A great quote from the movie Chariots of Fire has always meant a lot to me..."When I run, I feel God's pleasure." I've taken that one step further in the last 10 years of my life. I've come to know God's pleasure through pain. You read right -- through pain!
I've dealt with mental pain, emotional pain, spiritual pain, and a significant amount of physical pain. It has taken a toll on my body, but God has always reminded me of the enduring joy that He has given me even in the midst of pain....for pain reminds me of what God has brought me through. He has lifted me up when I didn't think that I could do it. He has mended wounds of my spirit, my soul. He has given me back much of what has been taken away in my life. Yet, my physical pain remains as a monument to His glory!
He rescued me for a purpose. He gave me pain for a reason. He brought me through "it" in order for me to help others -- so that I would understand the complexities of their maladies -- the nature of their discomfort. I embrace the pain for He has embraced me and for this, my life is a better place.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord for He is worthy of your praise EVEN in the midst of the pain! Celebrate the enduring joy that you have received through Christ -- Our redeemer!
Under HIS Grace...
Chris
