Suffering

My prayer list is as long as I have ever seen it. I know so many people who are really suffering right now that it is kind of scary. One friend is on the verge of death at any moment with a brain tumor, another’s child is very seriously ill and nearly died, another’s marriage is devastated, another is suicidal over the loss of her child and hatred of the one responsible for the child’s death, another’s father had a very serious operation, another one of my friends just had heart surgery, a boy that works for me is taking his 9 year old daughter today for her fifth open heart surgery, and others have very serious financial problems. The list is long. The storms of life are alive and raging.

I was working out this morning and trying very hard to achieve a personal goal of improving my time on running the mile. There was one problem; my right shin was hurting so badly that I could barely endure the pain. I honestly did not think I could go on. My treadmill is located right next to a mirror. I looked at myself in the mirror, grimaced and said no pain, no gain. I forced myself to complete the session and indeed broke my record. I always have a quiet time of prayer after working out. As I pondered my list and thought of all of the pain being endured by my friends, their families, and friends, I remembered the words, no pain, no gain that I spoke to myself in the mirror. I thought it is easy to lie in bed in the morning instead of experiencing the pain of getting up at 5:00 AM and exercising; however there will be no gain to the health of those who do not experience the pain.


The Bible teaches that gain comes out of pain and suffering, because it produces patience and perseverance. God’s wisdom is unsurpassed. As believers we must have faith in His Word. Personally I cannot understand it, but I do not question it. If God ordains that I need pain and suffering in my life, I have faith that the end result will be well worth the effort. My pain will lead to gain. I must patiently will myself to endure it, knowing that it will make me more complete according to God’s plan for my life. If you are currently experiencing pain and suffering in your life, all I can say is ask the Lord to stand by you, grit your teeth and ride out the storm. The sun will shine again and you will be a better person for it. The Bible guarantees it.
Hang in there and try to be patient!

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James 5:10
My brethren take the prophets
who spoke in the name of the Lord,
as an example of suffering and patience.
Indeed we count them blessed
who endure. You have heard of the
perseverance of Job and seen the
end intended by the Lord that the
Lord is very compassionate and
merciful

James 1:2
My brethren count it all joy
when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect
work, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking nothing.