Episode Summary: 

Have you ever found yourself in a place where pain was all you could focus on? Do you ever question God’s plan while dealing with physical suffering? Do you ever get to the point where you just want the pain to end and you don’t know what to do? In part 1 of our conversation, Laurie Davies and I talk about when chronic pain becomes too much to bear. 

Quotables from the episode:

• Pain is a great clarifier.
• In sharing our pain, we let people know that they aren’t alone in their suffering.
• When chronic pain becomes too much, we ask hard questions: “God, do you see me? Will you help?” “Why doesn’t your grace feel enough for me?” “God, do you care?” “Will it always be this way? Can I live like this?”
• Our mindset impacts our pain because what we focus on grows.
• We always tend to think of pain in a negative sense. But there are positives to pain.
• Pain often reveals our dependence on God.
• Pain refocuses on the present.
• Despite the pain, praise God anyway. This is beautiful to God.
• “Out of the deepest waters and the hottest fires have come the deepest things I know about God.” Elisabeth Elliot
• If you’re in chronic pain, you are catching a glimpse of a side of Jesus that not everyone experiences—the suffering servant side of Jesus.
• Pain brings us closer to knowing fully. It is a hard gift.

Scripture References:

• Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
• Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” OR “When I am afraid I put my trust in you.”
• 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror dimly but then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
• Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Recommended Resources: 

• The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms  
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Trusting God Through Cancer 1
• Trusting God Through Cancer 2
• Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
• Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.)
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win

Social Media Links for Guest and Host:

Connect with Laurie Davies:

Website / Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

Laurie Davies is a fellow writer and speaker in the Phoenix area where she also serves as a lay counselor and an area ministry lead. When it's not triple digits, then she's usually out with her husband hiking in the mountains.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.