 I’ve often wondered how can we live in a world with so much pain? People around you are hurting, they’re searching for relief from their trials. Are you suffering from a chronic illness and/or pain? Have you had a traumatic event happen to you? A death or some other major loss? If so, you probably have thought about how your life could be without the agony. Reading Finding Purpose in Pain by Stacy Williams helped me understand things like continuing to dream about the future, praying scriptures, focusing on the good in life, having healthy boundaries and balance during a difficult period and eliminating fear all while in the life trial. Finding Purpose in Pain gives complete and scripture based devotionals in 21 days that lead the reader to seek God in understanding their role in life’s difficult circumstances. Sometimes you are in the middle of the storm wondering, “Why God?” This devotional helps direct that question and points to God’s word for answers. At one point, there is a touching story that displays the importance of turning to God when you are going through a hardship, even if you don’t know what to say to the Lord! Williams puts it well by saying “And remember, sorrow is not the end of the story - not in your life or anyone else’s.” She points us to the hope we can all find in our storm. Maybe you’re not going through a deep struggle in life or experiencing a loss, this devotional would still be a useful tool to pray for those around you who are hurting. In the last few months it seems as if I have witnessed more people’s pain than ever before. I have a friend went through chemo for cancer, another who fell and hit his head almost dying and has now been in the hospital for over month, or my other friend who lost their baby. My heart has broken for all of these people, but I thought I was limited in what I could do or say for them. Reading William’s devotional helped me see an insider perspective to the struggles a person may have when in a trial. Most of all, I appreciated how much this devotional encouraged me to continue to live in God’s will no matter what my suffering looks like. To live in God’s will for your life requires to live by faith. It may not look like what I expected, but faith is knowing God’s will is best for me. Something I have always struggled with is worry. I worry about tomorrow, even when the Bible says it’s useless to! Williams tells of her own struggle: “My life is in God’s hands and I want to be in His will - and that means not worrying about the what ifs and the things I can’t control and focusing on living a life that pleases God.” Win a copy by entering below About Hedy Hedy is a graduate of Fort Lewis College with a BA in Psychology. She is married with a son. She can't get enough of God and works for Master Plan Ministries at Three Trails Ranch in Durango, CO. Before coming to Colorado, Hedy grew up in Sitka, Alaska. Hedy loves to hunt and fish with her best hunting partner, her husband! Most recently she has been hunting in Colorado and Kansas. When she has a free moment or two, Hedy enjoys to knit and bake bread. Want to read more from this contributor? Put her name in the search box at the top.
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