This week has been somewhat of a frustrating one for me. On Tuesday my back took a turn for the worst and I literally found myself unable to do the simplest things that I often take for granted. Even working on my laptop has been painful. Yes, I went to the doctor, the chiropractor, I am stretching, resting, and applying ice and heat. Mom even has made sure I am taking my Flintstone’s Vitamins.
Now, sometimes God allows things like back pain to get us to slow down and rest, and often times we need to do just that. Other times pain can be a signal of something deeper going on that needs to be addressed. The pain is there and it’s real, but how I respond to the pain, how I let it affect me when it comes to those around me, my attitude, my responsibilities, my outlook on life, and my relationship with God is critical. Because I am in pain, do I make everyone around me suffer by complaining, being irritable, and inwardly focused? Do I allow my pain to be an excuse to procrastinate and not do the things that I still could be doing and need to get done? Do I allow my pain to dictate who I am to the point that my outlook on life in general becomes doom and gloom? Do I allow my pain to cause me to neglect my family, my friends, and my God?
My pain is a physical pain. However, everything I have said above can be applied to emotional pain as well. And let me tell you that emotional pain is just as real if not more real, and can even lead to physical pain. And sometimes we need to just rest, deal with our pain, deal with the “deeper” issues. I am a firm believer in dealing with, and getting help when it comes to our emotional pain. However, when we allow the pain to influence who we are, how we treat others, our attitude, our responsibilities, our outlook on life, and our relationship to God, we have allowed our pain to almost become our God, our big ball of wax, our obstacle, our impassable mountain.
The Apostle Paul knew what it was to be in pain. He suffered physical pain and mental pain. He was beaten, abused, and locked up in chains. He traveled great distances by foot, constantly put his life in harm’s way, yet rarely do we ever hear him complain.
My pain is real, and I know many of you are going through pain that is very real. However, let me encourage you to press on. God does have a plan for your life and will get you through the most difficult of circumstances. The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:10-13: 10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Be encouraged. God is with you and whatever the pain, whatever the circumstance, His strength is sufficient!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
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