When the Pain Won't Go Away, with Andrea Herzer

How do maintain hope and faith when you're dealing with something that is never going to get better?Our guest today is Andrea Herzer, an author and expert on chronic illness. She's been dealing with a severe pain syndrome and with cancer for over twenty years, and has had over 100 surgeries. Her book is Incurable Faith, and it's tremendously helpful if you're struggling with something hard. Check out Andrea's website and Facebook group! From the publisher:Discover the riches of abundant life that pain and illness can never take away in this encouraging devotional full of hard-won insights and powerful biblical inspiration. In Incurable Faith, Andrea Herzer writes from the midst of her own long-term illness to give you hope wherever you are on your journey with medical issues. Whether you are facing a new diagnosis, mysterious pain, or any other illness, you can go from being a victim to being victorious through God’s sustaining love. Far from suggesting you must “have faith and get over it,” Andrea validates your suffering while offering sustaining hope for your soul. Through devotions, Scriptures, spiritual exercises, and suggested worship music, Incurable Faith helps you: • unlock the key to joy through praise, presence, and purpose• understand the difference between acceptance and resignation• nurture grace-filled relationships throughout the stresses of illness• navigate the isolation of being bedridden or homebound• develop practical strategies for coping with pain, fatigue, and anxiety The 120 devotionals are grouped in varying lengths, so you can engage with shorter passages on days when concentration is difficult. Each devotion offers a Scripture verse, prayer, suggested worship song, and takeaway to keep your mind anchored in truth. A testament to how the joy of the Lord gives strength even when our bodies are weak, Incurable Faith invites you to know God’s sustaining power and comfort in a deeper way—because no illness can diminish His abundant provision for you. Includes a topical Scripture index and multiple resources for caregivers. Leave a voicemail with your question or comment! Five Ways You Can Support this show: Pray for us! Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!) Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts! You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here.  Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day): Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique! Other Helpful Links: Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs! Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose! Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book! Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here! (00:01) - Introduction (02:54) - Delayed Interview (04:42) - Self-Brain Surgery School (04:53) - Long-Awaited Conversation (07:52) - Endorsing Andrea's Book (08:26) - Andrea's Story Begins (13:21) - Turning Point Revelation (21:14) - Coping with Disappointment (24:59) - Being Refined by Suffering (29:19) - Cultivating the Harvest (31:34) - Return of Chronic Pain (33:47) - Connecting with Andrea (34:45) - Navigating Early Stages (36:41) - Offering Copies of Incurable Faith