Overview
One in Five Australians suffer chronic pain. It can be a debilitating condition, leading to personality changes and a heavy strain on relationships.
Stephen and Therese share their journey of managing chronic pain and how it’s affected their relationships, lifestyle, and purpose in life.
Podcast
Chronic Pain
14 Min.
Thursday, 19 February 2026
Messages of Hope Podcast
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
- 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
Episode Transcript
Explore further
Booklets and Related Episodes
Each episode of our regular podcast is accompanied by free resources that provide hope, encouragement and advice for navigating the difficulties and challenges of daily life.
PRAYER REQUEST
Would you like us to pray for you?
We believe God is at work in all things, draws near in challenging circumstances, and loves each and every person fully and unconditionally.
If you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know, we encourage you to send us a prayer request. Our team would be happy to keep your situation in our prayers.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Support Services
Professional help is always available
Across Australia and New Zealand, God richly blesses us with counsellors, psychologists and medical professionals who are able to offer help, support and hope throughout life’s challenges.
If you have found the themes or topics contained within this episode challenging or confronting, we encourage you to reach out to one of the following professional support organisations.
