Chronic pain?

This past week I had a small taste of what chronic pain is like.. I had a sinus infection, and it got so bad that the pain was interrupting my sleep. It was amazing to me how it affected my mood and made me so grumpy. It was so easy to complain about it. I tried different pain medicines and nothing seemed to help. Even things that had helped before-- like Aleve and Ibuprofen. I called the Dr. on Friday morning to see if I could get in, and they didn't have any openings until the next morning, Saturday. Then when I did get the med's, they didn't kick in right away. I was crying on Sunday because I couldn't sleep during my nap, I was so tired, but in pain.

 It was so discouraging and frustrating. I wanted to be able to do more, but I didn't know what to do. I was doing a lot to help my symptoms, and just not getting better. It was just a glimpse to me, of what someone else may have to deal with all day, every day. I hated it, it was gross. I hated feeling awful all the time. I hated that all I wanted to do was complain. I prayed, but didn't understand why me, and why nothing was changing. I just had to trust that God knows what is best for us, even when it's hard. It was a light and momentary trouble, really nothing major in the grand scheme of things, but it was hard for me.

I think I learned some things about myself and how I relate to others during this trial. I just wanted to sleep, since that was when I got away from the pain, even for a little while. But then when sleep got hard, I just wanted to cry! I've had some back pain before, and it has gone on for weeks, but this seemed to affect me differently. I am so glad that I am feeling better, and even though I am not totally healed, I know I am getting there, and that is comforting. It helped me see why my Dad can be grumpy, and others that I know are in pain, that should be grumpy & complaining, but are not. What a witness to me!

I heard this song this past week, and I really liked the words. It is called, "Stronger" by Mandisa. I hope you'll take a moment to go listen to it. Here is the link... http://www.1800gospel.com/2011/02/video-mandisa-singing-stronger-mandisaofficial/
And here are the lyrics. I think you will find it as powerful as I do...

Mandisa-Stronger Lyrics

Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain’t right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you’re asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don’t hang your head
It’s gonna end
God’s right there
Even if it’s hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain’t gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you …

Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it’s gonna end
God’s right there
Even when you just can’t feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

‘Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I’m sure that He’s gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain’t gonna last forever
In time it’s gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger