What to Do When It Feels Like Pain Has Chosen You

Pain is inevitable; we all experience it—whether through loss, job struggles, or health crises. Pain can be mental or physical, sudden and unexpected. One minor accident drastically changed my life in unimaginable ways.

Born with a Battle 

I was born with Sickle Cell Anemia, a blood disorder where red blood cells take on a sickle shape, causing infections, swelling, severe pain, fatigue, and delayed growth. Doctors said I wouldn’t live past 20, yet by God's grace, I’m now 31. If that’s not a miracle, I don’t know what is. 

A Tiny Cut, A Life-Altering Turn 

At first, a small cut on my ankle seemed harmless, but weeks later, I was hospitalized, placed on pain medication, and my ankle was bandaged. What I thought would take weeks to heal stretched into years. Growing up, I faced ridicule, labeled as abnormal. Before the accident, I was deeply involved in church and school—singing, dancing, signing, and even sports. Despite frequent hospital stays, I graduated. 

My health spiraled—my blood misbehaved, causing chronic leg ulcers. Bed rest turned into months; the hospital became my second home. If it wasn’t my ankle, it was blood transfusions, dangerously low oxygen, or plummeting blood counts. But through it all, I had the ultimate Doctor—Jesus Christ. 

How God Healed Me 

Healing came in layers—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Physically: My body felt like it had betrayed me, but God reminded me He was in control. Doctors considered amputating my right ankle, but through prayer and fasting, I declared healing over my body. By midnight, the doctor reversed the decision—no surgery was needed. 

Emotionally: Isolation and frustration consumed me. Why did I have to suffer so much? Yet, God surrounded me with family, friends, and warriors who prayed and encouraged me. His Word became my lifeline—Isaiah 41:10 (“Fear not, for I am with you...”) and Jeremiah 30:17 (“For I will restore health to you...”) strengthened me.

Spiritually: My greatest healing happened within. My faith deepened as I learned to trust God in ways I never had before. Some days, I felt too weak to pray, but in those moments, I encountered God’s presence like never before—through His Word, worship, and even my pain. 

Today, I realize healing is not just about the absence of pain but experiencing God’s sustaining grace. Even on tough days, I know He is with me—it is well. 

No Season Is Wasted

In 2019, the Holy Spirit prompted me to share my journey. If my story touches just one person, every ounce of pain will be worth it. That’s a line from my favorite movie, I Still Believe. Nothing catches God off guard—only us. Enduring daily pain isn’t easy, but God allowed this trial for a reason. The pain thought it had me, but God had me first. 

God’s love runs deep. We just need to see through His lens. I’m learning that suffering doesn’t destroy faith—it refines it. Trials aren’t punishment but preparation for God’s glory. If you’re suffering, be strong in faith and stay encouraged in the Lord. 

You are not alone. No season is wasted. God will restore every lost year abundantly. Don’t lose hope—delays are preparations, just one chapter in God’s book, not the whole story.

Kiesha Pitter

Contributor

Kiesha Pitter is a writer for noblemedianetwork.com. She is a chronic illness advocate, next best-selling author, speaker, and certified Christian life and faith coach, on a mission to empower warriors battling chronic illnesses. As a Sickle Cell Warrior, she is deeply rooted in her faith in God. Drawing from her personal experiences and expertise, she offers practical strategies to help others regain control of their healing journey and embrace a life of fulfillment, even in the face of limitations.