Does your pain isolate you? While pain may try to push you into thinking that you are alone, remember that your pain allows you an intimate fellowship with the Lord Jesus in his sufferings. Your story of pain is wrapped up in his story of suffering, and your life is embedded in his. You are never alone.
I’m Joni Eareckson Tada here to share a few reflections on your pain.
I was with my friend Marilyn the other day, having lunch, and I know she struggles constantly with chronic pain, most of it due to Lyme disease and a combination of her autoimmune disorders. And Marilyn has dealt with this for years. When I asked her how it was going, she gave me this well-worn, weary look that said, “Joni, you really don’t want to know… and I really don’t want to talk about it.” When I pressed her, she explained, “You know, I just get tired of always talking about my pain. ’Cause there’s nothing really new to say, and I’d rather not drag [other] people down with my cares and woes.” I understood what she meant, and so I did not press her further. Actually, I feel the same way; now, to be honest, sure, I know I tell you, friend listening, about my pain, but I do it to make a point, to share a lesson, or offer an insight, but like Marilyn, I rarely speak about my pain to the people I live with.
And so, my pain has a way of isolating me, just as it’s doing to my friend. And sometimes, if you don’t have the resources of prayer support and a close friend in whom you can confide, pain can separate you from the outside world. It tries to get you alone and isolate you, and making you believe that no one has it as bad as you do. And that only worsens the pain. But your suffering, which at first glance might appear to be a completely isolated, subjective experience, is actually your way of getting close to, identifying with, and participating in the sufferings of Christ. Your life is embedded in his. Your story of pain is wrapped up in his story of the same thing. And here’s the point: your connection with Jesus means that your identity is a whole lot bigger than that of a chronic pain patient. Your long-term pain could define who you are, but as a Christian, your pain confirms your identity as a child of God. Your life – which includes all your suffering and the glory that’ll result – your life is connected with your Savior's life. And what’s more…
When you are in pain, Jesus feels the sting in his chest. He feels its knifing edge, and the way it collapses and wilts you of all resolve at times. Jesus senses the urgency of your pain. To him, you are like that woman in the Gospel of Luke who tugged on the fringe of his garment, helpless and hurting and hemorrhaging human strength. When your trembling need touches him, power goes out to you from his very essence. Christ’s power infuses possibilities into utterly impossible situations – even as impossible as your pain. Look, if God can raise the dead – and he certainly does – he can raise you up out of the deathly despair of pain. The incomparably great power of Christ is within your grasp. So, draw close enough to Jesus to reach out, as it were, and touch the hem of his garment. He will give you power. Power to endure and not complain. To have hope and courage. Power that’ll see you through the worst of times. Power not so much to master your circumstances but to find your Master in them. It’s what my friend Marilyn is doing. Both she and I are constantly, every morning, every day reaching out to Jesus to receive his power in our pain. And that means we are not alone; not isolated; we’ve got each other, and we’ve got Jesus. Hey, find out more about your pain and how it bonds you to Jesus Christ. Contact joniradio.org for your free copy of our booklet on chronic pain.
© Joni and Friends