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31-Day Devotionals for Life
Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith
Is chronic illness taking over your heart as much as your body? Physical symptoms and limitations change all aspects of life, leading to losses and to unique challenges that are difficult to navigate. Writing from her own experience with these issues, Esther Smith focuses heavily on encouragement and practical application, showing you how to release guilt and shame, ask for help, balance work and rest, and get through days of difficult symptoms. Each day, you will be encouraged as you consider how God uses illness in sanctifying, kingdom-advancing ways to display his glory and work in your heart. In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through Scripture passages that speak to specific situations or struggles, helping you to apply God’s Word to your life in practical ways day after day.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2020
49 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 24, 2023
This devotional isn’t perfect (see my two complaints below) but even then, it’s really, really good. Highly recommend to anyone who loves the Lord and has chronic illness.
………
The two things I’d change:
1. Smith never mentions sin (that I can recall). But even the one who’s suffering terribly must not neglect repentance.
2. It’s not the predominant philosophy of the book, but there are a few spots that sound like “no other person can really understand what you’re going through.” And from my own experience, that can be a dangerous thought path. Thankfully, it only appears a couple times, and the rest of the book is good enough to still be worth five stars.
………
The two things I’d change:
1. Smith never mentions sin (that I can recall). But even the one who’s suffering terribly must not neglect repentance.
2. It’s not the predominant philosophy of the book, but there are a few spots that sound like “no other person can really understand what you’re going through.” And from my own experience, that can be a dangerous thought path. Thankfully, it only appears a couple times, and the rest of the book is good enough to still be worth five stars.
June 26, 2024
Life with chronic illness can be very lonely and isolating. When I was first diagnosed, I knew no one who had the same illnesses. It was overwhelming. I was already fighting my symptoms and had been for many years. Now I was a permanent resident on the island of confirmed diagnosis— yet I felt like I was drowning more than ever before. Seeing those positive results caused anxiety and a certain helplessness.
This is the book I would have been thankful to read back in those days. But, I’m so glad to have found it now.
I love what Deepak Reju says in the opening:
“Like rain filling up a bucket, this devotional will surprise you. It may not seem like much; just a few verses every day. Drip. Drip. Drip. Yet a few drops of Scripture daily can satiate your parched soul. The transformative power of these readings will build over time and overflow into your life.”
I love that analogy and found it to be so true! Each reading felt tailored just for me. It was encouraging. Bear in mind that it isn’t a large book but I found much comfort and hope you will, too.
The book is broken up into four main sections. Draw Near to God, Take Care of Yourself, Live with Purpose, and Don’t Give Up. Under those titles are individual days. Each day features Scriptures to look up, a page and half approximately worth of reading, and simple reflection questions at the end.
The author speaks from a personal perspective; she herself has lupus and hypermobility syndrome. She knows chronic illness is hard, exhausting, discouraging… but she shares what she has learned over the years. She writes, “Learning to live with chronic illness happens through trial and error. We learn as we talk to people who have more years of illness behind them than we do. More importantly, we learn as we read Scripture and consider what God has to say about physical suffering. And that is what this book is about.”
I can’t recommend this book enough if you have chronic illness or know someone who does.
Thank you to @prpbooks for my #gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is the book I would have been thankful to read back in those days. But, I’m so glad to have found it now.
I love what Deepak Reju says in the opening:
“Like rain filling up a bucket, this devotional will surprise you. It may not seem like much; just a few verses every day. Drip. Drip. Drip. Yet a few drops of Scripture daily can satiate your parched soul. The transformative power of these readings will build over time and overflow into your life.”
I love that analogy and found it to be so true! Each reading felt tailored just for me. It was encouraging. Bear in mind that it isn’t a large book but I found much comfort and hope you will, too.
The book is broken up into four main sections. Draw Near to God, Take Care of Yourself, Live with Purpose, and Don’t Give Up. Under those titles are individual days. Each day features Scriptures to look up, a page and half approximately worth of reading, and simple reflection questions at the end.
The author speaks from a personal perspective; she herself has lupus and hypermobility syndrome. She knows chronic illness is hard, exhausting, discouraging… but she shares what she has learned over the years. She writes, “Learning to live with chronic illness happens through trial and error. We learn as we talk to people who have more years of illness behind them than we do. More importantly, we learn as we read Scripture and consider what God has to say about physical suffering. And that is what this book is about.”
I can’t recommend this book enough if you have chronic illness or know someone who does.
Thank you to @prpbooks for my #gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 6, 2020
This is an excellent devotion book by Esther Smith. It is filled with rich, biblical truths to help you live a godly life with chronic illness. Esther shares kind encouragement and practically helpful tips. Whether you are new to the chronic illness life, or you have been suffering from chronic illness for many years, you will find help and insight within these pages.
June 24, 2021
Wow, this was such a great devotional—I would 100 percent recommend it to any chronically ill Christians. I'll probably be flipping back to some parts every now and then.
April 30, 2024
As a Christian who suffers from Chronic pain and illness I found a lot of this book tone helpful. Several times I thought the author understands me and knows what I am going through. Overall the book is good and has helpful truths. Each person with Chronic pain walks a different path. But we can help each other through our sickness and pain.
November 5, 2024
Such a gift of grace for me. I've struggled with chronic illness for years and years, and this devotional helped me put to words things I wrestle with that I wasn't able to before. It was a sweet reminder that I'm not alone in this battle against my body!
September 12, 2020
This book is a gift. I am so thankful for the encouragement it has been to me.
July 30, 2020
*I am reviewing this 31-day devotional as an ARC.
I like it a bunch.
I am not someone who suffers from chronic pain, but I have spend the last two years in burnout-induced anxiety and then depression, and I resonate with something that Smith writes on almost every page. She is equal parts pastoral and prophetic; that is to say, her tone is tender and compassionate at the same time that she cuts you no slack in calling you to faithfulness to God, first and foremost, in the middle of your trials. She models gentleness and kindness towards oneself and one's body rooted in God's character as revealed in Scripture, a kind of self-care much stronger and more compelling than the roots of self-care as presented in the secular world. She also makes a strong, Scriptural call for hope, perseverance, and dialogue with God even on bad days and in dark times.
Would recommend for people struggling with chronic pain/illness and people like me on a long road through the valley of mental illness. I would also recommend to people seeking to journey alongside of their friends who have chronic pain; I got to think about aspects of my friends' experience unique to them and see a little farther into their worlds because I took the time to read this.
I like it a bunch.
I am not someone who suffers from chronic pain, but I have spend the last two years in burnout-induced anxiety and then depression, and I resonate with something that Smith writes on almost every page. She is equal parts pastoral and prophetic; that is to say, her tone is tender and compassionate at the same time that she cuts you no slack in calling you to faithfulness to God, first and foremost, in the middle of your trials. She models gentleness and kindness towards oneself and one's body rooted in God's character as revealed in Scripture, a kind of self-care much stronger and more compelling than the roots of self-care as presented in the secular world. She also makes a strong, Scriptural call for hope, perseverance, and dialogue with God even on bad days and in dark times.
Would recommend for people struggling with chronic pain/illness and people like me on a long road through the valley of mental illness. I would also recommend to people seeking to journey alongside of their friends who have chronic pain; I got to think about aspects of my friends' experience unique to them and see a little farther into their worlds because I took the time to read this.
April 30, 2020
I was invited to read an advanced copy of this book, and this work is so needed in the chronically ill community. It is written for Christians, who have an invested interest in pursuing discipleship even in the midst of chronic pain/illness.
The book is grounded in solid theological reflection on relevant scriptural texts that are grouped together by large themes. One of the best things about the book is how grace-centered and empathetic it is without giving in to our inclination for self-pity and false identity (i.e. my disease is the most important thing about me).
I felt understood by the author, but also encouraged and even inspired to a deeper walk with God. It could be read several times a year, and the reader would identify with it (and the individual devotionals) differently each time depending on his/her current struggle.
There are also helpful reflection questions and suggested actions that are not overwhelming at the end of each day. I definitely intend to read it again and will encourage others with similar struggles to get Esther's book. It is a much needed breath of fresh air targeted for an often neglected demographic.
The book is grounded in solid theological reflection on relevant scriptural texts that are grouped together by large themes. One of the best things about the book is how grace-centered and empathetic it is without giving in to our inclination for self-pity and false identity (i.e. my disease is the most important thing about me).
I felt understood by the author, but also encouraged and even inspired to a deeper walk with God. It could be read several times a year, and the reader would identify with it (and the individual devotionals) differently each time depending on his/her current struggle.
There are also helpful reflection questions and suggested actions that are not overwhelming at the end of each day. I definitely intend to read it again and will encourage others with similar struggles to get Esther's book. It is a much needed breath of fresh air targeted for an often neglected demographic.
August 2, 2020
I love everything about this devotional. The way the author wrote about chronic illness clearly showed an intimate experience physically and spiritually. The words came from a place I know too well and it gave me encouragement. I truly appreciated how she made me focus on the truth of God’s Word while giving me a welcomed new perspective.
December 30, 2021
Wow, this is the kind of devotional I’ve been needing. So many things are geared towards healthy people and it can be unrelatable to those with chronic pain and chronic illness. This book was so refreshing and I will definitely be going back to it for inspiration!
March 6, 2023
This was a beautiful devotional, and one that I will definitely read again. It’s perfect for anyone struggling through a chronic illness. The author herself experiences chronic pain and fatigue and writes from her own life, while also pointing us not to her but to the Lord. A rich, rich read.
My copy is full of highlights, but here is just one quote to give you a taste:
“Excel in the work of the Lord today. Make breakfast for the Lord. Take medication for the Lord. Do the dishes for the Lord. Take a nap for the Lord. Encourage a friend for the Lord. Control your anger for the Lord. Make someone tea for the Lord. Live all of life in reliance on God and for his glory, and one day you will see the fruit of your labor.”
My copy is full of highlights, but here is just one quote to give you a taste:
“Excel in the work of the Lord today. Make breakfast for the Lord. Take medication for the Lord. Do the dishes for the Lord. Take a nap for the Lord. Encourage a friend for the Lord. Control your anger for the Lord. Make someone tea for the Lord. Live all of life in reliance on God and for his glory, and one day you will see the fruit of your labor.”
December 31, 2020
For any follower of Christ who is experiencing chronic illness this is a good31 day devotional. The author works through her own situational understanding and her professional training to help bring the realities of chronic illness to meet with Christian faith.
As a preacher this is a resource that i will give/recommend to others who are dealing with chronic illness.
As a preacher this is a resource that i will give/recommend to others who are dealing with chronic illness.
May 12, 2020
Esther is a very talented young lady with great wisdom, understanding & personal experience with chronic illness. I have never written an online review before & I’m also not much of a reader, but this book proved to be too invaluable not to share with others. Esther writes with such ease, grace & wisdom- like we’re just friends having coffee- but a friend who really “gets” me, when so few people do! That’s cuz she, too, is on the difficult journey with me. She openly speaks of the deep, dark, difficult reality of chronic pain & illness, but she also so eloquently weaves in how God, as our good, loving, faithful Lord & Savior, also “gets” us & what He has to say about suffering. She not only has a great knowledge & understanding of the hope found in His Word, but she has experiential knowledge of the person of Jesus as her Savior & the Hope He alone provides for those of us living thru the dailiness of unending chronic pain/illness. Obviously, I highly recommend this book!
May 31, 2020
So highly recommend this devo for anyone who has a chronic illness! It’s short and sweet daily readings, and has been so helpful to me to help me see that God just wants me, not the list of things I could do if I were healthy.
May 7, 2020
I absolutely recommend this book! My heart was given hope from reading about how God is with me always during chronic illness. The easy to read daily devotional poses great questions for reflection!
May 12, 2020
A very encouraging, biblical devotional for those suffering with Chronic Illness.
June 20, 2023
I read thru this one frequently to remind me to keep my eyes fixed on Christ.
May 11, 2024
I really appreciate Esther Smith's perspective. Her book "A Still and Quiet Mind" is one of my favorite books.
I would recommend this to anyone walking through a long season of illness or pain. For example, I think of anyone who suffers from debilitating migraines, arthritis, extreme allergies or food intolerances, fibromyalgia, infertility, or any number of mysterious, unexplained health issues...
Smith experiences chronic illness herself so she has a sympathetic approach. She is honest about the questions many ask themselves.
She has a section on self-care in which she explains that our efforts to take care of our bodies (doctor's appts, complicated treatments, diets) glorify God. That God holds our bodies in the highest regard so we don't need to feel guilty for the efforts we have to take to care for our broken and fallen bodies. He is practical about our physical needs and wants us to care for ourselves well.
And she also reminds us that God has a ministry for us to fulfill in these very bodies. There is purpose in our hardships and God can accomplish so much through us in whatever amount of strength we have. She says "Excel in the work of the Lord today. Make breakfast for the Lord. Take medication for the Lord. Do the dishes for the Lord. Take a nap for the Lord. Encourage a friend for the Lord. Control your anger for the Lord. Make someone tea for the Lord. Live all of life in reliance on God and for his glory, and one day you will see the fruit of your labor." <3
When chronic illness tempts you to doubt that you have anything to offer God or this world, remember "it is impossible to waste your life if you live it for God."
I would recommend this to anyone walking through a long season of illness or pain. For example, I think of anyone who suffers from debilitating migraines, arthritis, extreme allergies or food intolerances, fibromyalgia, infertility, or any number of mysterious, unexplained health issues...
Smith experiences chronic illness herself so she has a sympathetic approach. She is honest about the questions many ask themselves.
She has a section on self-care in which she explains that our efforts to take care of our bodies (doctor's appts, complicated treatments, diets) glorify God. That God holds our bodies in the highest regard so we don't need to feel guilty for the efforts we have to take to care for our broken and fallen bodies. He is practical about our physical needs and wants us to care for ourselves well.
And she also reminds us that God has a ministry for us to fulfill in these very bodies. There is purpose in our hardships and God can accomplish so much through us in whatever amount of strength we have. She says "Excel in the work of the Lord today. Make breakfast for the Lord. Take medication for the Lord. Do the dishes for the Lord. Take a nap for the Lord. Encourage a friend for the Lord. Control your anger for the Lord. Make someone tea for the Lord. Live all of life in reliance on God and for his glory, and one day you will see the fruit of your labor." <3
When chronic illness tempts you to doubt that you have anything to offer God or this world, remember "it is impossible to waste your life if you live it for God."
February 14, 2025
Full 5/5 stars! I’d give more if I could. This book was a huge support to me in my own struggles with chronic illness and will be a book I’ll be referring to for years to come. I took notes throughout reading and answered the many follow up reflection questions which I found to be immensely helpful. Esther gives a clear view of what realistic chronic illness looks like and what we can do to find hope amidst so much uncertainty. Though the book was 31 days long, I felt like there was no real “repetitiveness” between each devotional and each day offered something new to ponder. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with health problems themselves or even to recommend it to someone who does. What a resource this book is! Thank you Esther for this hope-filled masterpiece!
January 18, 2025
I am so incredibly grateful for this book and that it was recommended to me.
I was diagnosed with POTS back in September and it has come with a lot of uncertainty, anxiety, anger, grief, and loneliness.
But as the author points out, even though we feel these things with chronic illness there is still so much light because of the one who has created us.
I believe that reading this book and seeing what God does have to say about chronic illness has help a lot with building my faith during a dark time and helping me to rebuild my relationship with God in a way that I believe has been so transformative.
If you are someone who has a chronic illness or knows someone with a chronic illness I 110% recommend this book!!
I was diagnosed with POTS back in September and it has come with a lot of uncertainty, anxiety, anger, grief, and loneliness.
But as the author points out, even though we feel these things with chronic illness there is still so much light because of the one who has created us.
I believe that reading this book and seeing what God does have to say about chronic illness has help a lot with building my faith during a dark time and helping me to rebuild my relationship with God in a way that I believe has been so transformative.
If you are someone who has a chronic illness or knows someone with a chronic illness I 110% recommend this book!!
August 7, 2023
As someone who has been struggling myself for the past couple years with chronic pain, and is still continuing to try and find a diagnosis or treatment plan, it’s been difficult to truly understand “why” or “How long o Lord.”. Esther Smith does an incredible job at encouraging believers who are in this season of life with Truth and how to live a godly life even if that looks different than you knew. She also validates the pain and suffering that comes along with it and that our savior understands and cares for us through it.
I highly recommend this devotional to anyone who is suffering from chronic illness or pain this was so encouraging and beautifully written.
I highly recommend this devotional to anyone who is suffering from chronic illness or pain this was so encouraging and beautifully written.
February 2, 2021
This is an absolutely excellent and encouraging devotional for those going through chronic suffering. It’s very clear that Esther Smith “gets it” and is writing from the perspective of a fellow sufferer who is herself trying to wade through deep waters, not a detached teacher shouting instructions at the people drowning far below them. Each day’s reading is less than 2 pages which makes working through it, even on bad days, very manageable. I can easily recommend this devotional to anyone who is battling with chronic issues no matter what those issues are or where they’re at in their journey.
July 14, 2025
A must read for any believer struggling with chronic illness
The author gives meaning and hope to situations that appear meaningless and hopeless. She offers understanding, compassion, and fellowship to the reader. She encourages believers to rest in the loving care and grace of God, and helps us to see our situations in hope from an eternal perspective. I am truly blessed by reading this. May God bless the other readers, the author, and her family.
The author gives meaning and hope to situations that appear meaningless and hopeless. She offers understanding, compassion, and fellowship to the reader. She encourages believers to rest in the loving care and grace of God, and helps us to see our situations in hope from an eternal perspective. I am truly blessed by reading this. May God bless the other readers, the author, and her family.
October 22, 2022
This book was truly a lifesaver! Finally someone understood what I was going thru and gave me so much hope. A wonderful, God-centered devotional. I recommend it for anyone walking the difficult road of chronic pain and illness.
February 2, 2024
As somebody who struggles with an undiagnosed mystery illness that can take me out for weeks at a time, I’ve been struggling with how to live in a way that pleases God. This devotional helped to take some of the pressure off of feeling like I have to ‘do’ to be approved. If you’re struggling through an illness, known or unknown, this devotional will encourage you to trust in God and His plan through the struggles. Recommended for sure to anybody who is regularly ill.
April 3, 2021
A real treasure for any Christian that struggles with chronic illness and their faith. Incredibly compassionate, gentle, and wise encouragement.
October 17, 2024
This book is definitely a must have if you are overcoming chronic illness and/or pain. 10/10 I recommend.
January 27, 2025
a daily dose of faith to keep you going
This book has offered me a daily dose of God’s goodness and given me biblical words to keep me going even through the darkest days.
This book has offered me a daily dose of God’s goodness and given me biblical words to keep me going even through the darkest days.
July 6, 2025
A library treasure for those suffering with chronic illness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews