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An Invitation to Grow

Shoshana Lipson

An Invitation to Grow

I'm fascinated by the Japanese art of Kintsugi - pieces of broken pottery that would normally be discarded are instead gathered up and then carefully and intricately put back together again. Except this time, they are put back with gold where there is brokenness, and what was once considered useless is now an item of incredible beauty and value. 

Putting Our Brokenness Back Together
How like our lives this is, and even more so for those of us who live with chronic pain and illness. The thought that our brokenness could be seen not as a defect or something to hide, but rather as an opportunity to make something more beautiful is a powerful thought. It builds upon the idea of strength in imperfection and weakness, which we see in 2 Corinthians 12:9 where Paul has been asking the Lord to take away his "thorn in the flesh," and God's answer is, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

It's easy for us to look at our brokenness, or the brokenness of others, and only see defects or lack of worth. However, the reality is that God takes our brokenness and puts us back together again to make something new! Again and again in the Bible we see God using people exactly where they are, with all their challenges, for His purpose and glory. The same is true for us today. Chronic pain is not an obstacle to God's plan, but rather it is an invitation to grow. An invitation to trust Him that even in the midst of the unfathomable He is able to do something amazing and we are able to move into a deeper relationship with the Lord. 


Many things change when we find our physical bodies struggling. The things we love or are used to doing simply may no longer be feasible. However, one thing does not change, and that is your identity in God and His purpose for your life.  When we presume that we are not going to have a future, or that we are now defective, we give in to the lies of the devil and empower him in our lives. But when we stand, broken but confident as a son or daughter of the King Most High, our Lord truly can bring light where there has been darkness, rejoicing where there has been mourning, and a peace that passes all understanding. 
Surrendering Fully To God
Is it possible, in some way, that by accepting where I am and the things I cannot change, and by surrendering fully to God, I allow Him to work all things together for good according to His purpose? Mourning can turn into dancing, old wine skins turn into new, darkness turns into light, weakness turns to strength. (Romans 8:28)

As you hear this invitation from our Abba, what could this look like in your life and how will you respond? Will you keep your eyes on your hurt, pain and brokenness, or will you step into His loving arms and trust Him that you are unconditionally loved and of infinite value?!

When the Holidays Hurt & You Need His Peace

By Shoshana Lipson • December 5, 2021
Are you wondering how you’re going to get through the holidays? Do you look at others and wish that you had the same joy and excitement as them? Do you feel left out because of health limitations? The reality is that the holiday season isn’t always as joyful or easy for people who live with chronic pain or illness. We often struggle with health flare-ups, places we cannot go, things we cannot do, anxiety, depression, fear of the future, and guilt about not being all we want to be for our friends and family.

Purpose Despite Setbacks

By David Daffern • September 23, 2020
When God touches your life, you are changed. You'll never be the same again. You can't go back to what you were before, not that we always want to.

The Lord is Good - A Refuge In Times of Trouble

By Linda Orner • August 5, 2020
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, Nahum 1:7 Life can be unpredictable and challenging, but faith and trust in God Can help us to overcome tragedy. We can find peace amid such turbulence. The Lord is our refuge in times of trouble, and through Him we can find peace even in the midst of the storm!
Living Waters Chronic Pain | Overwhelmed By The Storm

Overwhelmed By The Storm

By Shoshana Lipson • March 12, 2020
When we are overwhelmed it is easy to convince ourselves that no-one understands and that there is no hope. However, not only does our Father in Heaven hear every cry and know every thought, but in addition there are countless others who truly do “get it.” Others who go through the same storms and are all too familiar with the challenges we face.
Living Waters Blog: Hope Courage Strength

Looking Over My Shoulder - Tripping Over My Feet

By Shoshana Lipson • February 13, 2020
Guilt, shame, blame and regret all too often keep us looking back over our shoulders and tripping over our feet as we keep trying valiantly to move forward. We tend to wear them like treasured clothing, things that have almost become a part of us and our identity. Sadly, our pain all too often becomes who we are, and our very way of thinking starts to revolve exclusively around that.
honoring God while living with chronic pain

My Body Appears to be Mulfunctioning!

By Shoshana Lipson • February 2, 2020
The way I read the Word of God it's pretty obvious that God knows me inside and out - in fact, from before I was even born. He knows YOU inside and out too! Every thought, every fear, every doubt, every dream, and every hope. And yet, for some reason I've chosen to live most of my life not only trying to hide my health challenges from those around me, but also trying to 'fix' them so that God can work out His purpose in me.
chronic pain Christian suffering

Not A Huge Fan of Lemonade!

By Shoshana Lipson • January 18, 2020
Sometimes the greatest miracle is the miracle of a changed perspective: The ability to stand EXACTLY where you are, FACING it, without RUNNING or HIDING. It is looking for gold in the dark places and refusing to give up!
chronic pain and the Christian

Living In The Midst of the Unfathomable

By Shoshana Lipson • January 17, 2020
Every day I have to make that choice to trust in a God whose thoughts are not my thoughts and whose ways are not my ways. Every morning I give Him my pain and doubt and feel His arms enfold me saying, "I am here and I have not forgotten you."
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