I used to think the phrase “chronic pain” pertained primarily to physical symptoms — aching joints, relentless fatigue, involuntary movements, difficulty with everyday tasks, and more. Yet in the three years since my pain journey began, I’ve found myself riding an emotional roller coaster I didn’t see coming.
There are many things you didn’t see in my vacation photos. Every captured moment of bliss between my children was equaled by a tantrum, an accusation...
So here I sit with all these cares. How do I deal with this stress? Then I prayed, asking the Holy Spirit to lead me; I was led to 1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Weakness and suffering aren't obstacles to navigate around. Instead, they are a planned means of Christ-conformity, they provide opportunities for deep spiritual growth, and they enable profound shaping to the image of Christ.
