Pain
What is the point of pain? I mean, pain stinks! I don't know anyone who would walk up to me and say "I really want to experience pain right now. It just sounds like a barrel of fun! In fact, I often find myself doing whatever I can to avoid pain. But lately, I took time to stop and think about what pain really is. I remember in elementary school, when one of my friends hurt his leg playing soccer, but then continued playing. My thought to him, WHY???? His response be me was four simple words, "No Pain, No Gain." Now, we have probably all heard that at one point or another in our lives, but what does that really mean? Well, to me it seems like it just means, if you aren't willing to face the difficulties and pain, then you aren't going to reap the benefits of taking that risk. Why is it that we think of pain completely as a bad thing. Pain tells us when something is wrong.
If you didn't feel pain, from a physical standpoint, how would be know that you broke your arm? How would you know not to touch a hot stove? We would never experience what we are actually feeling. I also believe this applies emotionally and spiritually as well. If I don't feel guilt, then how would I know the difference between right and wrong? Everything would feel the same. Not only that, but what would be my motivation to change? If I am not going to feel a need to change, why would I change? I've heard it said (and also said it myself) "if it isn't broken, don't fix it." If I don't realize I'm broken, why would I try to "fix" my life?
Why then, knowing this, do I feel such a "need" / desire, to avoid pain? I take all the preventative measures to INSURE that I don't feel pain. I think this is true of our culture as a whole. People do so many things to avoid this negative feeling of pain, instead of facing it. We turn to social media for our "cyber" relationships, which sometimes even includes messaging someone in the same room / house as us. We (as a country, and more likely, as a human race) turn to drugs, alcohol, smoking, music, etc, in order to pretend like everything in life is okay. The problem is sometimes life isn't okay. Hiding behind these masks, pretending like our life is us running through a field of daisies is NEVER okay. Telling myself the pain will pass while ignoring the real problem is not an acceptable way to deal with problems / pain. Everyone has figured out at one point or another, but facing pain is HARD. Quite frankly, it sucks.
But there is a solution. A Solution that offers a hope of something better. A Solution that offers a peace that passes all understanding. He offers a love that is unfathomable. This Solution has experienced pain in a way we cannot even begin to grasp. This Solution is the ONLY solution. This solution is Jesus Christ, the King of the World. He has power over the world. Lamentations 3:37 says, "Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?" We can find peace knowing that nothing happens outside of God's will. No matter what, God knows the outcome. He promises us that "...all things work for the good of those who love him," Romans 8:28.
Pain is difficult. We will all face pain. But we can rest in the promises of God, knowing that He is great, and good. His mercy is never ending, his love is never ceasing, and his comfort is His Peace that passes ALL understanding!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
If you didn't feel pain, from a physical standpoint, how would be know that you broke your arm? How would you know not to touch a hot stove? We would never experience what we are actually feeling. I also believe this applies emotionally and spiritually as well. If I don't feel guilt, then how would I know the difference between right and wrong? Everything would feel the same. Not only that, but what would be my motivation to change? If I am not going to feel a need to change, why would I change? I've heard it said (and also said it myself) "if it isn't broken, don't fix it." If I don't realize I'm broken, why would I try to "fix" my life?
Why then, knowing this, do I feel such a "need" / desire, to avoid pain? I take all the preventative measures to INSURE that I don't feel pain. I think this is true of our culture as a whole. People do so many things to avoid this negative feeling of pain, instead of facing it. We turn to social media for our "cyber" relationships, which sometimes even includes messaging someone in the same room / house as us. We (as a country, and more likely, as a human race) turn to drugs, alcohol, smoking, music, etc, in order to pretend like everything in life is okay. The problem is sometimes life isn't okay. Hiding behind these masks, pretending like our life is us running through a field of daisies is NEVER okay. Telling myself the pain will pass while ignoring the real problem is not an acceptable way to deal with problems / pain. Everyone has figured out at one point or another, but facing pain is HARD. Quite frankly, it sucks.
But there is a solution. A Solution that offers a hope of something better. A Solution that offers a peace that passes all understanding. He offers a love that is unfathomable. This Solution has experienced pain in a way we cannot even begin to grasp. This Solution is the ONLY solution. This solution is Jesus Christ, the King of the World. He has power over the world. Lamentations 3:37 says, "Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?" We can find peace knowing that nothing happens outside of God's will. No matter what, God knows the outcome. He promises us that "...all things work for the good of those who love him," Romans 8:28.
Pain is difficult. We will all face pain. But we can rest in the promises of God, knowing that He is great, and good. His mercy is never ending, his love is never ceasing, and his comfort is His Peace that passes ALL understanding!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
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