Jen Roland
About the Author

Jen Roland is a writer, speaker, health coach, and personal trainer. She helps women cultivate positive habits for their mind, body, and soul with their faith as the foundation for sustainable change. To learn more about Jen’s ministry and receive encouragement for simplified, healthy living, visit her blog at www.jenroland.com.

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things we love
& you will too!
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  1. Lord,

    I thank you for Jens post and the resounding message that everything no matter what we face is only temporary here on earth and whatever trials and issues we face can only truly be faced by our dependence on you. I pray for my sister who is in pain…it’s not the same experience as mine but I know what it feels like. The not knowing and bouncing from one medical professional to another, physio, massage therapists, rehabilitation, chiropractors you name it UNTIL I met a person who could with musculoskeletal therapy helped me. Lord I ask the same for Jen, please bring that into her life. Heal Her.
    In Jesus name, Amen

    • Thank you so much, Jas. I too have bounced around between orthopedists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and neurologists. What makes it difficult is they all have differing opinions , even down to the root cause of my pain. I am so glad you found someone who could help you and I greatly appreciate your prayers for healing. God bless!

  2. Jen,
    Living with chronic pain is debilitating. I’ve lived with chronic physical pain and chronic mental/emotional pain. Neither is pleasant. I am praying that your time of suffering will soon end and that joy will come in the morning. I know that you will have a compassionate ministry to others who are suffering. Being in your situation, people either run to God or away from Him. You can be that voice that says, “Run into His arms. He is good. He is there for you.” Yours is a powerful testimony to others who are hurting because you walk in their shoes. We don’t know what “a little while” is in God’s vernacular, but He does promise to give us the grace to make it through whatever the world throws at us. Praying you will keep clinging to Him and not give up hope. He is with you, right there in the crucible of your suffering.
    Blessings sweet sister,
    Bev xx

    • Bev,
      Thank you for your prayers. I am learning I can’t wait for healing to find joy; I have to choose joy in the midst of the struggle because I trust that Jesus will use it for His glory. I love what you mentioned about using my experiences to point others to God and proclaim His goodness. Being able to show empathy is so important to establishing meaningful connections and I am better equipped to do that by having walked through it myself. I appreciate you reaching out and taking the time to leave a comment. Blessings to you too!

  3. I know God can and does heal. My husband has had a herniated disc and surgery was required which brought about healing. He is without pain and good as new. Is surgery not an answer? Blessings to you! Prayers as well.

    • Jan,

      The doctors have had differing opinions on whether I am a candidate for surgery. Some say my disk herniation is not “impressive enough” to warrant surgery; others say they can operate and remove the part of the disk pressing on the nerve root to alleviate the pain. At the present time, I am still gathering information so I can make the best decision. Thank you so much for your blessings and prayers.

  4. Oh my sweet sister keep hanging on to our Great Comforter!! It is a journey when your chronically ill, or have chronic pain!!!! This article was written beautifully!!! Out loud as I read I couldn’t help but say, “Amen” to all the Truths of God’s Word, and how you incorporated them in the article.
    Many of my lessons on my journey have been very similar. I still have not been physically healed after 6 years of being ill, but God has given me my joy back. So con’t to look to him for your strength one day at a time. He is All Sufficient!! When I am weak, HE is Strong!! Daily submission.
    Praying for you!!!

    • Daily submission. Such a hard lesson. And yet so incredibly important in the life of a believer. Thank you for this reminder that God continues to extend His arms and offer us comfort and joy in the midst of chronic illness and pain. I will keep looking to Jesus and leaning on Him for strength. Praying for you too, Kristin!

  5. Jen,
    I needed to hear this today. Thank you for sharing from your heart. Praying for you as you allow God to work and heal your body.

  6. God bless you as you endure this hardship and continue to use it for his glory. Praying for you for renewed strength, sustained hope, and for wisdom for doctors and family to help you. Praying for your healing in whatever way God sees fit, as he loves you and is for your best. Thank you for sharing.

    • Thank you! Just when I start to question, God opens doors to share my experiences for the ministry of others, my growth, and His glory. I greatly appreciate your prayers for strength, hope, and healing. God bless!

  7. Thank you for sharing. Living, and working with MS, I can certainly relate. Recently, I have found myself growing inpatient with those around me with what seem to be “small “ complaints compared to my chronic pain and debilitating disease. I have never been in this place before. Please pray for me, as I pray for you. Chronic pain is truly a trying situation. God is truly good to us, all the time.

    • Terri,

      Thank you for sharing this! There have been times I’ve hesitated to share my experiences because I know there are many others who are in worse pain, struggling with lifelong health conditions, cancer, and disabling disease like MS. Everyone’s pain is different. For some, it is physical. For others, it is deep emotional pain from past trauma, mental illness, etc. I will pray that God will help transform your impatience into passion for sharing how He is walking with you through it and equipping you to handle the challenges that come. May you use your suffering as a powerful platform to proclaim God’s goodness and may your experiences help you better empathize with others, form meaningful connections, and point others to Christ as the source of your hope. God bless you!

      • Thank you! It is difficult to expose, admit, and even talk about at all . Thanks for your reply. Many blessings to you.
        Terri

  8. ” I am no more qualified to define “a little while” in the context of eternity than I am to know His greater plan.” Amen! This is a lesson we can all keep learning.

    I’m so sorry for your suffering, Jen. And so grateful to have your words on (in)courage today. xx

  9. Jen,
    I love this statement: “I can hope for healing, but I can’t base my happiness on it. I can seek the doctors’ advice, but I can’t put my trust in them. My hope and trust lies in the Lord alone…” While I’m not walking a health related journey at the moment, I am walking alongside several friends who are. Modern medicine has spoiled us into being used to doctors having easy answers to physical problems, and it’s quite a jolt when they don’t. Thank you for the reminder of where our hope truly lies. Praying for you!

    • Thank you for your prayers, Rachel! I agree that we are spoiled into believing there are easy answers and quick fixes for everything. We want to move past the pain and not deal with the discomfort, but when God takes us through it, there is always a reason for it. Sometimes finding out what that is takes time, energy, prayer, and a lot of patience. I am still not sure all the ways God will use this, but I have seen how He has used past trials to grow me and glorify Him and I can trust that He will do it again. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment! God bless!

  10. Thank you for being so open, your honesty gives me inspiration to journey thru. Blessings to you.

  11. Oh my goodness. I believe this came to me at this time. Thank you so very much. I so needed this. I was to have surgery on my disc’s on the Monday after Thanksgiving. I all of a sudden have a sinus infection and lost my voice and so many other problem have risen as they do this time of year. I know it is all in Gods plan. Thank you for your words and strength I can now get through this. God Bless and have an awesome Thanksgiving

    • Billie,

      My brother just had back surgery for the same injury, but one thing I have had to remind myself through this is everyone’s experience is different. What works for one person doesn’t always work for another. And some people are willing to wait it out and endure the pain longer, exhausting all other options before turning to more invasive procedures. If you feel like surgery isn’t the right treatment for you at the present time, I encourage you to explore other options first. I will pray for God’s wisdom and guidance as you decide which treatment plan is best for you. God bless and happy Thanksgiving!

  12. I look at things this way. Be thank full every day no matter what you go through. Be thank full on to God you are you are blessed you woke up to see another day. To enjoy another day in his beautiful world. Don’t judge that person who says they are in pain. Even though they don’t look like they are in pain. You don’t know what they are going through. They could look ok well on the outside. We are not to judge them. As an old friend of mine who is now in Glory said to me. I can see her words too this day ring so true too me. Bidden or not Bidden God is watching. Don’t be talking about someone and their pain and what they are going through she say. Instead of Judging them of talking about them why don’t you do what God would want you do for them and that is pray for them. Those words do ring so true to me too this day. Even she is not hear. She is right in that. We have might see that person they might look ok to us. They could be offal pain. Don’t judge. Pray. God might want heal you through himself or through the treatment you are getting. Or medicine you are on. Or if really ill take you home. Either of these way you don’t loose. You get healed. But if God heals you on earth through himself or the treatment by the help of Doctors etc. Do in your Church stand up and let every one know he healed you. Let everyone know if brave enough what way you got your healing. Plus speak it out when with people about your healing. As you never know in your Church or when out and about there could be an on saved person about. They could hear your story and through hearing it they could get saved. Especially if not well themselves. God through your story could heal them. Pain is not nice. But in everything give God thanks. As this song say. You get it on Youtube. Givethanks with a greatfull heart. Some of the words go. Let the week say I am strong . Let the poor say I a rich. It is a true true song. Give thanks with a greatfull heart. Anothe excellent reading. Dawn Ferguson-Little xxxx

    • Dawn,

      I love this: “God might want heal you through himself or through the treatment you are getting. Or medicine you are on. Or if really ill take you home. Either of these way you don’t loose. You get healed.” You better believe if God heals me on earth I will stand up and testify for His glory! But, even if He doesn’t, I will still proclaim His goodness. I will keep pointing to Christ so that others might come to know Him and accept His gift of salvation. Thank you for these powerful words and for sharing the song, Give Thanks. God bless!

  13. The song is Give Thanks by Don Moen. You get it on Youtube.
    Worth listing too. That I was talking about Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xxx

  14. Jen,

    So sorry for the pain & agony you are going through. I’ve never experienced any sort of chronic pain. I understand the medical merry go round you’ve been on. Which doctor & treatment is best for me? Hard to know. Only God knows what is best for you. Love that you have taken something the world deems bad & turned it into something good. There is always a reason for each & every trial we face. Love that you help others in pain to run into God’s arms. He is the true healer. He will take their pain, suffering & turn into glory for His kingdom. Healing does come in the end. One way or the other we will be healed completely. My FIL was dealing with stage III bladder cancer, bladder infection & bilateral ischemic attack. Was just in hospital last weekend. He came home Monday night & died shortly thereafter. It hurts to lose him. We know that He is in the presence of Almighty God & no longer suffering. Walking those gorgeous streets of gold. Hang in there sweet sister & keep helping others.

    BTW: looked at your website & I might be using some of the recipes.

    Blessings 🙂

    • Beth,

      Being in chronic pain has made me appreciate good health that much more. If you have been blessed with this gift, please do not take it for granted. Run and play and move your body for those who are no longer able. I pray every day for healing, but above all I want to use this for His glory. I love that you said, “One way or the other we will be healed completely.” Amen! He is making all things whole in His timing. I am so sorry to hear about your FIL and will be praying for God’s continued comfort for you and your family. Thank you for your encouragement and for checking out my website! I’d love for you to join my current blog series, Cultivate. You can click here for details: http://jenroland.com/cultivate/. God bless!

  15. Your post is very timely! I’m dealing with neuropathy, mostly in my feet, and can’t be on my feet for more than 1/2 hour before they hurt. Depending on what I’m doing, I can be in pain for hours. And other issues with my hips. Thanks for your spiritual insights. I truly need encouragement. Emotionally, I’m so distraught. My daily life feels like a mishmash as I have a hard time getting things accomplished. That, along with my husband being unemployed for over a month (he is 71), plus dealing with some dementia. The past year and a half have been a huge trial relationship-wise especially moving back to the States after living in Canada for almost 9 years. The move flipped him upside down as more frustration and anger surfaced. His past family experiences and other situations still frustrate him. Things are finally evening out with his demeanor, but there are still issues. I am thankful for a special natural supplement that truly seems to be helping his mind. I struggle with my own emotional issues arising from all the anger/frustration he exhibited. It doesn’t help when sin makes things worse. It’s a daily focus on the LORD who knows all and hears our cries. I do think of my “next life” when all will be well! No pain. No struggles. Thank you for sharing so much of your pain and daily struggles. Pray the LORD will intervene on your behalf and you will feel better soon.

    • Oh, Lisa. I feel for you, friend! I am so sorry you are going through this. I know what it’s like to feel like you are getting nothing accomplished, yet your body needs rest. Please remember that God loves you for who you are, not what you do. When it feels like everything else is falling apart, God calls us to Him for refilling. Sometimes I need to remind myself of this. From what you’ve shared it sounds like there is a lot going on that is out of your control. I encourage you to seek God for the things you can change, ask Him for the courage to address those things, and surrender the rest to Him. Trust that the same God that is working in you is simultaneously working in your spouse – don’t try to be his Holy Spirit as that only makes the situation worse. I agree that the only way to not fall prey to our problems is to fix our eyes on Christ. He hears our cries and He is making all things new in His timing. I will be praying for you and please feel free to reach out via my website http://www.jenroland.com if you’d like to talk further. God bless!

  16. I was in pain today, left knee and a part of my left hip hurts when I move around. Zero fun. I need to find a position that will relieve the pain to no avail. I took one steroid at 1 pm. Husband drove me to Fashion Island for a gelato I have been dreaming to taste, so good, so decadent, so pricey! $5 a scoop! but worth it. It was a good distraction from the current pain. I was crying while reading your post. You were describing my pain, my sentiments.
    I hope I can go to church together and that my pain is still at bay by then.

    THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing this. I don’t feel alone anymore. God bless you and will pray for our healing.

    • Yvonne, Thank you for sharing your heart and the simple ways you are finding joy in the everyday – a scoop of gelato! I find that distracting myself from my pain through healthy activities and reaching out to others does help. I am sorry you are going through this, but I hope you can find comfort in knowing you are not alone and that we serve an amazing God who loves us and promises to work all things for our good. Hold tight to that promise and I will be praying for you! Thank you for your prayers as well.

  17. Jen,
    my heart resonates sooo much with your journey. Your words take me back to the days when I battled chronic back pain. No matter how strong we are in the Lord, there are days when the nagging discomfort steals our focus and tries to drag us into depression. Every Dr appointment without answers leads to disappointment and there are days when you want more than peoples prayers. You long for someone to understand and sit with you in the pain. You long to have permission to admit you aren’t as strong as you look. I think the hardest part for me was when it limited my ability to help others. I’ve since learned the why behind this. As much as my head knows my identity is in Christ , I often place my value in what I can do for others. This adds to the weight of the pain. Pain is 3D. What affects the body affects the mind and the soul. The gift in this , like you are learning , it forces us to lay down all our doing and discover the gift of simply being in Him. That’s when healing begins. ❤️

    • Kate, I can tell you totally understand where I am coming from. I feel guilty for the times I’ve allowed pain to steal my joy or prevent me from doing things I used to enjoy. And yes, I do think it limits my ability to help others on some level because I shy away from activities that require long periods of driving or sitting. At the same time, I see how God is using my experiences to minister to others and that has been a huge blessing to me. Knowing my identity is rooted in who God says I am and not what I do has also been key. I wholeheartedly agree that the mind, body, and soul are all intricately connected and that what affects one events the others. Thank you for the reminder that I need to lay down my doing to rest in Him. God has been sharing that message me with in many places this week. Take care and God bless!

  18. Had a few minutes to catch up on old posts today and these words brought so much hope and peace to my heart. I have been dealing with multiple health issues for the last 9 months that have broken me down in spirit. This post was most certainly a reminder from our Lord that He is with me and I don’t have to carry the burden on my own. Thank you for the encouragement!

    • Kerri, I am so glad the Lord spoke to you through my words and brought peace and hope into your current health situation. I know what it feels like to be broken down in spirit, but we can trust that God will use our brokenness to bring us closer to Him so that we can be made whole in Christ. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” Psalm 55:22 KJV. I have a song list for the broken in spirit I’d be happy to share with you – send me an email at jenroland@gmail.com or contact me through FB or IG and I’ll pass it along. Listening to Christian music always helps lifts my spirits and remind me that God is in control and He has our best interests at heart. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I will keep you in my prayers.

  19. Love this – “God has been showing me that I can pray for answers, but I can’t put my hope in them.”

    Was just having a conversation with my friend along these lines a couple of days ago. Thanks for the reminder. May we continually put our hope in God, no matter what. May your healing come quick sister, and May you continually learn and grow however God wants you to. I am praying the same for myself:) Hugs and blessings to you!