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Embers of Endurance: Rising above Chronic Pain and Illness
When chronic pain steals your joy, crushes your faith, and leaves you wondering if God has forgotten you ... this book will meet you in the darkness and walk you back into the light.
You've cried out to God for healing. You've pleaded for relief. You've done everything the doctors recommended, yet pain still grips your body—and worse, it's beginning to grip your soul.
The sleepless nights. The canceled plans. The guilt of feeling like a burden. The fear that whispers, "This is your new normal." The doubt that creeps in when God seems silent. The depression that settles in when you realize your life and your purpose have been put on hold.
Without spiritual tools to navigate chronic illness, you risk losing more than your health. You risk losing your hope, your peace, and your faith.
In Embers of Endurance, bestselling and award-winning author Carolyn Dale Newell takes you on her raw, honest journey through debilitating spine surgery, countless complications, and the dark valley of despair. She shows you how she found God's sufficient grace in the midst of it all.
Through 30 powerful devotions, you'll
• How to trust God when He seems silent and your prayers feel unanswered
• Biblical strategies to reclaim joy and peace when pain threatens to steal them
• The truth about God's sovereignty in suffering and why He allows trials
• How to resist the enemy's lies about your worth, your future, and God's love
• What it means to be "more than a conqueror" even when you're not conquering the pain
Carolyn doesn't offer you a prosperity gospel or empty promises. She offers you something biblical truth tested in the fire of suffering. She's walked where you're walking. She knows the questions you're asking. And she's found the answers in Scripture that will sustain you through the longest, darkest nights.
This is not just another devotional. This is your lifeline.
If you're struggling with chronic pain or illness and your faith is wavering, Embers of Endurance will give you permission to grieve without giving up, equip you with Scriptures that will become your anchors, and help you reclaim what the enemy has your joy, peace, and hope.
You don't have to choose between faith and suffering. You can have both and emerge stronger.
Like the psalmist, like Job, like the woman with the issue of blood, you can endure. You can rise from the ashes. You can discover that even in your weakest moments, God's strength is made perfect.
Your pain may be relentless, but so is God's love.
Don't lose your fight. Don't give up hope. Let these pages remind you that you are not alone and that beauty can rise from ashes.
Begin your journey from surviving to thriving in chronic pain now.
You've cried out to God for healing. You've pleaded for relief. You've done everything the doctors recommended, yet pain still grips your body—and worse, it's beginning to grip your soul.
The sleepless nights. The canceled plans. The guilt of feeling like a burden. The fear that whispers, "This is your new normal." The doubt that creeps in when God seems silent. The depression that settles in when you realize your life and your purpose have been put on hold.
Without spiritual tools to navigate chronic illness, you risk losing more than your health. You risk losing your hope, your peace, and your faith.
In Embers of Endurance, bestselling and award-winning author Carolyn Dale Newell takes you on her raw, honest journey through debilitating spine surgery, countless complications, and the dark valley of despair. She shows you how she found God's sufficient grace in the midst of it all.
Through 30 powerful devotions, you'll
• How to trust God when He seems silent and your prayers feel unanswered
• Biblical strategies to reclaim joy and peace when pain threatens to steal them
• The truth about God's sovereignty in suffering and why He allows trials
• How to resist the enemy's lies about your worth, your future, and God's love
• What it means to be "more than a conqueror" even when you're not conquering the pain
Carolyn doesn't offer you a prosperity gospel or empty promises. She offers you something biblical truth tested in the fire of suffering. She's walked where you're walking. She knows the questions you're asking. And she's found the answers in Scripture that will sustain you through the longest, darkest nights.
This is not just another devotional. This is your lifeline.
If you're struggling with chronic pain or illness and your faith is wavering, Embers of Endurance will give you permission to grieve without giving up, equip you with Scriptures that will become your anchors, and help you reclaim what the enemy has your joy, peace, and hope.
You don't have to choose between faith and suffering. You can have both and emerge stronger.
Like the psalmist, like Job, like the woman with the issue of blood, you can endure. You can rise from the ashes. You can discover that even in your weakest moments, God's strength is made perfect.
Your pain may be relentless, but so is God's love.
Don't lose your fight. Don't give up hope. Let these pages remind you that you are not alone and that beauty can rise from ashes.
Begin your journey from surviving to thriving in chronic pain now.
- GenresChristian Living
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 2, 2026
If you are looking for a Christian devotional, you need to check out Embers of Endurance: Rising Above Chronic Pain and Illness by Carolyn Dale Newell.
Have you ever gone through a season of life when you knew God was there, but struggled to feel His presence? When you’ve prayed, trusted, and waited, yet nothing seems to change? I think those can be some of the hardest moments in our walk with Christ. We know what Scripture tells us about God’s faithfulness, but holding on to those truths when life hurts isn’t always easy. That’s one of the reasons Carolyn Dale Newell’s 30-day devotional resonated with me.
Carolyn shares her personal journey through chronic pain, including debilitating sciatica, major spinal fusion surgery, and complications that challenged her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What stood out to me wasn’t just everything she endured, but how honestly she shares the struggles with her faith. I appreciate that vulnerability because I think, as Christians, we sometimes feel like we’re supposed to have it all together, even when we’re barely holding on.
One of the things I appreciated most was that Carolyn doesn’t offer quick fixes or make suffering sound easier than it is. Instead, she shares the biblical truths that helped her through some incredibly difficult days. Sometimes, we don’t need someone telling us to have more faith. We need encouragement from someone who understands the struggle and can gently point us back to God’s Word.
The message of God’s sufficient grace especially spoke to my heart. One of the prayers I often return to is, “Not in my own strength, Lord, not in my own strength. Guide me. Direct me. Help me.” As I reflected on Carolyn’s story, I was reminded how often I want God to give me answers instead of simply trusting Him. I like knowing what’s ahead, and waiting on His timing isn’t always easy. But sometimes He doesn’t show us the whole picture. He gives us the strength to take the next step.
I also loved the imagery of embers rising from the ashes and the reminder that beauty can still be found amid suffering. Sometimes we’re so focused on wanting our circumstances to change that we overlook the quieter ways God is working—a timely Scripture, an encouraging conversation, or an unexpected moment of peace. Those little reminders of His presence can mean so much.
Although this devotional is written for those living with chronic pain, I believe its message reaches beyond physical suffering. We all face seasons when life feels overwhelming and trusting God is easier said than done. I appreciate that Carolyn reminds us we can bring our fears, frustrations, and questions to Him without pretending everything is fine.
What stayed with me most is that hope doesn’t always mean our circumstances will change. Sometimes, it means learning to recognize God’s presence right where we are. I think that’s an especially meaningful message for anyone facing ongoing struggles.
If you or someone you love is dealing with chronic pain, I would encourage you to consider this devotional. Even if chronic illness isn’t part of your story, there’s encouragement here for anyone walking through a difficult season.
More than anything, this devotional reminded me that I don’t have to have all the answers or face life’s challenges in my own strength. I need to keep turning to the One who does.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
So if you want a new Christian devotional, check out Embers of Endurance: Rising Above Chronic Pain and Illness by Carolyn Dale Newell. I definitely recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All my opinions are my own.
Have you ever gone through a season of life when you knew God was there, but struggled to feel His presence? When you’ve prayed, trusted, and waited, yet nothing seems to change? I think those can be some of the hardest moments in our walk with Christ. We know what Scripture tells us about God’s faithfulness, but holding on to those truths when life hurts isn’t always easy. That’s one of the reasons Carolyn Dale Newell’s 30-day devotional resonated with me.
Carolyn shares her personal journey through chronic pain, including debilitating sciatica, major spinal fusion surgery, and complications that challenged her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What stood out to me wasn’t just everything she endured, but how honestly she shares the struggles with her faith. I appreciate that vulnerability because I think, as Christians, we sometimes feel like we’re supposed to have it all together, even when we’re barely holding on.
One of the things I appreciated most was that Carolyn doesn’t offer quick fixes or make suffering sound easier than it is. Instead, she shares the biblical truths that helped her through some incredibly difficult days. Sometimes, we don’t need someone telling us to have more faith. We need encouragement from someone who understands the struggle and can gently point us back to God’s Word.
The message of God’s sufficient grace especially spoke to my heart. One of the prayers I often return to is, “Not in my own strength, Lord, not in my own strength. Guide me. Direct me. Help me.” As I reflected on Carolyn’s story, I was reminded how often I want God to give me answers instead of simply trusting Him. I like knowing what’s ahead, and waiting on His timing isn’t always easy. But sometimes He doesn’t show us the whole picture. He gives us the strength to take the next step.
I also loved the imagery of embers rising from the ashes and the reminder that beauty can still be found amid suffering. Sometimes we’re so focused on wanting our circumstances to change that we overlook the quieter ways God is working—a timely Scripture, an encouraging conversation, or an unexpected moment of peace. Those little reminders of His presence can mean so much.
Although this devotional is written for those living with chronic pain, I believe its message reaches beyond physical suffering. We all face seasons when life feels overwhelming and trusting God is easier said than done. I appreciate that Carolyn reminds us we can bring our fears, frustrations, and questions to Him without pretending everything is fine.
What stayed with me most is that hope doesn’t always mean our circumstances will change. Sometimes, it means learning to recognize God’s presence right where we are. I think that’s an especially meaningful message for anyone facing ongoing struggles.
If you or someone you love is dealing with chronic pain, I would encourage you to consider this devotional. Even if chronic illness isn’t part of your story, there’s encouragement here for anyone walking through a difficult season.
More than anything, this devotional reminded me that I don’t have to have all the answers or face life’s challenges in my own strength. I need to keep turning to the One who does.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
So if you want a new Christian devotional, check out Embers of Endurance: Rising Above Chronic Pain and Illness by Carolyn Dale Newell. I definitely recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All my opinions are my own.
October 28, 2026
Embers of Endurance is an excellent, helpful devotional book of Christian encouragement for those living with chronic pain. I began reading it while in a storm of chronic pain flair-ups, and plan to keep it close by so that when the next cloud approaches, a valued tool is at hand.
The author shares her own experiences with chronic pain, expressing emotions and responses similar to what many of us deal with. She considers how chronic pain and its resulting isolation grips many of us, and at its worst, may result in depression and a shaky faith in the Lord, His love, and His presence. Her devotions met me where I was at, and offered scripture and suggestions of what helped her into a stronger, deeper faith, no matter the level of pain suffered. Ms. Newell does not deliver false hope or platitudes. Even though it seems impossible, we can have true joy, which the author explains clearly. She suggests goals, and while writing this, prayed for those who would read and make use of the devotions.
The devotions are written in a familiar style: Chapter headings that assist in finding a specific challenge, a focus scripture, a narrative that includes that specific challenge, encouragement, an additional scripture, and a short prayer.
The devotions are not “once and done” reads. If one needs to hold onto a particular concept or scripture, one can use that devotional as often as it is needed. The scriptures included throughout are, to me, mostly familiar, some that I definitely want to re-learn and apply to other situations. Ms. Newell also reminds the readers to keep our focus on God, that satan is not winning, and God has not stopped helping us.
I highly recommend Embers of Endurance to those who are in a season – or a lifetime – of chronic pain.
Many thanks to the author, Carolyn Dale Newell, who provided a pre-publication copy of this novel through CelebrateLit. This is my honest review.
The author shares her own experiences with chronic pain, expressing emotions and responses similar to what many of us deal with. She considers how chronic pain and its resulting isolation grips many of us, and at its worst, may result in depression and a shaky faith in the Lord, His love, and His presence. Her devotions met me where I was at, and offered scripture and suggestions of what helped her into a stronger, deeper faith, no matter the level of pain suffered. Ms. Newell does not deliver false hope or platitudes. Even though it seems impossible, we can have true joy, which the author explains clearly. She suggests goals, and while writing this, prayed for those who would read and make use of the devotions.
The devotions are written in a familiar style: Chapter headings that assist in finding a specific challenge, a focus scripture, a narrative that includes that specific challenge, encouragement, an additional scripture, and a short prayer.
The devotions are not “once and done” reads. If one needs to hold onto a particular concept or scripture, one can use that devotional as often as it is needed. The scriptures included throughout are, to me, mostly familiar, some that I definitely want to re-learn and apply to other situations. Ms. Newell also reminds the readers to keep our focus on God, that satan is not winning, and God has not stopped helping us.
I highly recommend Embers of Endurance to those who are in a season – or a lifetime – of chronic pain.
Many thanks to the author, Carolyn Dale Newell, who provided a pre-publication copy of this novel through CelebrateLit. This is my honest review.
October 25, 2026
"In Embers of Endurance: Rising Above Chronic Pain and Illness" by Carolyn Dale Newell, the author writes from her own experience of severe chronic pain from scoliosis. She shares her struggles with doubt, depression and discouragement. There are 30 devotions. I read the book in one setting. There is lots of scriptures and practical advice for those who have chronic pain. Each day has a question that could be answered in a journal if you do journal writing. She also uses Biblical characters as examples.
I am sharing this quote because it really made me think (page 22) God gives us more than we can bear because He helps us bear it. Otherwise, we would never need Him. Many people, including myself, make our focal verse sound like God never gives us more than we can handle. If that were the case, we wouldn't cry out to Him for help so often. When we look at this verse with that perspective, we are taking the verse out of context.
The verse she's talking about is, No temptation has overtaken you except such this common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. I Cor 10:13 NKJV
She goes on to explain why she says this, that this is talking about a temptation to sin. I hope you are curious enough to read more, at least about her thoughts on this verse, to get yourself a copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
I am sharing this quote because it really made me think (page 22) God gives us more than we can bear because He helps us bear it. Otherwise, we would never need Him. Many people, including myself, make our focal verse sound like God never gives us more than we can handle. If that were the case, we wouldn't cry out to Him for help so often. When we look at this verse with that perspective, we are taking the verse out of context.
The verse she's talking about is, No temptation has overtaken you except such this common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. I Cor 10:13 NKJV
She goes on to explain why she says this, that this is talking about a temptation to sin. I hope you are curious enough to read more, at least about her thoughts on this verse, to get yourself a copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
October 21, 2026
There are so many people living with chronic pain today. Everyday is a battle for them. Nights are difficult as they try to ignore the pain to get a little rest. During the day, everyday chores are hard but some push through. I appreciate how the author shares their story of hope and endurance.
Through Biblical figures and personal accounts the author walks us through how God is there. Job is a great example of suffering. He was left with nothing, yet he still praised and honored God. There are many scriptures in the book that is encouraging and reminds us that God wins.
How do you find joy in the middle of a storm? The answer is simple. Put on Praise and Worship music. Let His words surround you. Pray and thank God that He is our healer. Focus on the good and leave the bad behind. Renew your mind daily and see how God can do the impossible.
This is a very encouraging devotional that will help those going through chronic pain and illness. The words are compassionate and includes scriptures that give hope and joy.
“The devil isn’t winning and God hasn’t stopped helping us.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Through Biblical figures and personal accounts the author walks us through how God is there. Job is a great example of suffering. He was left with nothing, yet he still praised and honored God. There are many scriptures in the book that is encouraging and reminds us that God wins.
How do you find joy in the middle of a storm? The answer is simple. Put on Praise and Worship music. Let His words surround you. Pray and thank God that He is our healer. Focus on the good and leave the bad behind. Renew your mind daily and see how God can do the impossible.
This is a very encouraging devotional that will help those going through chronic pain and illness. The words are compassionate and includes scriptures that give hope and joy.
“The devil isn’t winning and God hasn’t stopped helping us.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
November 2, 2026
Christian Devotionals are a part of my Everyday Christian Walk. I especially LOVE Devotionals that have a Focused Topic. Embers of Endurance by Carolyn Dale Newell is the most recent Devotional that I have read.
Chronic Illness is something that many experience and can be debilitating and painful. The Chronic Pain can cause depression and sadness, which can spiral to other areas of life. The author, Carolyn Newell, experienced Chronic Illness that left her lacking in faith in God. Carolyn's struggles led her to realize that even through the pain God is with her. She began to study Scripture that helped change her thoughts from depression and self destruction to Hope and Faith that God will help her through the illness. I really LOVE the format of this 30 Day Devotional. The Day of Devotional has a Scripture to Focus on, Encouragement, a personal experience or story from the author, and a prayer to focus on. I personally found this Devotional encouraging to me as the past year has been challenging for me health wise. I HIGHLY recommend this Devotional to anyone looking for encouragement through Chronic Illness. ENCOURAGING BOOK!
Chronic Illness is something that many experience and can be debilitating and painful. The Chronic Pain can cause depression and sadness, which can spiral to other areas of life. The author, Carolyn Newell, experienced Chronic Illness that left her lacking in faith in God. Carolyn's struggles led her to realize that even through the pain God is with her. She began to study Scripture that helped change her thoughts from depression and self destruction to Hope and Faith that God will help her through the illness. I really LOVE the format of this 30 Day Devotional. The Day of Devotional has a Scripture to Focus on, Encouragement, a personal experience or story from the author, and a prayer to focus on. I personally found this Devotional encouraging to me as the past year has been challenging for me health wise. I HIGHLY recommend this Devotional to anyone looking for encouragement through Chronic Illness. ENCOURAGING BOOK!
October 28, 2026
This nonfiction book of personal experience and spiritual growth touched my heart. I can identify with going through difficulties, particularly physical suffering, although my own has been nothing as tough as what the author went through. She did a great job being real on the page and by writing in a way that readers can relate to and with insights to apply to their own lives. You can read an entry each day as a thought-provoking devotional or just read through it and let the words speak to you. The writing is clear, authentic, and easy to understand. You feel like you really get to know the author by walking through this journey with her as you read her vulnerable text. You will find scriptural truth to help you in your own trials and encourage you in your daily struggles. Endure, hope, and persevere. God is still with you. I got the book on Amazon. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2026
Newell writes from her experience of severe chronic pain from scoliosis. She fought doubt, discouragement and depression, at one point thinking of ending her own life. She shares what she has learned, including biblical and practical ways to stabilize faith and draw closer to God.
A surprise: “God gives us more than we can bear because He helps us bear it. Otherwise, we would never need Him.” (Day 6) Wise words for those suffering.
This is a good book for anyone facing chronic pain. The lessons Newell learned and the insights she shares are very encouraging.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent review.
A surprise: “God gives us more than we can bear because He helps us bear it. Otherwise, we would never need Him.” (Day 6) Wise words for those suffering.
This is a good book for anyone facing chronic pain. The lessons Newell learned and the insights she shares are very encouraging.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent review.
April 5, 2026
A Trusted Companion in Navigating Health Problems
“Embers of Endurance” by Carolyn Newell offers encouragement and hope for everybody dealing with a health crisis. The tender devotions change the spirit and soul and transform the outlook and mindset by bringing hope, joy, and peace. The book helps us discover spiritual endurance and enables us not to give in to what we go through. Each devotion speaks straight to the weary heart and infuses it with strength. This makes the book a trusted and inspiring companion in navigating health problems.
“Embers of Endurance” by Carolyn Newell offers encouragement and hope for everybody dealing with a health crisis. The tender devotions change the spirit and soul and transform the outlook and mindset by bringing hope, joy, and peace. The book helps us discover spiritual endurance and enables us not to give in to what we go through. Each devotion speaks straight to the weary heart and infuses it with strength. This makes the book a trusted and inspiring companion in navigating health problems.
February 27, 2026
A timely word in due season
Carolyn’s newest publication is absolutely a perfect word in due season to and for me. She speaks from both heart and experience of living with multiple disabilities and striving to keep her heart focus on the one who created her and all things in her, Christ Jesus.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing a crisis of faith and or belief while living with chronic illness and disabilities.
Carolyn’s newest publication is absolutely a perfect word in due season to and for me. She speaks from both heart and experience of living with multiple disabilities and striving to keep her heart focus on the one who created her and all things in her, Christ Jesus.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing a crisis of faith and or belief while living with chronic illness and disabilities.
March 4, 2026
I highly recommend this devotional for anyone dealing with chronic pain or illness. As a two time cancer survivor, I appreciate how the author addresses so many of the struggles of chronic illness, besides the physical aspects. Things like discouragement, disappointment, and hopelessness. She points readers to the hope of Scripture through the lens of her own experiences. An uplifting and faith-filled read!
March 16, 2026
easy reading with deep thoughts
“You will realize God hasn’t stopped working or forgotten you, but He is sovereignly working in the dark.” -Carolyn Newell
The author walks you walks the reader through short readings that dig down into scriptural truths.
It’s very easy to read a chapter even on your busiest day.
Here’s a book for encouragement for anyone who’s going through physical pain. Pick up one for yourself and one for your friend.
“You will realize God hasn’t stopped working or forgotten you, but He is sovereignly working in the dark.” -Carolyn Newell
The author walks you walks the reader through short readings that dig down into scriptural truths.
It’s very easy to read a chapter even on your busiest day.
Here’s a book for encouragement for anyone who’s going through physical pain. Pick up one for yourself and one for your friend.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews