What do you think?
Rate this book
Chronic Love: Trusting God While Suffering with A Chronic Illness
Suffering is inescapable in this world.
Jesus told us we would face perilous trials and that even our bodies would feel the effects of the Fall. For women dealing with chronic illness, most books offer quick-fix counseling or devotional verses taken out of context, helpful only for momentary encouragement.
For true and lasting comfort we must dig deeper into God's Word and the context in which those much-used passages were written.
In Chronic Love, Brooke Bartz reveals a deeply raw and descriptive account of life with a chronic and debilitating illness, and she shares with readers how comfort and strength can be found through the Truth in God's Word.
Specifically designed for women who daily battle chronic illness, Chronic Love's goal is to provide solid Scriptural encouragement for the fight.
- GenresChristian
Audiobook
Published August 11, 2020
12 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Bartz
3 books7 followersBrooke Bartz is a stay-at-home wife and mom who lives daily with a chronic disease, knowing firsthand the daunting, gnawing physical and spiritual pain it causes. Yet disease was not always her close companion; in the years before her diagnosis, she grew up playing sports and earned a full scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. Not yet a Christian, she transferred colleges and attended an event for an on-campus ministry; as the Lord had planned, she heard the Gospel and He saved her. Soon after and while still in college, she married her childhood crush and began a volleyball coaching career. Living with rheumatoid arthritis and gastroparesis, Brooke desires for women to know the truth about the God who loves them and is with them each day as they face disease and disability; she shares the Truth of the Bible as their ultimate healing. Brooke's passion is spurring on the women God leads to her sphere of influence, inspiring their hearts to keep their strength and hope at the foot of the cross, to trust in the Great Shepherd to one day heal them completely in glory, even though for now they are suffering on earth.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 22, 2019
“Chronic Love” captured my attention because of its subtitle: “Trusting God While Suffering with a Chronic Illness”. For the past seven and a half years, since age 24, I have been battling chronic illness, and one diagnosis follows another in a domino effect as my body continues to fail me. It wasn’t until this year that I truly accepted that despite treatments, beaucoup medications, and natural remedies, my body was not going to get better in the physical sense. The goal is to have the best quality of life possible while acknowledging that I will always be disabled. Having “invisible” disabilities makes life more challenging because people assume you are well and don’t understand why you can’t do things or go places. On the other end of the spectrum are those who blame you for your illness and insist that you are sick because your faith is not strong enough or because God is angry with you. This year I have endeavored to stop waiting for my conditions to improve and really persist in glorifying God more than ever in spite of the pain and symptoms, so this book was a very timely read.
Brooke Bartz specifically addresses chronically ill women in “Chronic Love”, although the Scriptures and writing easily apply to everyone. Those of us with chronic illness are always hoping for a panacea, which the medical field just can’t provide. However, something that we often overlook is that if we belong to the Lord, we already have the cure! “If you are in Christ, you have the healing most people don’t. Living life on this earth healthy but without Christ proves the fatal disease.” Along with that, there are many other gems in this book. Each chapter employs the adjective “chronic” affixed to a Christian concept, upending the negative connotation of the word and demonstrating how Christ’s character and example show us how to live no matter the state of our physical condition. As Bartz reminds us, “[t]o have physical health but no salvation is the most fatal and terminal disease of all.” For those of us who are in Christ, we have the assurance that we will enter His kingdom whole and complete, and that one day He will give us resurrection bodies. Even a human lifetime of suffering cannot compare to a glorious, pain-free eternity with Christ!
Two of the main points that “Chronic Love” makes are that suffering makes us like Christ and also increases our dependence on God. Something that struck me while reading was that when we bemoan our condition we are actually hurting God because we are going against His will for us; we know that He uses all things for our good and for His glory if we are His children (Romans 8:28). Like Job, we may never know why we have chronic illnesses, but we can trust that our Savior knows and that He helps us to endure. He may choose to bring us healing, or He may not, and either way, we need to trust Him and rely on Him alone.
This is a book that is suitable for either personal or group study. At the end of each chapter are detail and main idea questions about the chapter’s contents as well as a prayer. “Chronic Love” overflows with Scripture verses and an abundance of encouragement and affirmation for women in all stages of illness. While this is written in a conversational language that is easy to read, it took me several days to finish it because I found myself wanting to savor and ponder the Bible verses and the author’s perspective. My only complaint is that the author tends to state the same phrase of a Bible verse followed immediately by the Bible verse itself in the same terms, which becomes very repetitious, instead of paraphrasing first. If you or a loved one suffer from chronic illness or are a caregiver for someone who does, “Chronic Love” will minister to your heart and soul and give you strength for the journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through JustRead Publicity Tours and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Brooke Bartz specifically addresses chronically ill women in “Chronic Love”, although the Scriptures and writing easily apply to everyone. Those of us with chronic illness are always hoping for a panacea, which the medical field just can’t provide. However, something that we often overlook is that if we belong to the Lord, we already have the cure! “If you are in Christ, you have the healing most people don’t. Living life on this earth healthy but without Christ proves the fatal disease.” Along with that, there are many other gems in this book. Each chapter employs the adjective “chronic” affixed to a Christian concept, upending the negative connotation of the word and demonstrating how Christ’s character and example show us how to live no matter the state of our physical condition. As Bartz reminds us, “[t]o have physical health but no salvation is the most fatal and terminal disease of all.” For those of us who are in Christ, we have the assurance that we will enter His kingdom whole and complete, and that one day He will give us resurrection bodies. Even a human lifetime of suffering cannot compare to a glorious, pain-free eternity with Christ!
Two of the main points that “Chronic Love” makes are that suffering makes us like Christ and also increases our dependence on God. Something that struck me while reading was that when we bemoan our condition we are actually hurting God because we are going against His will for us; we know that He uses all things for our good and for His glory if we are His children (Romans 8:28). Like Job, we may never know why we have chronic illnesses, but we can trust that our Savior knows and that He helps us to endure. He may choose to bring us healing, or He may not, and either way, we need to trust Him and rely on Him alone.
This is a book that is suitable for either personal or group study. At the end of each chapter are detail and main idea questions about the chapter’s contents as well as a prayer. “Chronic Love” overflows with Scripture verses and an abundance of encouragement and affirmation for women in all stages of illness. While this is written in a conversational language that is easy to read, it took me several days to finish it because I found myself wanting to savor and ponder the Bible verses and the author’s perspective. My only complaint is that the author tends to state the same phrase of a Bible verse followed immediately by the Bible verse itself in the same terms, which becomes very repetitious, instead of paraphrasing first. If you or a loved one suffer from chronic illness or are a caregiver for someone who does, “Chronic Love” will minister to your heart and soul and give you strength for the journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through JustRead Publicity Tours and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2019
I picked this book up primarily thinking of one of my relatives, but also because of a few others that I know who live with chronic illnesses. Unfortunately in today’s world many people have bought into ideals like the prosperity gospel because of how attractive it sounds, but there is an entire group of people fully ignored and/or unjustly judged. This book was fully saturated with scripture and was a huge encouragement to those who suffer daily. Scripture never says that life is sunshine and daisies once you become a believer. In fact you’re told you can expect a hard life with trials and persecution. But it’s also not all doom and gloom either… because the hope we have for eternity through Jesus far surpasses any hardships we may face on earth. I found this book to be highly encouraging by putting forth an eternal perspective without ignoring the daily battles people face with chronic illness. I’d easily recommend this for people to read who either deal with illness themselves or know of others that do.
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
September 6, 2019
At the heart of it, this book is for everyone, no matter what your health looks like. We live in a fallen world, and aren't promised a pain free life, but Brooke reminds us that suffering draws us closer to the Lord. This book is loaded with scriptures and encouragement! I really appreciate how Brooke opens her heart to the reader. I am so quick to whine when suffering, so this book was an excellent reminder of where my focus should be when going through painful experiences or illnesses. Our hope is in the Lord.
I highly recommend this book, both for personal reading or a group study.
I received this book from Just Read tours. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.
I highly recommend this book, both for personal reading or a group study.
I received this book from Just Read tours. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.
September 7, 2019
Chronic Love: Trusting God While Suffering from a Chronic Illness is Brooke Bartz first book. Written specifically for women with a chronic condition or a loved one with a chronic condition, Bartz shares encouragement bolstered by a multitude of scripture.
I read the Kindle version of Chronic Love which may have interfered with the structure of the book to some extent. Despite that I found the book, in my opinion, to ramble, sometimes from one thought to another and back again. While it is obvious the author has the spiritual gift of exhortation, I wish the format would be a bit easier to read.
That said, there were numerous things that garnered my attention such as the application of the word “chronic” to describe God’s love for people. The word “chronic”, as the author explains, is often used in a more negative way as in chronic health conditions; Bartz, however, says that chronic is something that is always there, it’s not going to go away. God’s love is chronic; it always is and it never goes away no matter the actions of people, His love just is.
Chronic Love is not just a lift your chin up kind of book; it points the reader to the source of unending love, God. Unfortunately, there was a basic, or maybe not so basic, paradigm shared in the first chapter of the book that I believe many will question. The idea that God ordains chronic illness, gives it to people for His purposes is utterly disagreeable for me. For me, I do not believe chronic illness or cancer or any other “negative” aspect of the human condition is the result of the fall of man ages ago in the Garden of Eden. It is through the fall, that those things became a part of the human condition, not ordained by God as many understand the word ordained. Allowed, perhaps, for surely no person would want God to be our puppeteer, mastering and controlling.
As one who experiences more than one chronic condition, to think God “ordained” such makes me feel angry and rebellious against such a God. However, a God who walks with me, sometimes carries me through my chronic conditions, for Him I can only express deep gratitude and love.
Even with that, I would recommend the book for the discerning reader for there is much to learn from author Brooke Bartz, who herself is well acquainted with chronic illness, sharing her love and compassion for others with passion and exhortation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
I read the Kindle version of Chronic Love which may have interfered with the structure of the book to some extent. Despite that I found the book, in my opinion, to ramble, sometimes from one thought to another and back again. While it is obvious the author has the spiritual gift of exhortation, I wish the format would be a bit easier to read.
That said, there were numerous things that garnered my attention such as the application of the word “chronic” to describe God’s love for people. The word “chronic”, as the author explains, is often used in a more negative way as in chronic health conditions; Bartz, however, says that chronic is something that is always there, it’s not going to go away. God’s love is chronic; it always is and it never goes away no matter the actions of people, His love just is.
Chronic Love is not just a lift your chin up kind of book; it points the reader to the source of unending love, God. Unfortunately, there was a basic, or maybe not so basic, paradigm shared in the first chapter of the book that I believe many will question. The idea that God ordains chronic illness, gives it to people for His purposes is utterly disagreeable for me. For me, I do not believe chronic illness or cancer or any other “negative” aspect of the human condition is the result of the fall of man ages ago in the Garden of Eden. It is through the fall, that those things became a part of the human condition, not ordained by God as many understand the word ordained. Allowed, perhaps, for surely no person would want God to be our puppeteer, mastering and controlling.
As one who experiences more than one chronic condition, to think God “ordained” such makes me feel angry and rebellious against such a God. However, a God who walks with me, sometimes carries me through my chronic conditions, for Him I can only express deep gratitude and love.
Even with that, I would recommend the book for the discerning reader for there is much to learn from author Brooke Bartz, who herself is well acquainted with chronic illness, sharing her love and compassion for others with passion and exhortation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
September 6, 2019
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Chronic Love is mainly written with those who live daily with chronic illness. I could relate with much of this book and to many of the personal stories here. I’ve been dealing with a severe chronic illness for over 20 years. I’ve read many books or devotionals that are really good, but only really touch the surface. I appreciate that Chronic Love goes much deeper into the life of author Brooke Bartz, teaching readers how to deal with the chronic illness each of us face daily.
It’s so easy with chronic illness, and even when the pain and suffering are but for a short while, to give into the suffering instead of going to the scriptures for help and comfort. I have failed in this many times over the years. I am glad, and I appreciate the time and research Ms. Bartz did to write this book. I have an ebook so I can carry this with me at all times through my Kindle app on my phone. It will be so helpful to me to have the personal stories and all of the many wonderful scripture to refer back to when I am feeling so down. I can keep going on and on about this amazing book, but you get the idea of the meaning behind this book, as well as how helpful it will be to everyone reading it.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Chronic Love is mainly written with those who live daily with chronic illness. I could relate with much of this book and to many of the personal stories here. I’ve been dealing with a severe chronic illness for over 20 years. I’ve read many books or devotionals that are really good, but only really touch the surface. I appreciate that Chronic Love goes much deeper into the life of author Brooke Bartz, teaching readers how to deal with the chronic illness each of us face daily.
It’s so easy with chronic illness, and even when the pain and suffering are but for a short while, to give into the suffering instead of going to the scriptures for help and comfort. I have failed in this many times over the years. I am glad, and I appreciate the time and research Ms. Bartz did to write this book. I have an ebook so I can carry this with me at all times through my Kindle app on my phone. It will be so helpful to me to have the personal stories and all of the many wonderful scripture to refer back to when I am feeling so down. I can keep going on and on about this amazing book, but you get the idea of the meaning behind this book, as well as how helpful it will be to everyone reading it.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 20, 2019
I began reading “Chronic Love” by Brooke Bartz because I have suffered over the past 4 years with Chronic illness/disability which has made me want to give up and has tested my faith many times. I am a two time suicide survivor. I know that I was saved for a reason. Ever since I have become Mental Health Advocate and a try to be the voice for the silent and to END THE STIGMA. I’m proud to say that there are people still alive and have sought help because of me.
This book has really helped me see that it isn’t about Jesus being unfair and leaving me to suffer. It has let me see how he too suffered, nailed to the cross and felt that he was forsaken by God, our Father and question why he also let him suffer.
It has really shown me how strong those like me are and as CHRIST continued to trust in God knowing there will be an eternal ever after in a body that is not ill ridden but healthy and free. Just as Jesus is today. God has a plan and meaning for our suffering and we must believe that God would not steer us wrong. God had a plan to put me here to help others for the chronic pain and save any lives I can for those that almost ended theirs. I was part of God’s plan. That somehow makes my suffering more bearable; especially when you’re helping others.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book through JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to post a positive nor negative review. Just a review based upon my own opinion.
This book has really helped me see that it isn’t about Jesus being unfair and leaving me to suffer. It has let me see how he too suffered, nailed to the cross and felt that he was forsaken by God, our Father and question why he also let him suffer.
It has really shown me how strong those like me are and as CHRIST continued to trust in God knowing there will be an eternal ever after in a body that is not ill ridden but healthy and free. Just as Jesus is today. God has a plan and meaning for our suffering and we must believe that God would not steer us wrong. God had a plan to put me here to help others for the chronic pain and save any lives I can for those that almost ended theirs. I was part of God’s plan. That somehow makes my suffering more bearable; especially when you’re helping others.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book through JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to post a positive nor negative review. Just a review based upon my own opinion.
September 15, 2019
Women living with Chronic Illness is becoming more common. I know quite a few women who live with Debilitating or Everyday Chronic Illness. It really takes a toll on women, who still have obligations in life, such as work and/or Home life. Many women get frustrated with the world and then go into depression or have anxiety about trying to get it all done, even through their illness.
Brooke Bartz really has a WONDERFUL book here with Chronic Love. Chronic Love shows women how they can rely on God to get them through their days and all their obligations. Chronic Love is not your everyday "Self Help" book, it is much more then that. The book shows women how to really dig deep into God's Word and rely on him, even through the toughest days. God is the ultimate healer and though the Chronic Illness may never go away, he can lead us to prayer for dealing with the pain and one day he will heal us in glory.
I really needed to read this book and I am very glad I had the opportunity to read it! Brooke Bartz really has an encouraging and uplifting book here. If you are suffering from Chronic Illness or know someone who is, this book is a MUST READ!! FANTASTIC BOOK!
Brooke Bartz really has a WONDERFUL book here with Chronic Love. Chronic Love shows women how they can rely on God to get them through their days and all their obligations. Chronic Love is not your everyday "Self Help" book, it is much more then that. The book shows women how to really dig deep into God's Word and rely on him, even through the toughest days. God is the ultimate healer and though the Chronic Illness may never go away, he can lead us to prayer for dealing with the pain and one day he will heal us in glory.
I really needed to read this book and I am very glad I had the opportunity to read it! Brooke Bartz really has an encouraging and uplifting book here. If you are suffering from Chronic Illness or know someone who is, this book is a MUST READ!! FANTASTIC BOOK!
September 2, 2019
As one who has chronic (and as yet undiagnosed) health issues, this book is a blessing and one I will probably purchase in paperback and refer to over and over again. Chronic Love: Trusting God while Suffering with a Chronic Illness is a book for women who are either suffering from chronic illness or those who care for those suffering. Brooke Bartz is well-qualified to write this title, she suffers from chronic illness herself.
Bartz takes many scripture passages and applies them to the situation of chronic illness. I was blessed time and again while reading this book as I was reminded of the promises in God’s Word and how they apply to my life.
I highly recommend Chronic Love to those suffering from chronic illness or those who care for them.
I am not sure I would place this is my k-12 Christian school library unless it came to my attention that we had a secondary female student who suffered from a chronic illness.
I want to thank JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary e-copy of Chronic Love. This is my honest review.
Bartz takes many scripture passages and applies them to the situation of chronic illness. I was blessed time and again while reading this book as I was reminded of the promises in God’s Word and how they apply to my life.
I highly recommend Chronic Love to those suffering from chronic illness or those who care for them.
I am not sure I would place this is my k-12 Christian school library unless it came to my attention that we had a secondary female student who suffered from a chronic illness.
I want to thank JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary e-copy of Chronic Love. This is my honest review.
September 4, 2019
I was very excited to find this book through @justreads and honored they let me be apart of this monumental tour. I so needed this book as I suffer from chronic illness and my faith has waned and my walk with Christ diminished as I wallow in my despair. But this book has given me hope,shined a light in my darkness. I'm ready to pick myself up and begin the good fight of faith once more!
March 31, 2021
I believe the writer to have the best of intentions and that the Bible is the foundation. BUT, I do not find anywhere in the Bible that chronic illness is Gods will for anyone. Illness, sin and evil are part of living in a fallen world. And we do not know why it hits some people harder than others.
Saying that Gods will is chronic illness for some I find unbiblical and discouraging no matter all the good passings in this book. In addition it is a sin to not be happy and praise God for it according the writer. I find a lot of scripture that says God will turn trials into triumph and for greater good. In that there’s is hope and endurance.
I rejoyce in the Lord in all the trials of life. No matter what happens He is there and will never forsake those who believe in Him and trust Him. That is a joy and comfort to know. And to live by.
Found the writing rambling and just going on and on. I was looking for more deep insight in living with chronic illness and the way out of making an idol of it, letting it take over life and lead into dark thoughts.
Saying that Gods will is chronic illness for some I find unbiblical and discouraging no matter all the good passings in this book. In addition it is a sin to not be happy and praise God for it according the writer. I find a lot of scripture that says God will turn trials into triumph and for greater good. In that there’s is hope and endurance.
I rejoyce in the Lord in all the trials of life. No matter what happens He is there and will never forsake those who believe in Him and trust Him. That is a joy and comfort to know. And to live by.
Found the writing rambling and just going on and on. I was looking for more deep insight in living with chronic illness and the way out of making an idol of it, letting it take over life and lead into dark thoughts.
March 23, 2020
This was an amazing book!!! I highly recommend this book to anyone who suffers from chronic illnesses or cares for someone who has chronic illnesses. This book taught me so much more about my battle with my chronic illnesses and that god put me through this for a reason. Thank you so so so much for writing this book!!!!
September 4, 2019
TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY - BOOK REVIEW – CHRONIC LOVE by BROOKE BARTZ
It is evident that the heart of this author is for God, and the reader, and for those of us who suffer chronic disease and disability.
As one who has suffered a chronic illness for over a decade I wanted to like this book, and I tried, I really tried. But I found it to be rambling and disjointed. Ms. Bartz makes some strong, Biblical points, however, like praising God in hard times. Which any chronic illness is. Pointing to Scripture in the worst moments. Reminding the reader that God is always with us, regardless how we feel—physically or emotionally or spiritually.
But I do not agree with the theology in this book. I do not believe for a minute that God ordained this or any illness upon my body.
That said, I do appreciate Ms. Bartz trying to make sense of a chronic and senseless disease or condition.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
TWO FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Chronic Love, Brooke Bartz
It is evident that the heart of this author is for God, and the reader, and for those of us who suffer chronic disease and disability.
As one who has suffered a chronic illness for over a decade I wanted to like this book, and I tried, I really tried. But I found it to be rambling and disjointed. Ms. Bartz makes some strong, Biblical points, however, like praising God in hard times. Which any chronic illness is. Pointing to Scripture in the worst moments. Reminding the reader that God is always with us, regardless how we feel—physically or emotionally or spiritually.
But I do not agree with the theology in this book. I do not believe for a minute that God ordained this or any illness upon my body.
That said, I do appreciate Ms. Bartz trying to make sense of a chronic and senseless disease or condition.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
TWO FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Chronic Love, Brooke Bartz
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews