THE PROBLEM WITH PAIN!

The problem with pain is that it comes in many forms. Physical pain, emotional pain, financial pain. It can test us to our limits. Pain can overwhelm us at times and plunge us into deep discouragement and despair. We often wonder if we can handle the pain any longer - it is there in the morning, at night - unrelentless pain!

It truly is possible to handle such pain. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by the pain it seems that we can't even pray. But God is present, close and caring, even if we are unable to ask for His help. He can and will get us through the pain.

God will provide friends to encourage us and pray for us. He will provide doctors and medicines to help heal us. He will give us the faith and strength to conquer whatever we face! In our worst moments, shattered by pain in body, mind and spirit, God has promised not to leave us alone or without comfort.

Thank you, Lord, that in the midst of the pain You are always there to give us the strength to get us through the pain. Thank you for the friends, the doctors, and the courage You give us!

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE - POINT OF GRACE

WE ARE ALL GOD'S "BABIES"

My "baby" just let here to go out of town for a few days to visit her roommate's family. My "baby" is 21 years old, not really a baby but she will always be my baby! And I worry about her now as much as I did when she was a little baby, just about different things! I pray for her safety, her wisdom in making choices, her happiness, her health.

We are all God's "babies", no matter how old we are! We are all His children and He worries about us, too. He wants us to be happy, safe, healthy, to make good choices, to live according to His word. And He helps us do all that - all we need to do is ask Him for guidance, for strength, for direction, for courage and to search his Word. He is always there for us, just like we are always there for our children.


"I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth." 3 John:4

FACING MY HANDICAPS

There are days, like today, that I am so frustrated at my lack of ability to do more. I am having a great deal of trouble walking and my vision is poor. I am not feeling sorry for myself, just very frustrated that I can't do more. I want to work and am unable. I am having trouble driving and having to depend on my daughter more. I want to help out a friend who needs me and not able to do much but listen and pray for her. I feel so frustrated!

But then I think about the things that God does allow me to do. I am washing my daughter's clothes for her. I ironed her clothes for her. I am certainly here to listen to my friends who need me and above all, I do pray for them! I know that is the best thing I can do for anyone!

I know that if I was working, I probably would not have started this devotional site. And for me, at least, it has been a true blessing! Just writing it today has lifted my spirits. I know God has a reason for everything and I am trying to follow what He wants me to do. Even in my frustration with my illness and limitations, I thank God for them as I know they have made me a stronger person and made my faith in Him grow even stronger!

I thank you, Lord, for helping me through the hard times and showing me ways that even through limitations that I can help others and live my life the way you want me to. Thank you for making me a survivor!!

-----I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phillippians 4:13

WHEN I NEED TO TRUST MORE

Sometimes I get discouraged. I know we all do. But sometimes I just wonder why my life has turned out like it has - why my health is so poor, why I am so financially strapped all the time even though I try so hard to be a good steward of the money I do have, why I feel so all alone. I often joke that I know that God has a reason for everything but that will be the first question I ask Him when I do see Him face to face - WHY????

But then I realize that no matter what happens, He is beside me every step of the way. He is always there for me to give the strength and courage I need to face each day. He is there to comfort me when I am afraid. He is there to encourage me when I feel overwhelmed. He is there to give me insight and inspiration to confront the problems I face. All I need to do is to trust in the Lord and turn everything over to Him and relinquish my imaginary control!

I thank you, Lord, for all You do in my life - the precious daughter You have given me, for the strength and courage You give me, the friends I have in my life that mean so much, the comfort You give me. I ask your forgiveness for those times that I do lose my trust and get discouraged. I do trust in You!!

I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. Psalm 18:1-2