Living Intentionally Through Pain

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

─ John 10:10 NIV

It’s one thing to learn how to live your life with godly intentions when you’re feeling well and strong. It’s quite another to do so when your health fails you.

Famous author Robert Louis Stevenson’s demeanor and audacity were enviable. He often endured poor health during his tragically short life, but he said, “I refuse to let a row of medicine bottles be the circumference of my horizon.”

Maybe you find yourself suffering physically. Perhaps you’ve been given a terminal prognosis. These are deeply felt burdens that weigh on you constantly. For you, living intentionally with your health is not about getting healthy, it’s about enduring pain as positively as you’re able, even staying alive.

Whatever it is – for you or someone you know or love – absolutely believe that Christ can help you overcome. Jesus said: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV). He also encourages you in saying, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).

Stevenson produced his best-known works, including Treasure Island, when he was in his worst health, in his most painful years of life.

Today’s One Thing

Think of one thing you can do to live intentionally for God through your own pain and take action to do it this week. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Visit others who are ill similarly to you and be an encouragement.
• Talk to your children or grandchildren about how you choose to remain positive and active despite the pain.
• Pray and then journal what God shares with you – to be read later by someone else as a legacy of your enduring faith.

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