PERSPECTIVE IN PAIN

How many times have you wondered, “Lord, why me?” Why do I have to suffer or go through whatever the difficulty might be? Or perhaps your question is more along the lines of, “How much more can I take?” I believe it is OK to ask God for clarity or even for answers to help things make sense. But I do not believe we should ever question God’s goodness or His love for us as His children.

Recently my health issues have taken a front row seat in my life. I don’t want to use ths space to describe all of the various issues. Suffice it to say that I received another “bad report.” As I wrestled with the new diagnosis, I decided I really needed to go for a walk and just spend some time talking with God. As I poured out my heart to my Savior, He reminded me that I needed to still give thanks! I didn’t hear an audible voice, but it was clear that I was missing this critical truth in my life at this moment of feeling sorry for myself. So, I started with the basics: ‘Lord, I thank you that I can still walk around the block. Lord, I thank you that I can still study, that I can still preach and teach your people your truth. Thank you for my biological family and for my church family. Etc.’ This process helped me to regain perspective. It did not make my circumstances any different, it simply reminded me of how blessed I am in the midst of difficulties.

The next thing I was reminded of is found in 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1. Listen to these precious and powerful words: “We do not lose heart!” Wow! If Paul could pen these words after all he had been through, how dare I complain to the Living God about what I am going through. Do I not have access to the same strength and grace as Paul? Of course I do! My spirit began to be lifted and lightened. But God was not through with me yet. The next words rang out: “The outer man is decaying” YES INDEED. All of us can recognize this truth on some level. But what I realized next is that the second half of that statement is not a promise but rather a prayer. “The inner man is being renewed day by day!” Oh, how I long for this to be true in my life. I desire to keep pressing forward in my walk with my Savior. Truly it is an issue of making the correct choice on a daily basis. I am not adequate on my own, but God dwells in me and He is able to help me make the correct choices each day and however often each day I need to.

It is out of this correct understanding, that I am able to echo the final words of Paul in this passage. “Momentary, light affliction is producing in me an Eternal weight of Glory.” Friends this life is short. No matter how long my physical suffering goes on, it is but a moment when compared with eternity. And God promises reward for faithful service. Part of that faithful service includes giving Him glory in ALL THINGS. And His reward lasts forever! My home is not here on this earth. My home is with the Lord! What God was and is reminding me of is that proper perspective makes a difference in how we view the challenges we face in this life.

It is OK to go to the Lord in your hour of need. It is OK to pour out your heart and your hurts to the Lord. It is OK to have your world rocked by bad news. The key becomes are we willing to listen to the counsel of the Lord and act on what He says? Friends, Life is not “Fair”, but God is Just and Loving. May you know His grace and strength in your life this month.