“To the woman he said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children.'” (Genesis 3:16a)
I used to have this skewed view of God. Somehow, I got the idea that once you acknowledged God in your life things would go swimmingly. Nothing bad would ever happen.
A few nights ago, I was awakened with this portion of Scripture from Matthew 5:45: “… and he sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong.”
As I pondered on this I realized “rain” could be a good thing–there are times the earth desperately needs rain–and there are others when torrential rain brings disaster. God’s treatment of his creation is just. We are not exempt from what life brings simply because we follow him.
My thoughts went deeper.
I thought of Adam and Eve and how, because of disobedience, Eve was told that childbirth would be painful. Having had four children, I know that pain quite well. I’ve often wondered if childbirth is painful for the baby. Yet, I know a lusty cry is a sign of a healthy babe. It seems we are birthed in pain. But oh, the joy of that new birth!
My thoughts turned to the crucifixion. Our salvation lies in pain: Horrible, horrendous pain. Yet, that too, is the pain of a new birth. Christ’s death and resurrection is the root of our spiritual birth. A joyful, amazingly grace-filled birth.
Then the pains of my own life came to mind. My illnesses, my car accident, my daughter’s death and that of her unborn child. Swiftly my thoughts went to my husband. Cancer. Parkinson’s. The loss of his ability to work. So much pain.
Yet that very same pain is driving us closer and closer to God. Our personal spiritual lives are being “birthed” if you will – in pain. And as we draw closer? The joy of knowing Him intimately.
Few people ask for pain. And yet, that pain can hold a promise. A promise that says “Lo, I am with You always, even to the ends of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
And that promise brings joy to my heart.
Prayer: Father God, Thank you that although this can be a life filled with pain and sorrow. It is also a life full of promise and joy. Amen and amen.
About the author:
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic challenges is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her challenges have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness. Her website is http://www.todaysencouragingwordonline.com – deni can be reached at encouragingwordt@pathways4change.org or through her website.
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Are you able to see through the pain of this life to see the possibility of joy? If so, how has joy manifested itself in your life? Does your pain let you identify with the suffering of Christ’s death?
great article! it can be a very long process to accept chronic pain and illness as part of God’s plan. i was one of the many that thought since i was a christian i would not and should not have troubles, but as i read the scriptures, they clearly said that i should expect troubles and hardships, pain and suffering. The Lord did not promise ease of life, what He promised was: Never will I leave you or forsake you.”
God never changes. His promises are the same today as they were yesterday, and will be the same tomorrow. it took me 3 years of pain, suffering and loss to understand this truth. He never moved, i did. when we finally understand that what God requires is complete faith, trust, and love, and when we do just that, He will open up the heavens and show you and teach you things beyond your dreams. just as the Priests of the Old Testament had to be purified before entering the Temple, so must we be “purified” from our own ideas of who we think God should be. we must always remember that our purpose to to bring glory to God in all things. its not an easy road, but well worth the journey. i would not trade one minute of my pain for anything. it has brought me into a beautiful relationship with my Savior. stay faithful!! never give up! pray and trust! God is Good ALL the time!!
deni – what an excellent devotional. It helps me look at the “birthing process” – both in the natural and spritual – with new eyes. It also gives meaning to God’s promise that He will give to us the “treasures in darkness”.
Our salvation is a treasure that will take us into eternity. Our pains and afflictions now are being transformed in ways we have yet to know or see. His Joy is our strength when we feel less than strong.
Trust. Trust that the Lord who surrendered all, will continue to help us to surrender as we receive the hope that only He can give
A blessed Holy Week to you!
Love,
Lynn
Julie – I appreciated reading your comments. Thank you.
deni: More and more I do see and experience joy through my pain. The faith that is God’s gift has been fed as I choose to believe that he works ALL things out for my good and for His glory. Through long periods of depression and frustration that seems to go on and on, the Lord has drawn me closer to Himself. And I find joy and contentment.
My spiritual fruit still has a ways to go to come to maturity but I know He’s working in various ways to grow it. As Lynn said, our salvation is a treasure, one we should never take for granted, but like so many things, in our humanity, we do.
May our wonderful Saviour and Lord give us joy and peace as we contemplate what His great love for us drove Him to do on that first Good Friday and Easter!!
Blessings to you and your hubby deni!