The Crisis That Came Without Warning
On May 25th, 2022, in the wee hours of the morning, riddled in pain, I reckoned it was another crisis. The weather didn’t have to change, or a cold front didn’t have to pass through, for my bones and ankle to stiffen. I was born with Sickle Cell Anemia, and it has proven to be a hard battle.
So there I was — tears flowing like a broken faucet, clenching my arms to my chest and gritting my teeth as I tried not to scream out in pain. My mind was bombarded with questions and uncertainty...
But just then, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper gently, “There is freedom in your pain.” It was clear and distinctive. My spirit soaked up this truth like a sponge, but my mind, soul, and body were in World War 3. My thoughts started shouting questions: How can I find freedom in pain that is constant? Will I ever be free to live, not only exist? Will I ever receive my miracle? My heart sank, because I knew those questions were marinated in doubt and fear...
Broken Prayers but God!
Be that as it may, the Holy Spirit is very strategic, and moments like these were nothing new to Him. He had listened to me cry myself to sleep. He heard me wrestle with my reasoning. And though my results were limited, I serve a limitless and infinite God who sees beyond everything...
The Battlefield of the Mind!
I still face physical challenges and pain every second, every hour. I’m still figuring out how to not only believe this truth but live in the reality of it. The Holy Spirit keeps reminding me: the real battle is in my mind…
Whenever I’m about to dress my ankle, the feeling is daunting. A lump forms in my throat. Sweat pours. Tears fall. I play music to distract me, but nothing helps. There was a war unknowingly taking place in my subconscious and it began manifesting in the natural…
My mind had been conditioned to respond to pain with fear, not faith. This dwindled my faith over and over again. Pain is real. But what I’m unlearning and re-learning — even while writing this — is that this violent, nerve-racking battle is in our minds…
Renewing My Mind, Reclaiming My Power
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We are stronger than we give ourselves credit for. And we serve a powerful King who amplifies that strength within us. If I can keep on praying for healing—even when it gets hard and uncomfortable, I believe that thread of hope can become a rope of faith and courage.
Turning Pain Into Purpose!
This revelation teaches us that pain doesn’t control us; we control our response to pain. That freedom is found in the daily choice to renew our minds, tap into God’s power, and do it all over again tomorrow. No pain is alike, but it is powerful when sight has been restored. Even while pain persists, we are free in knowing it’s connected to something far greater than ourselves.
We are Surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses!
We must turn pain into a weapon of purpose that God can use. Just like Corrie Ten Boom, one of my heroes, who changed the world with her faith despite the horrors she faced. It won’t be easy — trust me, I know. But we can always find peace in God.
One of Corrie’s poems that stays with me goes like this:
“If you look at the world, you'll be distressed.
If you look within, you'll be depressed.
If you look at God, you'll be at rest.”
Kiesha Pitter
Contributor
Kiesha Pitter is a writer for noblemedianetwork.com. She is a chronic illness advocate, author, speaker, and certified Christian life and faith coach, on a mission to empower warriors battling chronic illnesses. As a Sickle Cell Warrior, she is deeply rooted in her faith in God. Drawing from her personal experiences and expertise, she offers practical strategies to help others regain control of their healing journey and embrace a life of fulfillment, even in the face of limitations.
