We've all heard the phrase "no pain, no gain" and most of us picture a body builder of some kind going through their workout ritual, sweating and grimmacing, putting themselves through what I would consider torture so they can have a head-turning physique.
Why does pain have to be involved? As I've always heard it, pain is an indicator that an area of our body needs attention. Without pain we might not feel that we've broken a bone and need to get it set right or that we're burning ourselves to a crisp when we're out in the sun too long. Pain tells us that something needs to be done....and sometimes very quickly.
I started thinking about other kinds of pain: emotional pain, suffering through trials, loss, inconvenience, putting up with human stupidity (whether our own or someone else's), financial difficulty, change of any kind. I'm sure you have your own list going through your head right now. If we dare to think about it, those are all indications that there is an area of our lives God wants to touch and exercise and improve.
Just like a body builder takes their workout to the next level by putting themselves through a little more pain each time they workout because they know it's a benefit, we can be assured that the pain that we experience is not in vain. Something is happening. So pay attention, what can you learn or gain from your pain? It can be a good teacher if you let it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
While any pain is uncomfortable at the time, the lessons are undeniable. Burn yourself, be more careful and pay attention next time - play sports when your body is out of shape, suffer the consequence for a few days.Thinking that God is angry with us when we go thru spiritual pain and growth is misguided. Guard against fleeing from the One who has seen your beginning and your end. Seek guidance from the One who truely loves you.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true, perseverance is crucial if we want to experience victory in any area of our lives.*like* ;)
ReplyDelete