that made it hard for him to find an adoptive family. He tells about this in his memoir, A Home for Min Soo ~ Putting Together the Pieces of My Life.

        When Min celebrated his book launch, he came up with the idea to share cards expressing briefly how he wrestled. It was very moving then and still is. In honor of our son and his bravery in telling his story, I’m posting the video clip he shared at his book launch.

        In the background, you’ll hear I Need Thee Every Hour. And below the link you’ll find the words to that hymn. So poignant for all who suffer and recognize their need of the Savior’s help!

        How I thank God for giving Himself to us “hands on”—through His Word, The Bible. It is one very tangible way He speaks to us; and, oh, how He loves when we talk with Him—in prayer and even through the singing of songs centered on Him!

I Need Thee Every Hour

 

(as seen on our son’s YouTube page: Kim Min Soo, Author)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjCNhRRI93E

I need Thee ev'ry hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain: I need Thee, O I need Thee; ev'ry hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.

I need Thee ev'ry hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow'r when Thou art nigh. [Refrain]

I need Thee ev'ry hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain. [Refrain]

I need Thee ev'ry hour, teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill. [Refrain]

I need Thee ev'ry hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son. [Refrain]

(from the hymn I Need Thee Every Hour by Annie S. Hawks & Robert Lowry, 1872, public domain)

#Bible #WordofGod #Bibleverses #promises #suffering #AHomeforMinSoo 

Video Instrumentalists: Brian & Sarah Hampshire

Photo Credit: train engineer~freepik.com, stacked Bibles~istockphotos.com, Min’s book cover~author owned 

Dealing with Chronic Illness ~ Part 2: Coping with Disease & Considering My Destination

 

      What God ordains is always good! If you’ve wrapped your mind and heart around this premise/promise, you’re on the right track to dealing with your chronic condition. You’ve got an engine pulling you and—most importantly—a Conductor Who knows what He’s doing.

        But you don’t understand, Sarah. God is able, but my body isn’t.

        That’s where this gets more complicated. Right? I tell the Lord, “I’ll do this for You today and with Your help accomplish it.” But is that so?

        Not always. There’s the desire and will, but physical limitations may throw a wrench in the works.

        What if, for example, your church needs VBS* helpers this summer, and, let’s say you have muscular dystrophy. You likely already feel derailed because it appears physical tasks needed for VBS week are beyond your limitations. What can you do?

        First and always first, go to God in prayer. Express to Him how hard this is because you want to help badly. Ask Him to comfort you then to point you in another direction. One of the most needful things for VBS is to be covered with prayer before, during, and after.

        What about greeting kids who come or helping with registrations if you’re still able to use your arms and hands? Putting snacks on trays? Counseling with youngsters who want to accept Jesus as Savior? Helping with follow-up communication (if your church does that)?

        These are some options, maybe small in your eyes…but remember! You can always pray! And that’s big!

        Maybe you’re someone without a chronic condition who can aid another with one—including them in creative ways that work for you both. This’ll take some thinking, more time, and even extra energy on your part, but it will make a difference for the person who suffers (and bless you in return).

        Another part of dealing with conditions that alter our abilities is not giving up but also recognizing what’s no longer possible. Sound conflicting? It can be. So, let’s look at this:

1)     The Little Engine that Tries ~ Even when given a death sentence, it’s worth trying to do whatever you’re able to handle. This’ll be easier in the beginning than later (when your mental “Try List” requires modifying as you digress).

2)     The Shabby Engine that Needs New Paint ~ Have you wondered if Jesus can heal you? Have you asked Him? Although Jesus doesn’t always choose this for us, He doesn’t mind us asking. Remember, all He does/His decisions have the same goal—to bring glory to The Father. God can use your situation to this end. Even if God allows your suffering to continue, your real healing might need be spiritual in nature. Your soul? Your acceptance? Your attitude perhaps?

3)     The Not-So-Little Engine that Can’t Quite ~ When you must modify, you’ll also need to grieve the little or not-so-little losses along the way. Then regroup. Next, find a new method that works for you. This is not failing. It’s being realistic.

4)     The Tired-out Engine that’s Kaput ~ If you can’t, you might need help from medical professionals (physical or occupational therapists, for example, to show you new methods or a social worker in a medical setting). When the time comes you cannot modify anymore, you will require additional help if you don’t already have that—like the train in Part 1 with additional engines in the middle to boost that long, heavy train.

        Remember ~ If what God ordains is good, then there’s a plan in it all. No mistakes. No miscalculations. No errors.

        And your suffering isn’t forever! Or is it?

        That depends on your destination. Where’s this “train” headed?

        A vital question—as important (or more so) than any other you’ll ask on your journey.

        We all face death, although those with chronic illness may be on a faster train to the cemetery, to put it bluntly. Well, not the real us—just the body. The soul (the real part) goes to either Heaven or Hell. And there’s a great divide between those tracks.

Heaven ~ where pain, suffering, and grief end. No diseases! Only peace and joy when joined with the Savior!

Hell ~ where pain, suffering, and grief not only don’t end but intensify! I’ve yet to hear a chronic sufferer say, “I hope my situation gets so much worse!” It can if you’re not prepared.

        The choice is yours. If you’re uncertain of your eternal destination, I invite you to view the page and/or video my husband put together. Salvation is explained here very clearly.

https://sarahbhampshire.blogspot.com/p/finding-hope-in-god.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cySjkork2iE

        Last week I learned the story behind the author of the hymn, Just As I Am. Charlotte Elliott—a very social, active, creative, lady and successful portrait painter! But in her early 30s life changed when she was struck by chronic, crippling fatigue coupled with intense pain. This vibrant life faced emptiness and depression.

        Although Charlotte grew up in a Christian/believing home, she hadn’t put her faith and trust in Jesus till after she became an invalid. At that time a reverend visited and asked her if she knew God’s peace. Charlotte didn’t answer then, but days later she told him she wanted her life cleansed. The reverend responded, “Come just as you are,” and Charlotte believed in Jesus as her Savior that day. 

        Although she prayed for years that God would remove her illness, she turned away bitterness when He allowed her suffering to continue. During this intense time, Charlotte journalled:

“…if sickness and sorrow are the instruments which He is pleased to select

for refining my dross, that I may come out as gold…seven times purified,

shall I not meekly lie passive in His hands, and have no will but His?”

        Charlotte came to Jesus just as she was—crippled, suffering, discouraged—and found hope and purpose. She then discovered ways to serve God. For her remaining years—even when bedridden, she composed hymns, poems, and letters to comfort fellow sufferers. Charlotte reminded her readers of our sovereign God, His goodness, and His help amidst what seemed the worst circumstances. All this when the task of simply holding a pen seemed impossible for her!

        I’d be amiss if I didn’t choose Just As I Am for this blog post’s hymn, so be blessed and also prayerful as you take in the words. And, if you’ve not yet come to the Savior, may God’s Holy Spirit speak to you through the listening.

        Remember, you can come just as you are.

Just As I Am

Just as I Am

(as sung by British Choirs during a Billy Graham Crusade invitation)

Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me,
and that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(from the hymn Just As I Am by Charlotte Elliott, 1836, public domain)

#chronicillness #pain #suffering #Godordainsgood #destination #Heaven #CharlotteElliott #JustAsIAm

*Vacation Bible School

Disclaimer:

I’m not a counselor. Helps mentioned above are gleaned from my own personal experience & from others who’ve shared theirs.

 

Credits: photos ~ train tracks—stockfreeimage.com, Charlotte Elliott—hymnologyarchive.com

Charlotte Elliott: information from The Spurgeon Center for Biblical Teaching at Midwestern Seminary & Wikipedia