Finding Hope in Philippians for Living With Chronic Pain and Illness Sample

Still Unfinished

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. —Philippians 1:6

As a child, did you ever think about the future and where you would be at this stage of your life? I know I did. I had great plans—numerous things I wanted to be and do. However, everything didn’t turn out as I envisioned. Sure, some things did, and some even turned out better than I expected. But I certainly never thought I’d be living with chronic pain and chronic illness, struggling some days to do basic, daily tasks. Needing assistance or modifications to reach things around the house. Avoiding stairs at all costs. Saying no to events I’d love to attend because I’m not sure I can handle the lights, crowd, or heat. Watching family and friends participate in fun activities while I sit on the sidelines.

In Philippians 1:6, Paul was speaking to the people of Philippi. He saw them through the eyes of faith. He was able to encourage them because he viewed them as they would be when God was finished with them, not as they currently were. He didn’t focus on their imperfections.

It’s easy to get stuck on how things didn't go as planned and to get depressed. That’s a natural reaction to grief and loss, particularly in response to chronic pain and illness. However, Philippians 1:6 is a comforting verse for a reason: it’s a wonderful reminder that while you may not be where you want to be or thought you’d be, God’s not finished with you yet. Paul trusted in that, and you, too, can be confident that God has begun a good work in you. He will perform it until the day Jesus returns. Life may not be as you envisioned, but you can be certain that God has a plan for you. He will not fail to follow through on His promises. So be thankful for what you can do and have done. Don’t focus on what you can’t do or haven’t done. Abide in the Lord daily. Like the Philippians, you are still a work in progress. You are God’s beautiful creation. And nothing, not even chronic pain and illness, can ever change that.

Lord, I know Your plan for me is perfect, and I will find rest in that knowledge. Amen.