Enduring PainSample

Recently, I’ve stepped into a new position at the church my husband pastors and have taken on responsibilities leading a new church location. It is, for sure, way outside of my comfort zone. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t feel insecure and inadequate as I am tasked with lots of new things and specifically a lot more public speaking roles. 

A few weeks ago, someone mentioned to me that my speaking skills were poor and disjointed and that I presented things poorly. At that moment, it was absolutely crushing. I really wanted to run away and quit. I was volunteering so many hours a week and had been trying to bring my best. Those words at that moment were crushing and so painful.

I managed to hold it together during that interaction, but I did go and cry alone in my car.  As I sat there going over that painful conversation, I felt God interrupt my thoughts and give me a gentle nudge in the midst of the pain. He reminded me that:

1) This person does not define my worth; Jesus does. 

2) Jesus suffered withering criticism by both friends and enemies.  

3) If I don’t walk through this pain, I won’t grow and level up as a person.

That last point was perhaps the most impactful to me in the moment. Pain is a part of growth. Obviously, that is true physically but also emotionally and spiritually. Paul repeatedly talks about how pain leads to growth. I love his statement in 2 Corinthians 12:10. Through all the challenges, Christ’s power is being made perfect through my weakness.

Challenge: Is there feedback in your life that has been hard to receive? Is there pain in your life that will hinder your growth if you don’t walk through it? Make the decision to become a person who will embrace growth and crave feedback before the next situation even happens.