A heavy question today from a listener to the podcast Joseph from Pleasanton, California.

Hello, Pastor John.

My friend has been suffering through extreme fibromyalgia for three years.

He describes the experience as the feeling of knives stabbing, fire burning, and 30 people

pounding and beating his body daily and constantly.

Day and night this happens unabated.

He and his family have been desperately praying for healing and seeking all avenues of treatment,

but with no results.

Although they are a Jesus-loving, Bible-believing, missional family, their family is having

a difficult time holding onto God's promises.

Christ's own suffering ended after a few hours, but my friend has been suffering for years.

Well, little hope of recovery for the rest of his life.

I know there are many good books and videos that teach about knowing God's goodness and

pain and suffering and hoping in the next life, but what is some practical biblical counsel

for encouraging this family?

The first thing I would say is don't let their suffering drive you away.

It is easy to become weary, sharing in someone's suffering.

And yet Paul tells us in Galatians 6 that the law of Christ is fulfilled precisely in this

that we bear one another's burdens.

So consider it a beautiful ministry in the name of Jesus for the glory of Jesus by the power

of Jesus to be steadfast in your friendship and your personal presence.

That's the first thing I would say.

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