The spiritual choices we make due to chronic illness can develop spiritual, personal growth. This Bible study is a take-anywhere book.
No matter how healthy or unhealthy we are at this moment, we know that just around the proverbial corner change crouches ready to pounce. And, with any change, comes unavoidable choices. Yet through our choices, we can experience personal growth. When we regularly apply God’s Scriptures to our daily situations and behaviors, we encounter spiritual transformation. One the other hand, if we live our lives with knee-jerk reactions to our circumstances, the significance of our relationship with God is diminished. Consequently, if we search for God’s truths in the Scriptures, even while suffering from chronic pain, our spiritual choices become our daily lifeline.
Excerpt
Change is as inevitable as death and taxes. Our choices reflect the inescapability of what change asks of us. Chronic illness threatens our life-style, adds to our financial burdens, stresses our relationships, and interrupts our life. Often our choices alter our physical and emotional state so much that, in time, we become strangers to our former selves. Yet, we must live as victors not victims.
Thankfully, the Bible is more than just a first aid book for spiritual boo-boos. Through Scripture, we learn of the promised, unfathomable riches of God’s love, mercy and justice. We are inspired by the stories of men and women who failed as often as they succeeded, but whose faithfulness was rewarded. Because the Bible is the inerrant word of God, Scripture can help us through our struggles and difficult choices. But, do we allot enough time in Scripture study to realign our perspective with God’s will?
The good news is that we do not need to be Biblical scholars to discover the truths found in Scripture. Choices: Managing Chronic Pain offers short studies, minimum writing, and maximum application. The simplicity of the Choices format encourages we who are in chronic pain to consider whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—[to] think about such things. (Phil. 4:8)
Professional Reviews
Leslie Davison, RN
If you live with chronic pain, Choices: Managing Chronic Pain is a book you can use on your own, or better used in a group to connect with others living with chronic pain. The journey you take together as a support group, when you use Choices to connect with God and each other, is priceless. I know. I live with chronic pain.
Jeanette Bush (FMS)
Jonnie Wright draws a great picture of strength, hope, and faith for those of us who suffer with chronic pain. If you suffer with illness or have a loved one who does, this book will guide you through treasures in the word that specifically relate to life's difficulties with chronic illness. The first choice we make in living with any pain or trial should be to study the word with someone who has run a similar race with an over-coming spirit, as Jonnie clearly has.
Deborah Geyer, B.A.
It's common knowledge in Christian circles that the Bible is a handbook for life. Jonnie Wright's biblically-based Bible study, Choices: Managing Chronic Pain, brings to light stories of biblical figures who have been in a position to "choose." These illustrations help us understand and appreciate how our choices affect our ability to live confidently with whatever circumstance we face in every day life."
