Thank God for pain! Why? Because pain is not the problem, but pain points to the problem (Rom. 5:3; 1 Pet. 1:6-7). “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psa. 119:71). No pain – No gain. You don’t kill the messenger because he brings bad news. God has provided an alarm system within you that is your first responder alerting and advising you that you, as Houston, have a problem. Knowledge is good. Pain lets you know you have a problem. What if there were no pain? Those with leprosy actually pray for pain because some are burned, cut, or infected and feel no pain. Pain is usually the first process towards healing. Pain corrects us – Pain constructs us – Pain conforms us – Pain changes us. So when you have a pain, don’t be one. Suffering shapes and makes us.
At times we must endure before we can enjoy (Heb. 12:2). Again, realize that pain is not the problem, but pain reveals the problem. So “Thank God for pain.” Pain identifies the problem and intensity. Little pain, little problem. Much pain, much problem. I read a testimony from Joni who is paralyzed from the neck down. Some asked her, “How do you always have a cheerful smile?” She said that after many hours of morning preparation and pain, she then prepares to face the day with a smile. But at times, the pain is so severe, she thinks of staying home. She prays for the pain to be removed, but the pain remains. Then she notices that God does not remove the pain, but He gives her strength to endure and overcome the pain. As Joni and also the Lord, we must learn to be patient with the process of pain and let it proceed until it is perfected.
Usually the first words from the doctor are, “Where does it hurt?” Because of pain, you can point to the exact place. A man told the doctor, “Everywhere I touch, I feel pain. When I touch my head, my side, or my stomach, it hurts. Why?” After exams the doctor said, “You have a broken finger.” Pain identifies the place of the problem. A simple ache achieves and accomplishes an abundance. It is important that you do not resist but respond and let the process proceed.
How to know you responded correctly? You become better, not bitter. How to know you responded incorrectly? You become bitter, not better. The Bible gives the answer. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, (results) make you perfect (complete), stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Pet. 5:10) After means it is now over – Amen! Father knows best! The end process is that you are now stronger, sweeter and more sensitive. You can now comfort others who face what you faced (2 Cor. 1:).The purpose of the process of pain is prevention and protection. So Stop resisting and Start responding to the productive process of pain.
