No one really wants a path through sorrow and suffering. Why must I walk through the suffering? Why must I say goodbye to my loved one?
Even before my husband passed away, God said to me I should take hold of the hands of Sorrow and Suffering. I knew this year would be challenging as I travel alone after 35 years of sweet companionship with the greatest earthly gift God ever gave me.
Hinds’ Feet in High Places
My mind went to Hannah Hurnard’s allegory, Hinds’ Feet in High Places. I decided it was time to reread it. I found a new book that included a devotion with the reading. I put out a request for people to join me in the read, and two of my dear chronic pain companions joined me as we read a chapter each week. Every Wednesday, we met up online to discuss the implications for each of us. It was a most blessed time together that we are still revelling in.
Hinds’ Feet is a story of a physically disabled girl wanting to reach the high mountains, but living among the naysayers. The Shepherd met her there in the trials, but He promised that if she would start on the road to the high places, He would not forsake her. She stepped onto the rugged path, and the shepherd gave her two companions to walk with her if she would allow them. Allegorically, the shepherd is Jesus!
The companions were Sorrow and Suffering. At first, she was hesitant to take hold of their hands. It was even painful to do so at first, but she soon found that it was comforting to hold their hands. I won’t spoil the story by telling you more. But I will say this book will be a blessing to you in your troubled life.
This book would also be a wonderful gift to a friend experiencing great trials.
Click and learn more here. It’s available in all formats and many styles at different prices, even a child’s version.
A Path Through Suffering
by Elisabeth Elliot
Elisabeth was the wife of missionary Jim Elliot, who died in the jungles of Ecuador by the hands of headhunters while trying to reach out to the tribes. Elisabeth continued her missionary life and wrote many books to encourage others along this troublesome path of life.
I picked up this devotional to read daily as I journey this hard road of sorrow. She had so many encouraging things to say to me. I related to her in so many ways and saw how Jesus kept her strong amid many trials, including the loss of a second husband.
While this book has much to say to the widow, it is not just for widows. Wherever you are in life, Elisabeth can encourage you to keep on the path of righteousness. I found this devotional available to listen to on Spotify if you have a membership. Well worth it. It’s one of the few books that I wanted to just start over again once I finished it.
Waking Up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson
Wow! Wake up, friends. Susie Larson will guide your eyes to see the goodness of God even in the hard places. Yes, they are there, but we have to look for them. Read this book first thing in the morning to start your day perfectly!
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
