Chronic pain is different from other kinds of physical pain because it doesn't stop. It is daily, unrelenting, soul-wearying pain for which there is no end in sight. Can you still experience God's grace and help even in the midst of never ending pain?
Michael R. Emlet, physician and counselor, includes a brief overview of the physiological aspects of pain and then goes on to outline a God-shaped perspective on chronic pain. When you turn to God, your pain may not disappear, but fear, anxiety, and despair can be replaced with a simple trust in God's understanding, care, and love.
Five months after the Suffering and the Sovereignty of God conference, two of the speakers—John Piper and David Powlison—were diagnosed with prostate cancer. On the eve of his prostate surgery (February 13, 2006) John Piper wrote the following article in reflection on his situation and in order to minister grace and truth to others. (It should be noted that this is one way to minister pastorally to those in need, but it’s not the only way to do so and it is not the only thing that needs to be said.) David Powlison then added the reflections italicized below on the morning after receiving the news that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer (March 3, 2006).
"The truth of Christ speaks to every aspect of our situations. It rewrites the script of our soul." - David Powlison
You have a successful counseling and teaching ministry. Thousands read your books, attend your classes, and grow from your teaching. You have gifts from God, and you've been able to use them to the blessing of many.
Then one day you wake up to realize that your gifts may be gone forever.
An excerpt from a recent conversation with CCEF's Dr. David Powlison. Dr. Powlison shares stories about Christians enduring chronic suffering, including his own. First of a multi-part series.
Gospel lyrics + music that fits the words = tears…
That has always been the formula that works for me. Old standards such as “And Can it Be” and “Man of Sorrows.” A choir on full tilt singing “Ode to Joy.” Contemporary worship songs such as “Be Ye Glad.” Most anything by the Soweto Gospel choir. And most anything sung at my local church. I hear these songs and I am pointed to Christ. I get glimpses of joy, even when life is hard.
Some of these songs I am sure will be sung in heaven.
Five months after the Suffering and the Sovereignty of God conference, two of the speakers—John Piper and David Powlison—were diagnosed with prostate cancer. On the eve of his prostate surgery (February 13, 2006) John Piper wrote the following article in reflection on his situation and in order to minister grace and truth to others. (It should be noted that this is one way to minister pastorally to those in need, but it’s not the only way to do so and it is not the only thing that needs to be said.) David Powlison then added the reflections italicized below on the morning after receiving the news that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer (March 3, 2006).
"The truth of Christ speaks to every aspect of our situations. It rewrites the script of our soul." - David Powlison
CCEF's Dr. David Powlision talks about living with suffering day-to-day, including his own story.