Chronic Joy® Contributing Writer
Elyse is a recent graduate with a fondness for the outdoors. After a simple slip on the ice left her with chronic pain syndrome, she began to see how God does work all things for good. Armed with Biblical truth and her TENS unit, Elyse uses her experiences to encourage young adults with the message that they can thrive in the face of difficult circumstances.
Sometimes it can be hard to look at what God is doing as a blessing, but He also uses unique challenges to make radical differences in the lives of his followers and those around them. Boasting in weakness seems backwards, but it shows God’s strength. Think of the powerful impact you might have if you shared your weaknesses with those around you.
Do you fight an inward battle between feeling betrayed by the Lord and feeling guilty about asking him to take the thorn away? He is big enough to meet you in the middle of your pain. It might not feel like he responds right away, but I promise you, He is listening.
Weaknesses keep us humble. The thorns in our lives can be good reminders for us to give our burdens to God. They show us how much we need him.
All of us have unique stories. Whether you have a chronic illness or not, you have unique qualifications given to you by God.
