Guest Post by Leslie L. McKee
Introduction
Life can become overwhelming. Often, it is easy to feel alone–to feel that no one understands. It is comforting to remember that despite our emotions, God has not abandoned us. Additional comfort is found in community that lifts us closer to truths found in God’s love.
Author Leslie L. McKee has been a chronic pain warrior for more than twenty years. She uses her platform as a writer to help others find hope amid their own battles with chronic pain. Her devotional journal, Hope Amid the Pain, just celebrated it’s first anniversary on October 26th. Today, Leslie is going to share a devotional with you!
Hope Amid the Pain Excerpt
The following excerpt is from Day 45 of Hope Amid the Pain by Leslie L. McKee. All rights reserved to Leslie L. McKee and the publisher, Ambassador International (Emerald House Group, Incorporated).
Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. —Luke 5:16
Life can be overwhelming. Deadlines. Finances. Traffic. Children. Illness. On the go. Always connected. We are bombarded from the moment the alarm goes off until we go to bed. And for some people, it doesn’t completely stop then. The disruptions continue into the evening and lead to fragmented sleep. Day in and day out, the cycle continues: alarm, work, football game, supper, bills. The stress is compounded when you throw in chronic pain or illness. When do we have a chance to take a breath? Or listen for God’s still, small voice?
Luke reminds us that Jesus needed time to step away. After a day of teaching and healing, He took a moment to withdraw from the crowds, find solitude, and spend time talking to His Father—and listening. He was God in the flesh, yet Jesus still needed to pray. He was bombarded with more tasks than we could ever imagine. Sure, He didn’t have an overflowing inbox or school events to attend. However, He ministered to thousands of people, and the crowds asking for healing or understanding multiplied daily. As the only Son of God, Jesus was a busy man. Even with all those demands, He knew the importance of having a time-out.
Life pulls us in many directions. On good days, that hectic schedule may be somewhat manageable. But on the not-so-good days? Burnout could occur. If Jesus needed a time to be still, why should we be any different? Why do we feel obligated to be available to everyone at any time of the day? Simply put, if we are too busy to pray, we are too busy. Try something new today. Give yourself permission to turn off the phone and TV. Wait to reply to the emails. Have a moment of silence. Spend some time with your heavenly Father, and see what He wants to tell you today.
Lord, let me hear Your voice today above all the noise around me. Amen.
More About Hope Amid the Pain
Hope Amid the Pain is a 60-day devotional journal designed for women with chronic pain and illness. In 2023, the devotional journal won first place in its category for the Ames Award and The BookFest Award.
Book Blurb:
Why me? Is God punishing me? Is my faith not strong enough for God to heal me? How can I achieve my dreams? What’s my purpose?
If you’re someone living with a chronic illness or chronic pain, these are just a few of the questions you’ve likely asked on more than one occasion. You may feel overlooked or even resentful. You try to stay positive, but some days it’s hard. It’s natural to feel this way and grieve, but it’s still possible to have a hope-filled life. God has a purpose for the pain.
Christians aren’t immune from pain and illness, but we don’t have to go through it alone. Jesus promised that He would “never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).
Millions of women suffering from chronic pain and illness want the reassurance they’re not alone. The devotions in HOPE Amid the Pain are written by a chronic pain warrior with over twenty-five years’ experience and will point the reader to hope and encouragement. It’s possible to Hang On to Positive Expectations (HOPE) even amid the pain.
More About Leslie L. McKee
Leslie is an award-winning author, editor, and reviewer, but writing, editing, and reviewing are not merely jobs—they are her passions. She is an avid reader with an eye for detail. Leslie has been a chronic pain warrior for more than twenty years, so she is familiar with the peaks and valleys associated with living with a chronic illness. She has felt God come alongside her through His Word and remind her that the battle is His and she’s not alone.
Leslie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and The Christian PEN. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading, playing piano, crocheting, spending time with family and friends (and her turtle!), and rooting for the NY Giants.
You can connect with Leslie McKee through her website, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Thanks, Kayla, for sharing about my book!