Equipped

Hebrews 13:21 - Equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

​Have you ever been asked by someone to do something that you weren’t equipped for? This not only applies to tasks you are asked to complete at work, but all other areas of your life. We’re talking about being equipped with the physical and mental strength to complete the task.
 
If you decide that college is where you can learn all you need to know in order to journey towards a career you’re interested in.
 
Others, have not completed a college degree, but have been trained in a skill or trade. The same applies as to college, you need to learn and develop the skill you need to work in the trade you’re interested in.
 
Thanks to the computer age, online learning has expanded and is now considered as a valid way to complete a degree right in your own home.
 
My question is: if you need to learn skills to pursue your career, wouldn’t you also need to learn the skills necessary to live with chronic pain or illness?
 
Yet, when the diagnosis comes are you set up with a “training center” to learn the skills you need to cope with your pain and learn to live life in a different way?
 
Unfortunately, most of the time doctors aren’t equipped to teach you how to manage your pain. This is no disrespect to doctors; however, the most you usually receive is a one-page computer print out about the pain or disease.
 
What can be done to help you acquire the skills you need for your life?
 
One of the best ways to learn about your pain is internet research. It is here that you will find answers to many of the questions you may have about your pain that will educate you on the specifics of your pain or illness.
 
Another method of treatment is physical therapy at a therapy center. This treatment is hands-on using massage, exercise and education to assist the patient after therapy is over. Most insurance policies will cover physical therapy for twelve sessions a year.
 
A third option is to be referred by your physician to a chronic pain rehabilitation center. These centers offer a whole body approach usually using a form of education, physical therapy, exercise, psychologists and occupational therapy. Unfortunately, many insurance plans don’t cover such a program.
 
Forth is receiving education and encouragement from psychologists and mental health therapists. Therapists can teach you how your physical pain and illness affects your mental health.
 
But there also is a fifth source that will equip you to live your life – the Bible. Just as the Bible verses above say, God will equip you with everything you need to do the work God has placed in front of you. Prayer and studying the Bible will help you receive the mental strength you need to live a fulfilled life even if you are suffering.
 
These are just a few of the ways you can acquire the skills you need for life.
 
In addition, choose the link below, from WebMD, which will provide you with tips to assist you as you journey through the valley of pain and illness.
 
If you have any suggestions that have worked for you, I’d love to hear from you.

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