Often the most difficult part of living with disabling illness or injury is the lack of understanding from others that the person encounters.  As healthy, able-bodied people, we might think we have to see an outward sign, like a bleeding limb or grey-toned face, before we can believe a person is hurting. As a result, when to us they "look just fine,” we often disregard what a friend or even a family member is trying to say.

Let's face it, most of us cannot comprehend what it is like to be sick or in pain for weeks, months or even years, because we are accustomed to going to the doctor, taking some medication and soon feeling better. Consequently, unless we are educated about what life-changes a chronic condition can cause, we often may inadvertently treat our recently diagnosed loved one as if they just need to "snap out of it" or "stop complaining." 

Moreover, when the person is a believer, some people often jump to the conclusion that he or she must not "have enough faith" or must be "in sin." Otherwise, why wouldn't God provide healing? Sadly, these assumptions can be exceedingly hurtful and damaging. After all, believers debilitated by illness and pain often live as we all should - with a dependence on God’s strength to carry them through it all.  

To address all these issues, Wayne Connell founded Where Is God Ministries. He is joined by several pastors and medical professionals to reach out to the world with its message of God’s strength through suffering. WIGM was designed to help friends and family develop a better understanding of those living with chronic conditions. It also helps us take a deeper look into the Word and acknowledge the extraordinary faith our brothers and sisters have, by God's hand. 

WIGM provides many articles to help encourage those in their walk with illness and pain, as well as their loved ones to better know how to be a source of encouragement. It also makes available helpful links to sites, resources and organizations, as well as an online support group.

Most of all, it offers informative articles and a 85 page booklet, Not By Sight! A Guide to Ministering to Believers Living with Chronic Illness and Pain. It can be handed out to friends, family, church members, support groups and even fellow employees, in order to help them to understand the challenges and difficulties of living with a disease or injury that can be debilitating. This booklet serves as a guide to understanding and encouraging those who are limited by their condition. Even more, it helps people see the strength and faith their loved has displayed, despite their losses, limitations and daily challenges.

We pray those with chronic conditions will see God's grace through trials and tribulations and loved ones will see His strength through their friend or family member. Let us not accuse them of lacking faith or being caught up in sin, when that is not the case. Instead, let us take a closer look at what great faith it takes to live with a physical limitation! Finally, we must remember that as we hope and pray for healing, we must also love and support them with prayer for perseverance, peace and joy.

 

Not By Sight   A Guide to Ministering to Believers Living with Chronic Illness and Pain!   Order Online

To Order by Mail: Please send $5.95 for each booklet (includes postage in the US).    WIGM, P.O. Box 2345, Parker, Colorado 80134

*WIGM reserves the right to make changes, edits in content without notice; and, the booklet differs slightly from the website! Proceeds go to WIGM.