Episode Summary:
In this episode, Laurie Davies and I tackle the difficult topic of chronic pain. We explore the hard questions we ask in the face of suffering when chronic pain becomes too much to bear. Have you ever found yourself in a place where pain was all you could focus on or questioned God’s plan while dealing with physical suffering? If you’ve ever been in that place where you just wanted the pain to end and you didn’t know what to do, you won’t want to miss this real and raw discussion about chronic pain.
Watch on YouTube:
Quotables from the episode:
- Pain is a great clarifier.
- In sharing our pain, we let people know that they aren’t alone in their suffering.
- When chronic pain becomes too much, we ask hard questions: “God, do you see me? Will you help?” “Why doesn’t your grace feel enough for me?” “God, do you care?” “Will it always be this way? Can I live like this?”
- Our mindset impacts our pain because what we focus on grows.
- We always tend to think of pain in a negative sense. But there are positives to pain.
- Pain often reveals our dependence on God.
- Pain refocuses on the present.
- Despite the pain, praise God anyway. This is beautiful to God.
- “Out of the deepest waters and the hottest fires have come the deepest things I know about God.” Elisabeth Elliot
- If you’re in chronic pain, you are catching a glimpse of a side of Jesus that not everyone experiences—the suffering servant side of Jesus.
- Pain brings us closer to knowing fully. It is a hard gift.
Scripture References:
- Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
- Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” OR “When I am afraid I put my trust in you.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror dimly but then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
- Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Recommended Resources: (If there are affiliate links in this post, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you)).
- The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms
- Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1
- YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2
- Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference
- Revive & Thrive Summit 2
- Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1
- Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
- 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 Host and Guest:
Connect with Laurie Davies:
Website / Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order book The Hem of His Garment / Order book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Order Book Hope Prevails Bible Study / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Guest:
Laurie Davies is a fellow writer and speaker in the Phoenix area where she also serves as a lay counselor and an area ministry lead. When it’s not triple digits, then she’s usually out with her husband hiking in the mountains.
Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson
