One of the things I am learning is that you can't qualify pain.
Many times we fall into the trap of comparing our pain with others. I know I have.
We can feel ashamed because we know that our pain is nothing compared to somebody in Sudan who is holding their starving kids, just trying to stay alive.
That is tragic. We hurt for those who hurt.
Yet, here's what I am learning. All pain is pain. You can't measure it on a scale and rate how "worthy" or "unworthy" it is.
While there are times when we do need a reality check as to our reaction to the pain in our lives, we must never rush to qualify our pain.
I can't compare my situation with anyone else.
The one thing I do know. All pain leads us to God. A dependence upon Him. It takes us in prayer from trying to get God to do what we want to seeing it as our way of being in on what God is doing - and just hanging on.
May you sense God entering into your pain this day.....
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One of my favorite Scriptures is: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17
God always is willing to comfort us and teach us in the most tragic moments of our lives. I've spoken many times on how God led us (my family) and taught us through the life of our terminally ill son. Ten years of joy and pain, laughter and sorrow, sin and forgiveness, hope and despair. But they are ten years that I would not trade if I could because of the man God created in me through them. Am I perfect? No, very far from it but I am striving to put the old self off and put on the new...the man created by God to be His servant on this earth, to touch others in need and provide guidance and hope and love to them as they walk through the terrible times in their lives.
George is absolutely right in that you cannot categorize your pain. One, you're too close to it and it always seems larger than it is. Two, when you compare, you lose. Most people think that coveting is only for good things, like your neighbors car or boat or Jacuzzi, but it can also be for bad. My pain is worse than yours; my surgery was worse than yours; my needs are greater than yours. All coveting statements that we need to avoid.
We are human...we want pity in terrible times. God calls us to seek His hand in terrible times and He will lift us, and carry us, through them. He calls us to worship Him at ALL TIMES! Not just when things are going good but also when the roof is falling in. Not just in our joy but also in our pain. He is a just and faithful God, He will take care of us.
When we see someone in need, we need to stretch out our hand to them...not assess their level of need or pain. Just reach and show them the love of Jesus Christ in our hearts, eyes, hands, and feet.
Does anyone ever wonder why God chose crucifiction for Jesus Christ? Why a severe beating? Why a crown of thorns? Why a spear in the side? Now, some of you will say that the Romans made all of those choices but God is in control. His choice was to sacrifice His Son at that time and place! So why these wounds? Why not a later time and a simple gunshot? All of these wounds suffered by Jesus mean something! Now that I've started this, maybe I can talk George into a teaching. I'll go off line with that conversation though. LOL
Love God for no one loves you more. Love people for in doing so you demonstrate your love for God. We love all of you. Step out in faith and prayer!
BTW, for those of you praying for me during my time of healing, rest, and reflection, I feel the strength of your prayers daily and truly appreciate your attention to me/my needs. I am not done yet but do feel that I've turned the corner and am headed back. May God bless you for your faithfulness to intercessory prayer. I love you all very much.
God is in control!
Jon
Also we can't compare peoples recovery to pain. Some people "bounce back" fast from heartache and trials, others it takes a long while. I am guilty of looking at people and saying to myself "get over it all ready". But each circumstance and person is different. God deals with each person where there at. I pray that the Lord will help me to be patient and kind and longsuffering to those who truly need it.
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