Empowering Bible Scriptures For Chronic Illness Warriors

Life in itself guarantees struggles. God made that very clear in his word that everyone would face hardships and trials – no matter who they are. However, the hardship that comes with a chronic illness is on another level. I am sure many of you can agree! So in this post, I’ll share some of my favourite biblical scriptures to empower you during your most difficult days.

If you would like to see different translations of these scriptures, then Bible Gateway is a great website to use. I hope these scriptures will encourage and elevate you the same way that they have done so for me!

Here Are The Bible Scriptures That I Find Empowering:

Matthew 11:28

This scripture is something that I usually attach to the Pain Warrior Code mission. As highlighted in my post To Those Who Feel Like Giving Up… this scripture is one of my favourites, as chronic pain will push us beyond the limit. We often go through cycles, where feel weary and burdened beyond belief. Such cycles can lead to us feeling hopeless and maybe like giving up.

This scripture reminds me to not rely on my own strength – because I will inevitably run out of it. I must rely on our Heavenly Father’s strength. We must daily come to God and rely on Him to bring us through the ups and downs of life.

God is the one who will give us rest. He will keep us and renew us.

Philippians 4:13

This message is an important one to bear in mind during those tricky days. It can be applicable to us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. When we are facing something that has us doubtful about whether we can overcome or withstand it – remember that we can and we will. But we won’t do so through our own strength, but through the strength that Christ gives to us (as mentioned with the previous scripture as well.

Our relationship and partnership with God is significant to our continuous development of capacity as Pain Warriors. But also, to be able to function and fulfil everything else that God has for us – we must remain close to Him. Nobody possesses all of the strength that is required to carry themselves throughout life and remain in tact after facing things that should have damaged them heavily.

Another thing one should bear in mind when reading this scripture, is who exactly wrote it. The Apostle Paul who wrote the Corinthian books (letters) consistently demonstrated faithfulness in spite of the hardships he faced. Paul was persecuted for spreading the good news; often attacked, beaten up, arrested, you name it – whenever he visiting towns to speak about Jesus. Yet it is made clear through this direct quote of his, that he could do all things through Christ who gave him strength. That same Christ is the one who lives within you and empowers you too. Selah.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

A powerful lesson lies within this specific scripture. It is dreadful when one is pushed to the limits – to the point of feeling like they are being crushed. It’s a dark place to be in & it always feels uncomfortable.

Ultimately this scripture is a bold statement – because that means you can have ridiculous amounts of pressure and trouble thrown upon you, but you will not be crushed. You will not be destroyed. It will not ruin you. That means you will come out on the other side and survive whatever it is that you are facing.

Let that thought inspire and encourage you to keep pushing through. Your pain will not destroy you. Your body will not destroy you – even when it feels like it is attacking itself with all of the pain you are experiencing.

Isaiah 40:31

This quote from Isaiah is popular and is a favourite in many sermons. Although it’s popular, don’t take it for granted warriors. When you continue to wait, trust and serve the Lord, your strength will be renewed. Remember that I mentioned in the Philippians 4:13 point that we must rely on Christ for strength and not on our own. Because God’s supply never runs out!

When our strength is renewed, God increases our capacity and endurance to keep going. We usually feel somewhat refreshed. He does this for us, even when we are bombarded by thoughts that we should give up.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

As many of you already know, the letters to Corinthians were written by Paul. In this chapter, Paul mentioned that he had been given a ‘thorn in his flesh’, which tormented him. Many have debated about what exactly that thorn was. But in this case, let’s make it relatable and refer to our “thorn” being our chronic illness…

Well I don’t really need to discuss how tormenting it can be to live with a chronic illness. It already speaks for itself! Let’s hold on to what Paul pointed out here – that in our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect. Our weakness creates an opening for God’s strength to take over within us. It is also a time when we can feel closer to God more than ever – if we give him room to work.

So be encouraged Warriors, even if your pain is your thorn. Because when you have a thorn in your flesh, that is when God’s presence can be felt and experienced in your life in a unique and special way.

That’s all for this week…

I hope you found these scriptures and points to be useful for you. Do remind yourselves of them during those days when your body, your mind and your spirit are under attack!

I plan on sharing more key scriptures and points with you over the course of a few more posts. Please keep an eye out for them!

What are some of your favourite scriptures that empower you during your most difficult days? Feel free to share with us in the comment section below!

Until next time Warriors,

Tasha Marie