4:230 – Pain Sucks! We Can Overcome It

#faithbites #faithjourney sucks

Setting

Let’s face it, being in pain just sucks. Chronic pain sucks even more. I’m almost at two and a half years of living with this crap and it is for the birds. I know people live their whole lives in pain worse than mine. This is one of those cases, where all the pain is bad and no one wins. When I look at my pain, sometimes it’s all I think about. But then, there are two shining lights. First is I am able to accomplish some things and two, there are times when it lessens. I know living with the pain is no good, but understanding it and my limitations is a great lesson. I have been able to do a lot in the pain and that shows strength. This tells me that I am not just my pain. It is part of me, but I am much more.

God tells us that pain is temporary to our rewards in heaven. At the same time, we can use our pain and our experiences to help others in their pain and their lives.

Today’s Questions: If you have chronic pain, how do you handle it? How do you express when you are in pain? If you don’t have chronic pain, how do you relate to those in pain? How do you handle the ad-hoc pain that you do get?

Scripture

• Job 6:10 This would be my comfort; I would even exult in pain unsparing, for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
• Jeremiah 17:14  Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
• Acts 5:16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. 

Reflection

For today’s #faithbites, we looked at two experiences of being in pain and then one where we found healing. Of all the people in the Bible, maybe except Jesus at his crucifixion, Job was in pain. He had a raw deal and lost almost everything. Everything but his faith. He loved God even in the depths of pain and anguish. That pain wouldn’t break his faith. I want to have faith like him. There are times, I wonder why God lets me be in pain. I know he isn’t punishing me. I also know he wants me to be healed. This is one of the great mysteries of faith.

In Jeremiah, we see that faith comes true. If we ask for it, he will heal us and save us. This is put into practice when Jesus heals the sick in Jerusalem. The healing power flowed from him. That is an amazing power. I feel it when I talk to him in my prayers. Sometimes I wish I could just give him a hug or touch his robe for that healing. But, and here’s the big but, no matter my pain or anguish, I have faith in the Lord. He is good and allows me to share with others, help others, and grow in community. This is why we are here.

As we close, we need to remember two things. First, we are not our pain. We can do other things and share them with those around us. Second, we are loved, blessed children of God who will be healed.

Prayer

Father God, so many of your children are in pain and suffering. We pray for healing. Be it COVID, stress, anxiety, worry, physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional pain, please heal them. Let your children know you love them and that their pain can help others. Be with them as they give support to others in pain. Help them to be a rock for those in need.

Lord, we know you don’t want us to suffer nor do you cause the pain. We pray for your healing, compassion, and love. Amen.