But God, Wouldn't I Be More Useful to You If I Were Healthy?

Chronic Pain and the Christian Life

By: Esther Smith

Narrated by: Sarah Carleton

For anyone who has lost a career because of chronic pain....

For anyone who has ever felt devastated, confused, or less-than because your health prevents you from working a formal job....

For anyone who is stuck at home, imprisoned in bed, feeling unable to do much of anything for anybody....

For anyone who gets up every day to take care of your family through the aches and pains, and wonders if it is enough....

For anyone who has so much to offer, but isn't sure how to offer it in the midst of chronic pain and illness....

For anyone who have ever said to God, "This doesn't make sense. Wouldn't I be more useful to you if I were healthy?"

This book is for you.

When it comes to chronic pain and illness, perhaps no questions cause more confusion than the ones that arise when you are pulled out of a thriving life of work that benefits the world, only to spend your hours, days, and weeks languishing in bed.

It just doesn't make sense. Why, God? Why would you take away my thriving career when it took me years to get to this point? Why would you take away my ability to serve and help and contribute?

In this first book in the Chronic Pain and the Christian Life series, explore what it looks like to live a life of work, service, and rest, even when the pain doesn't go away.

©2016 Esther Smith (P)2016 Sarah Carleton

Chronic pain wise advice from someone who understands!

Esther Smith hits a grand slam home run with this book. Her description of the effects of chronic pain describes accurately the mental, physical and emotional toll of unrelenting torturous pain. As a fellow sufferer, she understands daily defeats and sparse victories. Most of all, she shared the agony of feeling worthless when you can’t do what you did disappointing yourself and others. However the best part of the book is when she gives sound spiritual advice for valuing yourself when you can only be a beloved child of God. I also found her advice very helpful for rebuilding some things you can do. Sarah Carleton excellently narrates in a kind, clear voice. Thanks for this beautiful, compassionate book!

a God perspective for being unable to serve/work

found some fresh protective on the two sides of being at rest and not performing in chronic pain. A worthy read for those have disabilities that prevent while callings that demand. A God window that doesnt fix but offers comfort and peace in accepting limitation and not becoming mired in valuelessness and discouragement

Excellent Truths for All Walks of Life

This author knows 1st hand what it feels like to go thru the deep valley..she has used her experience to help me..and im sure countless others. This is not a dry book as many are..At 1st i hesitated listening bc i thought "I dont want to be reminded of my pain". But Im so thankful I finally listened..now wishing Id listened sooner. It didnt keep me focused on pain & sickness, but rather, what God can do through those hard times. Excellent Book!! Excellent Narration!!

Book helped me to have more peace with my endo.

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I feel it was well written and the voice narating was soothing to listen to. I have had endometriosis for a few years now, and I still feel very misunderstood by others sometimes who do not put in effort to understand my condition and chronic pain. Sometimes this makes me feel like I am seen as complacent, lazy, or a liar even if that is not said to me. this book reminds me that God understands and has a purpose for me, that I can be just as valuable now as ever. It actually confirms my desire to reach out to others who are struggling to support them and provide information.

great read -- perfect timing

really needed this lovely God inspired touch in my life -- thank you :) God's timing is perfect!

She knows

She knows our depths of struggle and shows us the options that God has waiting for us

A Good Understanding of Chronic Pain for Christians

As I type this, the chronic pain in my shoulder says “no, let me rest.” However, I must be prepared to work through this pain daily to survive. The author neglected to mention that some of us must continue to work while in pain in order to survive. I do appreciate the author’s compassion for those in chronic pain.