Listen to the episode
One in Five Australians suffer chronic pain. It can be a debilitating condition, leading to personality changes and a heavy strain on relationships. How do you cope with pain that never goes away? Stephen and Therese share their journey of managing chronic pain and how it’s affected their relationships, lifestyle, and purpose in life.
Key takeaways from this episode
- Chronic pain can be constant and debilitating, affecting not just the body but emotions, personality, relationships, and daily life
- Living with ongoing pain requires major adjustments, including reduced mobility, careful planning, and letting go of spontaneity
- Chronic illness reshapes family roles, with partners often becoming carers and children adapting to new limitations at home
- Anger, grief, and disappointment are natural responses, but remaining stuck in those emotions can prevent moving forward
- Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it allows life to continue with purpose instead of constantly waiting for a cure
- Faith can be deeply challenged when healing doesn’t come, yet suffering can lead to a more honest and mature understanding of God
- God may not remove suffering, but He is present within it, offering strength, perspective, and the ability to live fruitfully despite limitations
- Purpose can be rediscovered in small, meaningful acts and in caring for those closest to us, even when life looks very different than planned.
Episode transcript
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Related booklet
Sometimes we face unexpected challenges, we are dealt a hand we just don’t see coming. Order our booklet ‘Chronic Pain’ to read about the peace God’s love provides through these challenges.
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