Guest Author - Diana Pederson

Mosaic Moments is a devotional for those living with chronic illnesses. Lisa Copen, the author, is well qualified to guide others to the loving arms of Jesus even when they suffer on earth with chronic illness that won’t disappear until they reach Heaven. The book is a collection of devotions written by those who also live with chronic pain or other illnesses. In a letter to the book’s readers, Copen states:

We pray that this book will bring you comfort during periods of despair, be a night-light of hope through sleepless nights, and that it will pull you through the nobody-understands-blues and the feelings of what-have-I-got-to-lose? Prepare to be restored!

That quotation left me eager to read the contents of this book. Each devotion takes just one page. It starts with a Bible verse, a discussion of whatever the author wants to share with you, and a brief prayer from Copen or one of the other contributors. The subjects covered range from depression to being persistent in leaning on God. Every devotional will share something that can help you improve your walk with the Lord.

One outstanding devotion is titled “I Will Not Be Consumed”. It starts with Lamentations 3:22-24. Then the author talks about getting through the disappointment of not being able to have children due to the medications she took for her chronic illness. She then talks about deciding to adopt a baby and the importance of “renewing their confidence in God’s Word each day as they wait.

Recommendation

Every believer living with chronic conditions will find help in this devotional. It will also help you keep your eyes steady on the Lord instead of letting the reality of your life completely discourage you. I was delighted with the quality of writing skills evidenced in the devotionals. Perhaps it will encourage others living with “disabilities” to try their hand on learning a new skill-writing.

May I suggest this book as a surprise gift to those you know with chronic illnesses? It just may be the encouragement they need to keep on trusting our Lord, even in the midst of extreme difficulties. Pastors and Christian counselors may want to consider purchasing several of these books to have on hand when someone comes for counseling because of health problems. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that the Lord cares for every detail of our life and a simple devotion to read at the start of the day may be just what is needed to help them keep the faith for another day.

Lisa Copen. Mosaic Moments. Rest Ministries Publishers. 2003