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Women in the Valley

Women in the Valley: Lorraine’s Story

We’re so excited to start a new series! Between other, more devotional-type posts, we’ll be sharing the personal testimonies of women who are (or have been) in the valley of chronic illness. We hope their stories and words of encouragement can be a blessing to you! Launching this series for us is Lorraine. Thank you, […]

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Bible Characters Wednesday Writings

Sarah: The Woman Who Laughed at God

I recently read Genesis 18 in my devotions: Then [the Lord and His messengers] said to [Abraham], “Where is Sarah your wife?” So he said, “Here, in the tent.” And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was […]

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Wednesday Writings

Joy in Suffering: The Gift of Perspective

The word kept appearing throughout the week: in my morning devotions, in my notes from Sunday School, in that little sermon reminder I’d sketched for myself at least a year ago, still lying on my desk. PERSPECTIVE In Hebrews 10:34, the writer commends his brothers for suffering the loss of their goods with joy. I […]

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Wednesday Writings

The Narrow Place of Chronic Illness

I love driving down Main Street. At night. When the streets are empty and the air is quiet and only a few people move on the sidewalk under the glowing lamps.  Put me on Main Street in the middle of the day, however, and you’ll find me gripping the steering wheel with both hands, gritting […]

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Special Occasion

Spotlight: Diamonds Conference 2021

About Diamonds 2021 What is Diamonds 2021? Diamonds is an annual online conference for chronically ill Christians. Millions of chronically ill people battle impossible trials every single day. But so many of them feel so alone. The speakers of Diamonds 2021 want them to know they aren’t — not by a long shot. The theme […]

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Wednesday Writings

Anxiety in Chronic Illness, Part 2

The Strategy for God’s Peace Last week we looked at Romans 12 and ways to battle for our mind in the difficulties of chronic illness. Now let’s look at another equally important passage on thinking and anxiety.* “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made […]

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Wednesday Writings

How to Deal With Anxiety in Chronic Illness, Part 1

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:35-36 I keenly remember the unusual, extreme anxiety that gripped my chest. The unexplained pain in my back would not ease. The desperately […]

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Wednesday Writings

Holding on to Hope in Chronic Illness

“Hold unswervingly to the hope you profess, for I am faithful. Sometimes–especially when many things are going wrong–all you can do is hold on to Me. You would love to sort things out in your mind and find a way to go forward, but often this is impossible. The best thing to do at such […]

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Wednesday Writings

When the New Year Isn’t New: Starting Another Year With Chronic Illness

The New Year can be a time of thrill, excitement, anticipation, and hope as we plan events, set goals, make changes, and look ahead to fresh adventures. But what about those of us whose daily lives won’t change, whose diagnoses and conditions will stay the same, whose struggles will be just as difficult on January […]

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Wednesday Writings

Seasons of Expectation: Waiting in a Chronic Illness (Part 2)

Last week we talked about waiting for Christmas, waiting in chronic illness, and waiting in unanswered prayer. This week is about how to wait in a chronic illness. Waiting in Action We know God will answer our prayers eventually–if not here on Earth, at least in Heaven. So what do we do while we wait? […]