Chronic pain interferes with hopes, dreams, plans and goals. It meddles with the mind and can be a real heart breaker. Dealing with it day in and day out can appear to suck the life out of a person. Pain is a fiery trial. For the Christian, however, long-term pain can bring meaning and reveal purposes that would otherwise go unnoticed. Coping with chronic pain is a challenge, but certainly not impossible.

There is hope. (Like some medications, though, the truth is difficult to swallow sometimes.) Pain’s invasion does not have to rob us of inner joy. We can even make peace with the pain and survive its torment graciously. For twelve years the author and fellow pain sufferer, has suffered with the remnants of eight spinal operations and a degenerative condition that daily deposits pain into her life’s account. Claudette Palatsky wrote Think It Not Strange for Christians living with persistent painful illnesses and for those who desire to reach out to those who are afflicted.

Physical infirmity is only one type of pain. Long time struggles with depression and anxiety issues also overwhelm, and seek to ravage one’s Christian life. Let’s learn how to transform the cycles of conflict that wear on our witness for Christ.

A reviewer, Duke Gallardo wrote:
Finally, the answer to "Why me God?'' After suffering with degenerative bone disease for over 15 years, wondering why God has taken so long to heal me, asking the eternal questions, 'If He really loves me... I pray, read my Bible, try to keep my faith..WHY does God let me suffeer so?' This book took me through the Bible and answered the questions with true compassion and understanding that can only come from having 'been there' This Book reminds the reader that a God of love allows us to be tested, but not beyond what we are able to endure, to accomplish a greater good in our lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is either enduring suffering themselves or know someone who is. I came away with a richer understanding of my faith and the God who loves me.

A Nurse's Perspective
As a nursing professional, I found this book extremely helpful, not only for those who experience chronic physical pain but also for those who suffer with emotional and spiritual pain as well. Anyone who deals with others in pain or who themselves lives in daily pain can benefit from this book. Janet RN, MA

Introduction
1. “Why Me?”
2. How Long?
3. Don’t Fall for That!
4. Invisible Pain
5. What’s the Use?
6. Overwhelmed?
7. Letting Go
8. Making Peace with the Pain