In 2012, I wrote my second Book, “In the Suffering” as a way to tell my story through poetry after being diagnosed in 2009 with the chronic disease of Fibromalgia. It became clearer with each day that this was not just a difficult season but a thorn in the flesh, where I would need to totally rely and depend on HIM, to get me through each pain I felt.
This Book was written for anyone who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness or perhaps you know someone who might be fighting with the invisible pain of misunderstanding what they are going through. Yet, the completion of this Book brought the constant care of a Loving Father in Heaven, as I began to see a beautiful parallel to Christ’s suffering, unfold. So I learned to lean into the very heart of God’s Love for His Son, Jesus, and felt this same Love for me.
This Book is a reflective read and perfect to do so as we are approaching the Easter season, but timely during any season in life. This writing project includes many vunerable pieces of my own journey with suffering but with each poem it illumines my Savior’s suffering even more. There are 4 sections in this Book as it leads to an intimate place when things are laid bare as our mortality must meet the reality of immorality, for life is a part of death, dying and the curse which started in the Garden of Eden. However, it doesn’t stop with sad hopelessness but rather offers Divine Hope. So, don’t miss this short excerpt below from the poem entitled “Divine Hope”, that I have included as a sneak peek, as I feature this Book and it’s poems for the remainder of March and through May. Many seasons are unbearable but when they turn into a new normal this must be met with the kind of acceptance that is only possible when we embrace the Will of God and not our own. We must look closely, to see a different kind of healing, not just of body, and mind but of the soul. You may click here to learn more to consider purchasing this book, in its entirety. 🙂
For now, be blessed by God’s Comfort, this blog (which is a bit lengthy for good reason) and the verses shared. Peace to you.
In the Suffering
This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. Psalm 119:50
One interesting thing about writing this Book is that it really challenged me to see the places of my life where I must not be defined by my condition but rather, allow God’s Perfection to use these imperfections of mine, as He Refines me for His Glory.
What is so interesting is that 17 years later, although my condition has worsened, since 2020 the pandemic has allowed more illnesses that were once invisible to be realized and seen.
The main thing I have learned is that with every day and every hour – these aches, the muscle weakness and other issues with my health – actually keep me in step everyday with the “eternal” Joy of the Lord, which constantly comforts my spirit.
So here are three truths about my physical affliction that I would like to share with you:
First: The biggest lie we can believe from the enemy is that since our suffering is not always seen and understood by others, no one really cares and so we must go at it alone. God’s Truth demands a different narrative for those who hurt.
Psalm 119:25 says, My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
Unfortunately, the curse of man and woman’s condition of Sin, that first started in the Garden of Eden continues to reveal now, as it has from the beginning – just how much we are in need of a Savior.
Reading the above verse is a reminder that when Jesus ultimately clinged to the death on a cross, it was for us as a payment for our Sin. The Psalmist is describing a moment when it feels like our soul is literally just holding onto dust. We need God’s Word to bring us back to life and those who cling to God through His Word, find the truth that comes through Grace alone, by Faith alone in Christ alone. Reading His Word reveals to us the message of Jesus, as our ONLY Hope in a Risen Savior, from the beginning to the end.
Second: The second biggest lie from the enemy that we can believe is that we must wait for healing or a miracle outside of receiving a complete healing when we get to Heaven. This lie is a bit harder to not fall for, because the enemy twists this around to suit his agenda in insinuating the one who is suffering with affliction, somehow deserves it and a miracle isn’t happening because they have disappointed God. I admit, this is something I have wrestled through on more than one occasion with myself and loved ones. Yet, even after all this time concerning my own health issues God has shown me that His strength is perfected in my weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
One of the most wonderful things I have discovered is that if I just change my perspective on what I think Healing from the Lord looks like, then I am able to step into a Joy that is Unexpressible. Everytime I focus on how my condition and health issues that have no cure or healing this side of earth – by changing to this Eternal perspective, it is magnified ten times as much all in countless ways that “I am being Healed” moment by moment, while living here in my helpless state and beyond.
Speaking of the Eternal Perspective I will close with third encouragement:
Suffering, sickness, dying, and death don’t have to dictate a miserable resolve. Instead, the message of the empty tomb allows us to flip the script into a beautiful story of our lives!
Nowadays, my beautiful Ginger tabby who is 15 ½ years old is a testament to how God sustains her life, and loves me through the way my husband and I care for her. She is known for shining her light by holding a little LED sparkle Christmas Candle, year round since 2015, and even more so since her Kidney Disease diagnosis this past Fall.
Now for a moment, consider the affect and purpose one candle has as it is used to burn to the fullest until it goes out. Even if it is a battery, or a fiery flame, think of how many people are impacted by the light that solitary candle brings before it stops burning, or glowing for all to see.
My friend, if you are burdened by a failing body and broken spirit that makes it feel impossible to keep going, YOU must flip the script. The time is now, to shine as bright as a candle and be determined to go out Brightly for JESUS! Just like the light which pierced the darkness as it entered the tomb and this was a Divine Hope for us all!!
Our story is told through this Hope, While we wait and try to cope,
Each day we deal with what life brings,
But the message of the Resurrection, Will bring Renewal and Perfection,
To all who wait for our King!
May we all wait for our Divine Hope realized ~ Jodie
