Ride Out Your
Pain
February 3, 2003
We've all experienced our share of physical,
psychological, emotional and mental pain. And when we feel
squeezed by pain like a tennis ball in a vise--we just want
relief.
At such times it's important to remember that pain
isn't an enemy. It's our body's way of telling us something is
wrong. And it's a tool that can make us stronger. That's why
it's crucial we not run away from pain or try to anesthetize it
in harmful ways. If we do that, we'll soon discover that what
deadened the pain will eventually create more pain than it
eliminated.
Instead of running from pain, ride it out like you
would a raising tide. Eventually it will recede.
Nobody passes through life without hardship. Even
the apostle Paul experienced intense pain when he afflicted with
a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). While we don't know
for sure the source of Paul's pain, we know he suffered greatly.
Three times he begged God to take it away. Three times God
refused. Instead of removing the cause of suffering, God gave
Paul an extra measure of His grace.
Rather than becoming angry with God, Paul wrote,
"I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that
Christ's power may rest on me. That is for Christ's sake, I
delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am
strong" (2 Cor. 12:9, 10).
Paul learned to rely on the grace of God during
his times of suffering. While the pain wasn't removed, he
experienced the strength needed to endure with dignity.
Thankfully, that same grace is available to you.
When you hurt, ask God to give you the grace you need to endure.
Ask him to make his strength apparent through your weaknesses.
While God may not take the pain away, he will give you the
strength needed.
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