I am always in pain. Mostly I would describe it as a burning sensation in my lower back, bottom and legs. Somehow, I’ve gotten used to having pain, it’s kind of like a bad guest that hangs around all the time. Other times my pain is even worse than an unwanted guest and is more like being sawn in two and acid being poured into my back and legs. This pain is white hot and stabbing sort of pain.

These two realities can happen within the same day. When I’m in the second type pain no amount of remedies help. I just have to go to bed and rest. In these times all I can do is listen to worship music and be in God’s presence. As people come to mind, I pray. Though I can’t always make it through the whole prayer but Romans 8:26 -28 encourages me, “likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” So, I let Holy Spirit guide me and when I can’t, he can. In many ways this is best because it will be in accordance with the will of God. In all things I want to be led by Holy Spirit and I encourage you to listen to his voice today.

Although my heavenly father has allowed this injury and chronic pain, he uses all things to our good, just as Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He has used this pain to bring me to a place where, often I can only be and not do. But even in this place that may seem dry, barren and dead there is also potential for refreshment, deep fruit and ultimately true life with my heavenly father.

I’m learning that it is here in the hidden depths, in the being rather than doing that we find all we need in life is right inside us and all around us. Jesus. He alone is the one who never leaves us. Who truly understands the pain we feel and has overcome it. In him pain and death are swallowed up in victory and unending life, it is out of this relationship that everything else flow. Whether or not we are in physical pain or are completely pain free. Whether or not we are abled or disabled. It is from this hidden place of being that the tasks of life can flow from.

My child,

Come to me and rest. I know your body is in such pain. I want you to know that I am not heartless. I see your pain and can relate to it. I am well acquainted with pain, sorrow and suffering (Isaiah 53:4). My heart is deeply saddened to see any of my children suffering. Know that I am right there with you and there is nothing that will ever separate my love from you (Romans 8:35).

I am the love that will soothe your pain and help you see above the circumstances and restrictions of your body. Look at me and see my eyes filled with tears of compassion for you, my child. I love you so much that I came to earth and experienced what it means to be human. I too have experienced the restriction of a body. Know that I have overcome all your pain and suffering by dying on a cross and have been raised to life. I have made a way forward for you that will lead to eternity. Surrender your life, plans, disappointments, dreams, fears and all your pain. As you do your life will become even more beautiful than you can imagine.

I have set you on my knee in the heavenly places so that you can see your life from my perspective (Ephesians 2:5 – 7). Though I have not caused your disability I have allowed it. This can be hard to understand. All you really need to know is that I have a plan to use all these hard times you’ve walked through for your good and my glory (Romans 8:28 – 30). I am busy making all things new, where there will be no more pain of any kind and no more tears (Revelation 21:4).I’ve collected each tear you’ve ever cried because they are precious to me (Psalms 56:8).

In a culture that worships comfort, I will use your physical uncomfortableness to demonstrate where true comfort and love comes from – me, your heavenly father (2 Corinthians 1:3 – 6).

I am so proud of you, my child. My eyes well up with pride, for I know the journey has been filled with such blinding pain and yet you’ve responded by re – focusing and re – setting your gaze upon me. I know you have been distracted at times but your heart is to be laid down in surrender to me. I honour you, remember you have inherent dignity because I created you. I don’t make mistakes.

Love,

your heavenly father.

Bible Verses

^{Isaiah 53:4 – Surely, he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him and afflicted.}

^{Romans 8:35 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?}

^{Ephesians 2:5-7 – Made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions, it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.}

^{Romans 8:28 – 30 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.}

^{Revelations 21:4 – He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.}

^{Psalms 56:8 – Record my misery, list my tears on your scroll are they not in your record?}

^{2 Corinthians 1:3 – 6 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.}

Work Cover Tip for the Injured Person…

Make sure that you are taking time out to do something you enjoy. Something that gets your mind off of Work Cover.

It can be as simple as watching a favourite movie, reading a book, painting your nails, going to your local cafe and meeting with friends. If you’re physically unable to visit friends, phone them. Reach out to them. Invite them over and don’t worry about the state of the house, true friends see beyond it!

Work Cover Tip for Family, Friends and Colleagues…

Simply.

Listen.

Hear.

Make sure that you are actually listening and hearing to what your loved one or friend is saying.