146 Maintaining Hope Despite Chronic Illness and Pain

Episode Summary: In recent years, I’ve encountered more and more people who suffer with chronic illness and pain. It’s not something anyone ever desires, and it can significantly limit our quality of life. Join me with friend and coach, Jen Roland, as we talk about maintaining hope despite chronic illness and pain. Quotables from the episode: Increased pain can produce increased anxiety and fear, but we have to know God still provides through it all.  In following God in and despite the pain, we get to experience how He provides for His children. We may not ask for a chronic illness or chronic pain, but we can decide to champion it well. How we think negatively about pain can become a stronghold, but our divine weapon is the Word of God. I will not grieve losses that have not yet happened. Pain is a gift—it alerts us of what is going on in our body. Because I am seeking God in the midst of my pain, He will use it for good. In the midst of pain, we will find peace when we look forward to the cross. To purposely steward your pain, you might try distracting yourself with healthy things (like taking pretty photos) and shift your thoughts to what is pure and praiseworthy. Natural methods of pain control that have helped me include distraction, movement, scripture, anti-inflammatory diets, and deep breathing. God doesn’t promise to answer why He has allowed pain in our lives, but He does redeem it. Even with broken pain-filled bodies, God is making us new on the inside.  Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Guest and Host Connect with Jen Roland: Website / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Jen Roland is a writer, speaker, coach, and women's ministry leader with a passion for walking alongside others toward wholeness. Through her website, workshops, speaking, and coaching, she helps others implement positive lifestyle practices (e.g. nutrition, movement, mindfulness) and develop a deeper relationship with God. Since her neuropathy diagnosis, Jen's ministry has focused on serving those with chronic pain and illness. She provides them with support and resources to reduce pain, overcome fear and anxiety, and improve their quality of life. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.