The Purpose of Painنموونە

I hate pain.  Can we just begin today by agreeing that pain stinks? It hurts, it leaves us tired, and keeps the focus on ourselves instead of God.

In college, I had a roommate who made a cake (banana cake with cream cheese frosting), and I saw it in the kitchen looking delicious.  Instead of acting like a normal human being and cutting a piece for myself, I decided that it would be even better to eat all the frosting off the cake.  At this point, I was in quite the dilemma because: 

1. Her cake was frostingless
2. I didn’t know how to bake at this stage of my life, so I had no idea how to fix it

Instead of fessing up and dealing with the pain of confrontation, I decided to dabble in frosting making (thank you Google). Unbeknownst to me, there is a difference between powdered sugar and granular sugar (whoopsie).  Let’s just say she found out after one bite that something was awry. 

I think most of us are like me.  When it comes to pain, (whether it has been inflicted on us or we are the ones causing it) most of us are looking for a quick fix.  But, Jesus never offered us a quick fix.  He calls us to pick up our cross and follow Him.

He wants us to do the hard work of owning our part of whatever is causing the pain. Whether it’s in our marriages, friendships, or work relationships, what can we apologize for and own?  I know some of you are truly the victim in the pain you are enduring. I think it’s important to ask yourself if there is any unforgiveness you are holding onto towards yourself, others, or God. Despite your hurt, how can you seek reconciliation and healing?

Challenge:

Is there someone you need to forgive or apologize to because of pain and hurt you are feeling today?  When you feel pain, make it a habit to not immediately focus on your pain but direct your focus to loving God and others. (i.e. send an encouraging text or pray for other people in your life who might be feeling the same way.)