Broken Bones and Ordering the Chaos: finding patience in difficult times

Audio, Chronic Illness, Devotional | 0 comments

Where do you struggle to be patient?

“Are there areas in your life where you struggle to be patient?” Natalie Hall

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. (Psalm 46:10)

BROKEN BONES AND FINDING PATIENCE

Several weeks ago, I fell and broke my hip – a painful injury on top of my rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Last night, as I lay on the couch with my swollen leg propped up, feeling the pain in all my other joints, I remembered what my physical therapist said at that first meeting:

“It’s important to understand that doing more of these exercises will not make the bone heal faster. It will only wear you out.”

Listening to my therapist’s advice, I completely agreed with her. I then went on to exercise more and more, absolutely convinced I could speed up this process.

I am tired of being the patient – AND I am tired of being patient.

However, speed is not the goal. The goal is healthy healing – and I get in the way of it every time I don’t follow my therapist’s advice about patience.

What about you?

If you’re like me, living with chronic pain can seem tormentingly chaotic. I struggle to make sense of it all. I am restless with my health, restless with the pressures of life. I can become overwhelmed with all that I can and can’t do and all that’s expected of me – the hurry-up pace goes on and on.

Comparatively, God seems so . . . un-chaotic.

Patient.

Orderly.

He calls us, His people, to approach life in the same un-chaotic way.

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. (Isaiah 30:15)

He knows that all our striving will not heal us. Our feeble attempts to create perfect, peaceful lives for ourselves are like telling a bone that it needs to heal faster. It just won’t happen.

FOCUS ON GOD

The key to unraveling the chaos is to focus on Him. He always sees through to the peaceful pace. He knows exactly what we need.

So, if you’re feeling like your life is chronically hurried, and you’re struggling to be patient…

You can trust Him for the patience, order, and peace that you need in your life.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. (Philippians 4:6-7)

PRAYER

Loving Father, You see the chaos all around me, and You see my struggle to live my life with patience. Thank You for Your faithfulness, steadfastness, and trustworthiness. Thank You for being so un-chaotic. Please help me to look to You, and You only to order my hurried life. Without You, I am lost in the chaos; with You, all things are possible. Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

  1. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to be patient?
  2. How often do you invite God into your day?
  3. What practice could you incorporate into your daily life to help you focus on God?
Yellow Bubbles
Natalie Hall

Natalie Hall

Originally from the Deep South, Natalie and her husband (along with their three children) served as missionaries in the far north of Alaska for twelve years. They now continue their ministry from the much warmer state of South Carolina. True to her Southern roots, Natalie loves sweet tea, front porch rocking chairs, and a strong cup of morning coffee. She paints and writes about nature and their Alaskan adventures. Natalie hopes to encourage others to pursue their own adventures in faith. Connect with Nataile at nataliedhall.com.

13 Verses to Lean Into

Lean into these verses, write them in a journal, choose one or two to memorize, and then think about who else might need to read them. The Word of God is alive and powerful, bringing us comfort in a way that nothing else can.

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