Staying Positive Through the Pain
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Dear Internet Pastor,
I have a disease called RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) in which my brain tells my nerves to misfire, ultimately causing my entire body to hurt almost 24/7. I am on heavy pain medication, though sometimes even that is not enough. I try to remember that this pain is only God’s way of making me stronger; that he needs me this strong for whatever tasks He has planned for my life. But living in so much pain and going to bed knowing that I will only hurt this bad if not worse tomorrow sometimes causes cycles of depression. How can I remain positive through all of the trials and pains in my life? And how can I use these struggles to become closer to God?
Signed,
staying positive through the pain
Dear staying positive,
Let me start by saying that I am praying for you. I had never heard of RSD so I went and did a little research online. I really can’t even imagine how diffiicult it must be. I have some friends with Fibromyalgia and have seen the impact of constant pain on their lives. They often struggle not only with the pain, but sometimes with guilt and shame over the disease like it is somehow their fault or that their faith is weak. I hate to see their legitimate pain added to by these lying thoughts. I would also say that constant pain would lead to periods of depression in most people.
How to stay positive? Sometimes when life is at its hardest all we have is the knowing that something better is on the horizon. Have you ever read the Chronicles of Narnia? In the first book in the series, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, everyone is excited because they have heard that Aslan is on the move. Jesus is on the move. He is coming back and until He does, He will somehow extend the grace we need in our time of need. Graham Kendrick wrote a song called “For this, I have Jesus”. It is song that talks about the hardest things in life and that our hope comes from Him. For this(you put your hurt and pain here), I have Jesus.
Ultimately, I think all of our struggles will draw us closer to God. I want to share with you my latest favorite saying. I got it out of a book I read called “Your God is Too Safe”. The author said this and I can’t stop dwelling on it, “Life isn’t fair, do the right thing”. I changed it a little, I say it this way, “Life isn’t fair, do the next right thing”. If it is any encouragement at all, let me say that each day, the best that you can, in the midst of your pain and hurt, just do the next right thing. Whatever that looks like between you and God. I think you will find Him there.
Hope that helps!
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About the Author: Stephen Lawes is the current 
Melanie Normand | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
I would like to encourage the person with RSD to continue to pray and have faith. I myself have a dibilatating disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis. AS. I was diagnosed when I was 19 although had pain since 16. This disease is a muscular skeletol disease affecting the immune system and leads to “fusing of the entire spine or parts”. I have been left with a fused “neck” and fusing of some of the lower back. My disease was at it’s peak of pain and stiffness during my late 20’s and into my late 30’s. It was when I was about 40 that I began to notice less pain but more fusing. I prayed all those years and did not stop but will admit that at times, I was very discouraged and lots of times was depressed. It’s a vicious cycle that is hard to beat. Now that I am getting close to 50, I am so thankful that some or most of the pain is gone and I believe that God prepared me to accept the “fusing in my neck” and the handicap or the associated disfigurement. I want to encourage this person to not give up and to keep praying and have faith. One day your prayers may be answered. I’m glad that I did not give up and I continue to pray that I am continually blessed to be in less pain. Just one more thing I’d like to add. My children and my husband were such a help to me in those difficult times and I just was so blessed to have them stay by my side. Also, the children learned much about compassion, so, there are lots of positives that come from a negative situation.
stephenlawes | Jun 18, 2008 | Reply
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for writing the encouraging comment. I am sure that it will bless our friend with RSD. I am also praying for you and your family and I feel blessed to know all of you!
Steve