The Joys of Pain

Getting old is ever so much fun…ok, not so much. Yesterday I found myself at my physical therapy appointment enjoying the pounding my therapist was giving my aching arm. Perhaps she saw my grimace or heard my loud groan; either way, she stopped and asked, “How’s that?” What I felt like saying was, “Well, let’s trade places for a moment and let me pound on one of your vulnerable body parts to see if I can bring you to fits of agony!”

Instead, (because I’m a polite wimp) I nodded, allowing her to continue in her torture of my bloodied limb (ok, it wasn’t bleeding – but it felt like it should be!)

I held my tongue, and began to think of the verse in Hebrews 12 that tells us “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. (Indeed!) Later on however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

I realized that just like I need to be willing to go through some pain to repair my arm to get it to where I want it to be – functioning to it’s best ability, so I need to submit to my Heavenly Father’s hand of “therapy” – correction with some pain involved, to get my heart where He wants it to be – functioning to it’s best ability through His strength at work in me. Sometimes he has to strip away a lot more than I’m ready for.

 I’ve learned the hard way that resisting only prolongs the pain; for sure the best way is to submit and trust that God loves us and has a plan.

And He will be with us – right through the difficulty – pretty incredible, isn’t it!

Are you finding yourself submitting to Your Father’s touch at work in your life? I pray so dear reader! Please feel free to share your journey – you never know how it may bless others along the way… If you’re struggling to let go of some area He wants to grow you in, let’s talk…you know- between friends.