Friends

I live hundreds of miles away from the people I would consider to be my "best friends" in this world—the friends that I feel really know me and with whom I could share my deepest feelings and fears. I've prayed a lot for new deep friendships since moving back to my hometown, but that hasn't happened, yet. However, one of the blessings I have received due to my journey with pain is new friendships, either online or in person. Some of the people I have met have been fellow believers, others are not, but I've had the opportunity to speak of God's grace to them. And really that makes all the pain "worth it", to be able to help comfort others in their affliction like Christ has so graciously comforted us in ours (2 Corinthians 1:4).  And not just with fluffy "feel good" comfort, but with the truth of God's word.

One new friend, who brought me these beautiful flowers last week, is also struggling with chronic pain.  We are both back living in the same hometown after having similar life experiences. We have enjoyed several conversations and mutual support in our great God as we walk through physical suffering.  And without this "delay" of pudendal neuralgia/chronic pain I would probably be on the other side of the world, or preparing to be right now, and would more than likely have never met "Lilly".

"Lilly" is 25 and after treatment for stage IV endometriosis she began having widespread chronic pain.  Like my pain, the cause of it is a mystery. She is unable to work right now and has had to move back in with her parents due to the pain. She is often fatigued and normal everyday activities have become a chore for her most days. Tomorrow she travels to see a specialist with hopes of getting a diagnosis and better treatment. She looks forward to getting married hopefully in the next year and the thought of a lifelong chronic illness is difficult.  

Will you join me in prayer for "Lilly"?  First, pray for her complete healing. Please pray that God will use the doctor and that he will have wisdom, compassion, and will be able to help her gain a better quality of life.  Pray that she will get guidance as she tries to cope with this daily pain. And most importantly pray that her faith in God's goodness and sovereignty will be strengthened no matter the outcome of tomorrow's appointment or what the future holds. 

When I see lilies, I think of the passage in Luke 12:22-31 where Jesus tells us not to worry.

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!" (v. 25-28 ESV)

Lilies are beautiful aren't they? Some varieties are planted in the ground and come back year after year. And they don't have to worry about a thing! Jesus says, neither do we! If God makes lilies, who have no eternal value grow and adore the fields, then of course he is going to take care of those who have been saved through Jesus and adopted as His children!

I love this....If we can't even do as small a thing as add an hour to our entire life span, then why should we worry? We obviously aren't in control. And that's a good thing.

"Lilly" thanks for being a friend and may you be encouraged that the one who clothes the grass with lilies is working for your good, especially in this time of chronic pain.