Illness
For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones (Isaiah 49:13b).
How do you come to terms with a diagnosis, and where can you find the strength and hope to face it? In times of sickness, it is easy to think that God has abandoned you. Be assured that God has not done this – he is there for you and knows your situation. The LCANZ offers a range of resources to assist you as you navigate through your experience with illness.
Lutheran Media
A diagnosis can change your life. It can impact the way you see your body, your emotions, your future and even your faith. At times, illness can stalk you like a giant; it’s always in your sight, no matter what you do or where you go. At other times, it can steal your thoughts and rob you of peace. This is true for both those persons with the illness and their loved ones standing alongside them. How do you cope when your body and mind start wearing out?
Through Messages of hope, Lutheran Media offers a series of videos in which people talk about their experiences with illnesses of different kinds and where they find help and comfort. You can also access several booklets and resources for encouragement and inspiration.
- Wellbeing webpage for videos on health and wellbeing
- Ageing webpage for videos on ageing
- Dementia webpage for videos on dementia
- Dementia print booklet and PDF download
- Suffering videos, ebook
- Coping With Cancer podcast
- Cancer – Courage through Christ print booklet and PDF download
Lutheran Tract Mission
If you are visiting someone who is sick or you are unwell and need comfort, Lutheran Tract Mission has many resources available to give away and read.
These include:
- Can Jesus heal me? (devotion)
- At the right time (text card)
- Dementia (comfort for those with the disease)
- Get well soon (leaflet)
- God promises you (multiple Bible verses of comfort)
- God will always be with you (in sickness in hospital)
- Help me cope with my sickness, Lord (prayers and verses of encouragement and comfort)
Child, Youth and Family Ministries
LCA Child, Youth and Family Ministries have a series of articles with linked resources to help families and individuals.
These include:
- Processing the pain – We all need different ways of making meaning from our experiences. When we share our struggles with others it helps us to process the emotions and feelings we are wrestling with.
- How do we help when someone has one of those life-changing days? – When our friends or congregation members are in times of crisis, we are eager to help. But often when we call, we express our sympathy, and then say, 'Please let me know what I can do!' This may not be the most helpful way to support each other. Here are practical ideas on how to help.
Grow Ministries’ STAND Bible Study is designed to encourage you on your faith journey. Delve into the meaning of grace, understanding suffering, asking those deeper questions, and living in and boasting in the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Other LCANZ resources
Every edition of The Lutheran includes a study guide on the theme. The guides relating to tough times are also produced for you here, making them an ideal resource for Bible study planners and personal reflection.
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