Finding Hope When Living With Chronic Pain and IllnessSample

Perseverance

But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. —2 Chronicles 15:7

It’s easy to get down on yourself, feel frustrated, and lose faith when you are dealing with chronic pain and illness. It can become second nature to get discouraged and focus on all you are unable to do. You may even want to give up. This is particularly true on days when things don’t go according to your schedule. You see little progress on projects you’ve been trying to finish for days. You compare yourself to others who appear to have it all together. Or it may even feel like you’re moving two steps backward instead of forward. It’s hard, at times, to believe there’s a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

In 2 Chronicles 15:7, Azariah, Obed’s son, was speaking to King Asa. The leaders had been ready to give up, but King Asa’s perspective changed. He stayed committed to the Lord and didn’t give up. Instead, he persevered.

We, too, can stay strong and courageous. It’s important not to let your limitations discourage you. Life’s circumstances do not dictate your joy. Remember Azariah’s words—“be strong and courageous”—and stay encouraged. Keep your focus upward versus inward and take heart. While it’s not always easy to be patient, it’s important to remember you’re still a work in progress. God’s not finished with you yet. In fact, He’s using these challenging moments to help you grow into the person He created you to be.

God sees you. Don’t ever forget that. Even when you feel invisible or like you’re stuck on the hamster wheel of life, He sees you. He is with you. He loves you. Set aside a moment today to listen to what God wants to say to you. Hear His still, small voice encouraging you to be strong in Him and to not give up. He will fill you with the perseverance to get through the day—to do what you need to do, what you hope to do, and what He’s calling you to do. He will use you right where you are, just as you are.

Lord, thank You for propping me up and helping me persevere when I feel like giving up. Amen.