Our cancer lists are too long.
Too many kids are out with the flu.
Too many among us are on the schedule for knee and hip replacements this week.
The cells of the saints, it seems, are broken. It’s reasonable to wonder: Has our Great physician allowed His medical license to expire?
I imagine that for you the question is more personal.
Your child has ear infections that never seem to clear up.
Your back hurts no matter how much you stretch.
Your hormones have strapped you in for an emotional rollercoaster you don’t want to keep riding.
No greens powder or vitamin regimen or leg day can change the finitude of our flesh. We are jars of clay, not iron women. Following Jesus does not inoculate us against the effect of the fall on our bodies. “One who is righteous has many adversaries,” the psalmist wrote (Psalm 34:19). This includes perimenopause, aging, and plantar fasciitis.
The apostle Paul understood this reality. Most scholars agree it was likely a physical frustration that he described as his “thorn in the flesh” (2Corinthians 12:7). He also wrote, “So I take pleasure in weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (v.10).
Paul wasn’t a sadist. He didn’t embrace physical pain because it’s easy or enjoyable, but the Spirit gave him eyes to see the usefulness of his physical suffering. Primarily, that it stripped him of his self-sufficiency and flung him toward the only One who can heal our deepest need.
Just a few chapters earlier he wrote, “Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us” (2Corinthians 4:7). The limitations in your body are working for you, not against you. God desires to use them to produce a glory in you that far outweighs the aches and pains of this clay jar life. Physical limitations become gift thorns when we let the Lord use them to strip us of our self-sufficiency and learn deeper levels of trust in Him.
Jesus made you.
Jesus loves you.
When He thinks about the brokenness in your body, He feels compassion toward you (Matthew 14:14).
And Jesus has a plan to heal you.
Right this very moment, He is busy architecting a place for you where “pain will be no more” (Revelation 21:4). Tylenol and operating rooms won’t be needed in the new heaven and new earth. The brokenness of our bodies will be a former thing. We will live fully healed and fully free. Thanks be to God!
Until then, consider Paul’s words one more time:
Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
—2 Corinthians 4:16–18
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90 thoughts on "Affliction and Healing"
Amen. For what is unseen is eternal. I am really struggling today. Struggling to see the good in people, struggling to see purpose and hope. I took an action today to help another but it was against the rules and I got in trouble. More so, I wasn’t honest about my actions but it was all in the moment of advocating for a young woman. I feel terrible. I feel like I just can’t see goodness around me anymore. Everywhere I turn it’s pain, suffering, evil, anger, carelessness. I so desperately want to see good, do good, be good. I’m broken. I don’t deserve forgiveness yet Jesus offers an abundance of grace even though it’s unearned or undeserved. I don’t deserve it. Or maybe I don’t want it because I’m struggling with all the bad around me. I don’t understand these feelings.
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By the time I thought about reading this day, it was already about time for me to go to sleep so I didn’t.
My affliction doesn’t feel light or temporary. I have lived with a rare autoimmune disease now for four years, treatments every three weeks just to feel ok. I’ve given up on feeling good. However, I know God has a purpose for this. One day, one glorious day, it will seem light and temporary.
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So death is at work in us, but life in you.
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I have been reminded of my own mortality this year when I turned 40. It’s weird to think that I am in the middle of my life. I hope to have a lot of life ahead of me, but it’s weird to think how fast it has all gone by. I want to live my life to the fullest. Not taking anything for granted
@Jennifer I am turning 40 this year too and I haven’t decided if how I “feel” about it yet but understand what you describe.
These verses have carried my son this year as he continues to heal and deal with the effects of traumatic accident last July. His faith is deep and he looks daily for God’s direction as he moves forward. He is a inspiration for me in my health issues. To have the depth of trust and faith he has would be my desire. Prayers for all who are facing physical, psychological other trials in your lives.
Oh that is amazing to hear, I have thought of you (him) often and what a horrible/scary accident he had and the injuries! That is always a mom’s worst fear to get a call like that.
What a testimony and example during a great trial. Thank you for sharing.
Jesus is in the midst of healing what’s broken. His love is sufficient!
Everyone’s comments were so good! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Praying for all of you. LINDA in NC praying for you! Those of you struggling with pain, perimenopause and menopause, or a loss of a loved one or a medical diagnosis that is not what you wanted!
Healing may not come this side of heaven but we have to fix our eyes on Jesus and stand firm! He will walk through it all with us! We just have to trust His heart! He loves us so!
Amen and Amen!
This really spoke to me today. Last year, at the age of 50, I had a stroke and spent a couple of weeks in the hospital. The most drastic effects were dizziness and double vision, which persisted for quite a while. Praise the Lord, I have made a full recovery and today am back to all of my normal activities. Still, this experience was a reminder of the fragility of our human bodies. As today’s devotional says, God will use our physical limitations to produce a glory that far outweighs the sufferings of this life.
Oh that’s scary, praise God for the complete recovery! I have to say that having a stroke or someone close having one is up there in worry/fear of the “what if’s..!” But your testimony right here is a…”Even if…it will be fine with God!
This is a timely read as I sit in a hospital waiting room. I have an appointment this morning that I am feeling anxious about. No matter what the outcome may be, I am choosing to trust God.
Praying for a good apt.
ON another note nothing to do with the study, but an answer to prayer. THANK YOU sweet She’s for praying for my daughter Alyssa and her housing situation. She got placed “on campus” housing!! Thank you JESUS!
Woo hoo! PTL!
Outstanding and definitely praiseworthy! ❤
PTL! :)
Yay, answered prayers! Being on campus will be convenient and easier to get involved in college life. I’m praying she has a wonderful first year experience.
Also,
Special hugs and prayers over Linda in NC.
We have walked with you on this journey and we will continue to walk with you now.
Yes, amen. We are praying for you dear Linda, Sister She. Feel the embrace of our loving Father, and stay at His feet with your head in his lap of Jesus.
Yes, have prayed for you Linda. So sorry for your loss.❤️
Yes praying for Linda and her family during this time.
I know we’ve done this study before, and I feel sad I don’t remember it all. I do remember the title but that’s it. I wish I was more of journal person or have had the study book. However, God’s timing is always spot on. I loving this so that I can having a better understanding of my close friends who find themselves in morning, and health issues and I can be a better friend by understanding them and hopefully encouraging them that these lives troubles here on earth are temporal. I love that our devo ended with 2 Cor 4:16-18 …..but what is unseen is eternal. Thank you JESUS that there truly IS light at the end of the tunnel. Please continue to pray for our beautiful principle who is battling cancer.
Life can feel so heavy at times. Friends battling cancer, war, division amongst people, etc. BUT we know how it ends. With an incomparable eternal weight of glory. I need to focus not on what is seen and brings me distress, but what is unseen and will bring glory.
What a perfect lesson for me today!
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I’ve been reading all your comments and praying for each of you. And it has shown me where my focus has gone and where it needs to be.
On Him!
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Oh my, but some days are hard in this life. But He doesn’t leave us to carry them on our own. He goes with us and when it’s to heavy to bear, He carries it.
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I needed this reminder today as I have been wallowing in a pity-party. Shame on me!
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I have seen God do so many wonderful things in the past. Why do I worry now?
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Blessings to each of you, ❤️
Erin said, “Physical limitations become gift thorns when we let the Lord use them to strip us of our self-sufficiency and learn deeper levels of trust in Him.” – ❤
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Oh, to trust Him more!
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LINDA IN NC-
My heart is saddened at Gene’s passing. You have been such an inspiration in your love and care as his health declined-even while facing your own health issues. I would love to give you a hug in person, but this will have to do. I pray God’s comfort and peace for you and the family through this sorrow and a joy in your hearts for where he is now. Love and hugs, sweet sister! ❤
Linda in NC – I too am saddened at Gene’s passing. Know you are being prayed for.
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Amen! Thank you Lord Jesus.
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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It’s hard to remember a time when my body had no aches or pain! It seems my back has always been a thorn for sure. Since I was a little girl I was getting prodded, assessed, and braced, even a full torso plaster cast at the age of 6. If that wasn’t enough, when I would still run and play with the other kids, it would be my asthma that would put me on the sidelines. I do remember being sad that I couldn’t be and do as the others. I felt broken.
But that is the story of many, if not all.
We all had trials and physical ailments even as kids- the broken arm, the falls and stumbles, and more serious- childhood cancers, abuse, rejection. The inner emotional and mental pain. Affliction. It is woven in every person’s life from the start. We can’t avoid it or be immune.
As we are in the downslide of age…the joints and muscles scream louder, our movements are slower and grunts and groans come out instantaneously.
I love the scripture and meditating on the thorn in Paul’s side and it’s purpose in keeping him humble! It is so true. When we feel great we don’t focus on our need for God- for healing, wellness, normalcy. We are fully abled-bodied and good in our own strength. For years I mastered through my back issues and troubles. Because of my own diligence and faithful practice and routine I gave myself credit. Until I couldn’t. Until I couldn’t. Yes! Good phrase! Amen. We all NEED the UNTIL I COULDN’T. I can’t cure cancer, I can’t heal a migraine, and I can’t fix torn ligaments. We can go to doctors, but we know we need the ultimate healer. The One that can speak a word. Shouldn’t I be seeking him this whole time? Why does it take something unfixable to turn my eyes to him?!
THANK GOODNESS for the thorns and troubles of life!! We great humans think we can do it all, are invincible. And though we have made grade strides in medicine, we need to always put our eyes on the true Healer. Him first. Him during. Him throughout. He alone is our strength, our steadfast, and all and all.
I Praise Him in the morning and in the evenings, and all the day long. This is my story, this is my song! Lord, my provider- Jehovah Jireh, and Jehovah Rapha- to cure, heal, and RESTORE. Ultimate to completion in the end, not until then—That is something to long for which is good and keeps us humble! Hallelujah!! We praise YOU Lord this morning for fixing our eyes on you once again as you maybe moaned and grunted first thing, then opened the word. It is like a balm for aching soul and a drink to its parched thirst! Amen
Praying for you She’s, whatever ails you today. That you know He will satisfy you in your pain. Only Jesus. It is well with my soul plays in my head. There is the new song from Mercyme as they sing “MAKE it well with my soul.” “Whatever my lot, you are still My God…” just beautiful! We make our soul praise until it catches up!
My chronic pain group is on a break (if only the pain could be on a break, right?). But we always quote 2 Corinthians 4:17! I think I need to add in verse 18 to memory as well- “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!” Yes, thank you Paul, even in your word salad, I get it. Amen.
Oh big sob..until I couldn’t. Rhonda I remember saying to my husband that I failed Tanner. I was his rock. His everything, but I couldn’t heal him. I did all I could until I couldn’t. It broke me as it does right now. Thankfully God has carried me through and shown me it was never in my hands to begin with.
Yes amen. What a heart breaking knowledge and lesson though. I can’t imagine having an ailing child and not being able to “fix it!” But that is where we break and meet the ultimate One in control. We are so glad you have shared your journey here with us! AND to have met with you in “real life” to see you are just such a beautiful person inside and out!! :) You will never know your full impact and the lives YOU have touched til we get there in Heaven! And you will see your son!! Oh my gosh the tears…
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I feel like the list of ailments Erin included in the devotional today is word for word the ongoing narrative of what is going on in my own circle of people. It is not difficult for this to deeply resonate with me today and this thought in particular is a good reminder for my heart and how I need to focus my mind so I can see all God has for me and how He is at work in my life in amongst the health challenges.
“The limitations in your body are working for you, not against you. God desires to use them to produce a glory in you that far outweighs the aches and pains of this clay jar life. Physical limitations become gift thorns when we let the Lord use them to strip us of our self-sufficiency and learn deeper levels of trust in Him.”
Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner personn is being renewed day by day. 2 Cor 4:16
The reminder today to trust and not give up has been of such great encouragement to me. Eyes on Jesus, leaning into Him, sitting at His feet, is our greatest help as we travel this often wearying road. What a great assurance we have to know He is with us always. My hearts desire is to bring honor and glory to my Heavenly Father as I walk thru my days, no matter what that looks like and that my story would always point to Him. Find me faithful Lord. ❤️
A couple songs come to mind…..Life of Worship, by Jon Bauer and Christ be Magnified by Cody Carnes
I have just had my regularly scheduled CT scan and lab tests and some follow-up appts and unfortunately results are not as stable as we had prayed for. I am still awaiting some results and then direction as to what is next. Please pray that today or the next couple days would bring some clarity of test results, that additional appts would be scedulded quickly and then for wisdom as we have some decisions to make a far as treatment. Thank you.❤️
Praying for you Wendy that His peace and strength will fill you and that the necessary appointments will materialize quickly. God is not surprised at your results. He will guide you through.
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Praying for you and with you Wendy. Sometimes the waiting is harder than the actual results and a path forward. God is walking with you through all things. Love and hugs. ❤️
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As I read this morning 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 really stood out to me.
“Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
God’s answer to Paul’s prayer for healing was not just no but instead God was saying, you will continue to need to go through this BUT my grace is sufficient for you and my strength will be perfected in you through this. God will never put us under a weight that He is not willing to help us bear. Though we may desire for the weight to be taken away from us sometimes God allows it to stay because He wants to show Himself strong on our behalf and there is fruit that He wants to bring from it.
It reminds me of Jesus in the garden when He prays that God would take this cup from Him and God does not let the cup pass. But as God does with all of us He strengthened Jesus to face the trouble. In Luke 22: 43 it says an Angel came and strengthened Jesus. Even Jesus was not immune to difficulty and even He desired the cup to pass. But God met Him as He meets us with His strength and grace!
I could’ve written today’s devotional because at times it feels like all the health issues— physical and spiritual— are converging at a specific time. But there is hope and relief knowing that one day this all will be no more and we will be made new.
I have been sitting here moved to the bones by 2 Corinthians 4:17. “An absolutely incomparable Eternal weight of Glory.” How many times have I read that? Sit with that for a minute. Read it again. Read it three times. Every single word describes the the heavenly life that awaits.
Amen❤️
Amen!
The conditions of our brokenness that sin has left our bodies in could be put on a list that seems to have no end. But it’s what we do, how we react, who we turn to in the midst of our brokenness that will give us the strength and power to go on when we feel we can not take one more step.
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The greatest help we can receive as we experience our afflictions comes when we fix our eyes on the right things and on the right person. If we fix our eyes on our pain and suffering we have little hope of having victory, but if we fix our eyes on Jesus and the things that are unseen and eternal – we rise above, victorious! When we are weak, we become powerful because of His all sustaining grace that carries us through and gives us that wonder working power that gives us the strength we need.
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Our deepest sympathies and prayers for you @Linda in NC in the loss of your beloved husband of 65 years, Gene. You will be rewarded for the much love and care you gave him as not only his wife but his caregiver during his last years. May God give you peace and comfort as you grieve yet rejoice in knowing he is with his Savior and fully healed. ❤️❤️
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Happy Tuesday. May God give each of us the grace we need to meet the challenges of today. Be blessed sisters, you are loved. ❤️
Sharon praying that Jeff has a peaceful night. I understand that anxiety.
Yes, I hope Jeff is doing better. So many heart issues happening to healthy people. Glad he is aware now!
Praying for Jeff ❤️
Needed that last line you wrote in the first paragraph! ❤️
Praying for Jeff as he struggles with Afib. May tonight be a peaceful night.
Amen!
very reassuring
Amen
God’s desire is to heal yes but there are times, since He knows best, that He does not. We can’t always understand why that is , but we can trust He is working it all out for our good & His glory!
And we see in 2 Cor. 4.17 Paul talks about ‘this light momentary affliction’…it doesn’t feel light but in comparison to what we will see and receive someday…seeing Jesus face to face…it will be like nothing happened. Everything will be worth it!
Reminded of a much loved children’s song …
Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
We are weak but He is strong.
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Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me,
For the Bible tells me so.
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That song brings tears every time.
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So many physical aches and pains, but let’s not forget the mental & emotional aches and pains, mostly invisible yet can be totally debilitating. Lean on the Lord no matter our pain’s source.
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Recently seen church sign – COFFEE
Christ
Offers
Forgiveness
For
Everyone
Everywhere
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Praying all turn to Him.
I watch a show called “The Story Behind the Song” and they just highlighted that song!
The song says it all.
I love the C -O – F- F E
I sing that song every night before bedtime with my little girls. And every night I try to rest in that promise – both for myself and for my kiddos. And, like you, I often find myself tearing up as we sing it together.
What a great way to end the day, good on you Kira for doing that, it will have lasting (and eternal) impact on them! I really regret not saying prayers while raising him from little to older. That time is so important and the way you put God into their little lives. Then it will be normal when they are pre-teens and on.
Amen!
Very timely words! Thank you!
Amen
I have come here every day for years, but comment almost never. I am in a season of deep grief. Losing a dear friend has wrecked me, and dredged up old griefs I thought I had overcome. When I opened the browser to begin this study last week, not knowing what the next one would be, it was beautiful and timely. Thank you. Today marks 41 years since I lost my mom. I was a little girl. And sometimes I feel great shame that I still mourn. But, I know Jesus is NEAR! And He sees me. This study showing up right now is proof. Not that I needed more, He’s always shown me His nearness. He is near to you today! May you feel it!
No shame in mourning, Allie, none at all. Grief comes when it comes, even years later. I lost one of my 2 best friends 9 years ago, and am in tears thinking about her as I read your words.
And your mom, I am so sorry for that loss especially. We’re here for you, and will be praying for you. ❤️
Allie, thank you for sharing! Praying you find peace in Him as you grieve this loss. I lost my Dad as a child and I can tell you that 17 years later my grief still feels fresh when new life changes and accomplishments he’s absent for arise. You are not alone dear friend!
Praying for you Allie, that you feel God’s presence and peace today.
Praying God shows you peace today amidst your grief.
“…do not give up…”
Feel like this is a clarion call to all believers in these turbulent days. 2 Cor. 4:8-9
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SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – praying for Jeff. Hope he had a restful night.
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LINDA G – so sorry for your loss. Praying for the Lord to pour out his comfort and peace to you, your family and all who knew and loved Gene.
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MARI V – may the Lord bring His comfort to your friends.
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“Focus not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” today, Shes.
Oh Wow, can we all say Amen to this! My cancer prayer list is WAY too long, I’ve transported family for cataract surgery recently, and my hormones are wrecking way too many things in my own life. Let us cling tightly to Paul’s words – ‘our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory’! Nothing about any of this seems momentary or light, but being able to glorify our Savior for all eternity in heaven, because as Tina said so beautifully, He has been and will be with us every step of the way, using our pain to shed His light to a broken world and draw others to Himself. Father, keep our focus on the eternal and unseen not the temporary and now by Your marvelous grace!
Erin Davis, your words this morning struck yet another cord that has laid dormant for a while.
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“Right this very moment, He is busy architecting a place for you where “pain will be no more” (Revelation 21:4).”
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First, let me apologise for talking about losing Julee again, it is not my intention to make a ‘thing’ of my loss, but she has been my GREATEST loss, and through that loss, I found my way home to God.
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Those words of Erin’s reminded me of when I tried to end my life because I could not live without my girl, I didn’t know how to!
I didn’t know then, either, the length, breadth, height and width of Gods love. My aim then, was to fast track my life so I could be with Julee. I read the verses in Revelations, we even read them at her funeral, I held onto them with the hope that one day sooner, I would join my girl..
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BUT GOD..
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His plan and purpose for my life did not include ‘fast tracking’ my life, but instead to show me oh, how He loved/loves my Julee and me!
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Now in the autumn of my life and the aches and pains arriving daily, I rest in Him, as Paul says in Philipians 4:11 ‘I have learned to be content in whatever situation I find myself…’
I do not tell you this because I am or have arrived, NO way! I tell you, because over the years I have been a recipient of His great love, every day. I have seen His works on my behalf and others.. I have known and felt His grace and presence, YES, even in the pain of sciatica and cancer scares..
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I absolutely get that this rickety body, has seen better days, but my eyes, no matter how dim they may go, have seen His goodness, and His grace, and His mercy.. and my heart is filled with the Hope, that when that day, that I no longer want to ‘fast track’ comes, I will be healed from the sadness of this life, the pain of getting old and all that brings, whatever ailments, whatever was broken will be made whole again. Healed.
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Healed.
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So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
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A double Amen to that!
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It is well.
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AMEN.
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Happiest of Tuesdays dear hearts, BE blessed today whatever your day looks like.
Much prayer covered love and hugs!❤️
O so true. Thank you❣️
Amen and amen. Love you, sister ❤️
♥️ Thanks for sharing your ♥️… It is encouraging to hear your story of God’s unfailing Love!! Blessings as you continue to trust His ♥️
Tina I feel the same way as you about talking about Tanner too much. BUT it is our story. It is what brought us so much closer to God. I never tire of hearing about your story with Julee. As a matter of fact it has helped me beyond words can say. And I thank you for that.
Hey all! Happy Tuesday. I’ve really been struggling with back pain (sciatica) for a while now (since November last year)… it’s a helpful reminder today that there will be no suffering or pain, mental or physical, in the new creation, and that Jesus sees our pain
I hear ya! Same area, different issues. ❤️
Praying Eleanor, for healing!
Praying you get some relief! It is excruciating, acute pain. Praying you are getting some stretching therapy to ease the pressure on it!