Books
Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend
by Lisa Copen
Packed with simple, meaningful tips and suggestions for encouraging a friend who is ill.
The Bumps Are What You Climb On: Encouragement for Difficult Days
by Warren Wiersbe
These meditations encourage us to view difficult situations in life as “bumps” to climb on the
road to spiritual growth.
The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms
by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
What do you do when pain doesn’t go away? Drawing on her own experience with chronic pain
and years as a clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson explores the complex emotional
aspects of pain while presenting a perspective on pain based on biblical truth. Reflection
questions and suggested playlist included in each chapter.
Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls
by Joni Eareckson Tada
A beautiful, uplifting collection of hymns and devotions that will bring refreshment to those who are weary.
You Gotta Keep Dancin’
by Tim Hansel
Pain is unavoidable but misery is optional! Tim Hansel, who lived with chronic pain, explains
how to choose joy in the midst of the most painful life circumstances.
Walking with God through Pain and Suffering
by Timothy Keller
Pastor and author Timothy Keller explores suffering through his unique biblical perspective and
personal stories.
Where is God When It Hurts?
by Philip Yancey
A classic on the topic of suffering, Philip Yancey discusses the age-old question: Why does God
allow suffering? Using examples from the Bible and his own experiences, looks at pain from
God’s perspective.
Organizations
Chronic Joy, Inc.
A global ministry serving those with chronic conditions. Includes a wealth of resources including books, blogs, devotionals, Facebook page, and newsletter.
HealingWell
A chronic illness support community offering resources, articles, and forums on a variety of chronic illnesses.
Invisible Disabilities Association
https://invisibledisabilities.org/
This organization offers a wealth of support, programs, and services as well as creates awareness of the unique challenges faced by those with invisible illnesses.
Joni & Friends
https://www.joniandfriends.org/
Resources for people with disabilities and churches that wish to minister to the disabled.
People Hope
https://www.peoplehope.org/chronic-illness
Seeking to offer hope and community to those with chronic conditions, People Hope provides opportunities for those with chronic illness to connect with others to help overcome the isolation that so often accompanies chronic illness.
Websites
Christian Caregiver
https://www.christiancaregiversupport.com/
A support ministry for caregivers, Christian Caregiver offers support groups, blog, and a wealth of resources for caregivers.
Hope in Every Season
Sarah Forgrave is the author of Prayers for Hope and Healing and Prayers of Hope for Caregivers. Her website, blog, and archive contain a combination of encouragement and resources for those with illness and their caregivers.
Grace in the Valley
Provides biblical encouragement and community for women with chronic illness.
Resources for People with Long COVID
https://acl.gov/covid19/resources-people-experiencing-long-covid
A continually updated list of resources for people with long COVID. Located on the Administration for Community Living website.
Thriving with Chronic Illness with Jennifer Slattery
https://www.lifeaudio.com/thriving-with-chronic-illness/episodes
A variety of archived podcast episodes to help listeners view their illnesses “through the lens of the gospel.” Episodes include “Knowing When to Push and When to Rest,” “Setting Boundaries,” and “When God Doesn’t Heal.”
Facebook Groups
God-Living with Chronic Illness
https://www.facebook.com/godlivingwithchronicillness
“Faith-based hope and encouragement” for the chronically ill. Author is a nurse who has fibromyalgia.
Hope When It Hurts
https://www.facebook.com/hopewhenithurts
A community of “men and women seeking to hold onto hope in the midst of suffering. The administrators are the authors of the devotional book Hope When It Hurts.
Christian Chronic Illness Encouragement Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianchronicillnessencouragementnetwork
A place where Christians with chronic illness can connect, encourage, and pray for one another.
Christian Chronic Pain & Illness Support Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/786545324705932
A Christ-centered support group for those with chronic pain and illness.