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

It’s Okay to Dream Big

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. —Philippians 4:11-12

When I was a child, I spent many hours dreaming of the future. I had numerous plans, as I’m sure many people do. However, being hit by a car a few months prior to my wedding was not one of the things on my to-do list. While a doctor told me almost immediately that I’d have arthritis as a result of my injuries, it took close to a year before other symptoms snowballed. I realized there was more going on than just arthritis. Daily pain and fatigue became commonplace, and I had no idea why. The only thing I knew for certain was that I could no longer envision what my future held.

Ten years later, I received my first official diagnosis—fibromyalgia. Thus began a roller coaster ride of emotions and thoughts. I was upset and frustrated. I felt broken. I wanted things to be how they used to be. As a newlywed, chronic pain and illness were not something my husband or I had signed up for.

The apostle Paul knew about the “good old days.” Yet he learned for contentment. He realized that we can’t truly be content based solely on life’s circumstances. It’s only found in a life rooted in Jesus, the One Who gave Paul the strength to get through every situation. And the Lord can, and will, do the same for us.

We are not promised a life without trials. Pain and adversity are inevitable. Yet they’re not an automatic cause to panic and place our mind and power in the enemy’s hands. Setbacks can steal our joy, but only if we allow it to happen. It takes work to come to terms with a new “normal.” Over time, it’s possible to replace some of the “what-could’ve-beens” with trusting that the Lord will provide all we need. Keep dreaming big. God has plans for you, and He is enough for everything you’ll encounter in life.

Lord, thank You that You will meet my every need and I can find true contentment in You alone. Amen.