Thursday, October 29, 2009

Sometimes it Hurts so Good

OK, so Tuesday I told you that today I was going to expand on the idea that God's purposes are perfect. Have you been waiting with baited breath???

You don't have to answer that question. *grin*

The point is, sometimes I have been praying for something and God has not answered in the way I wanted, nor in the time I wanted. But when all was said and done, I have understood that God's purposes are greater than my desires. In fact, most recently I have learned His purposes are greater than my pain.

I mentioned last week that I have been experiencing some back pain. To be honest, at times it has been debilitating.
I have been concerned about how I was going to get things done. I have been in tears, wondering why God didn't just touch me and bring healing. I have begged Him to take the pain away and let me function like I am accustomed to doing. I have asked God to examine me and show me if there is some unconfessed sin He is trying to bring to my attention.

I have been all over the map.

And do you know where I have landed?

Right here. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
God has shown me so much through this pain.
When I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to speak for a MOPS group because of the pain, God showed me that He is big enough to bring relief right when I needed it.
When I had to stay home from church and missed teaching my Sunday school class and another event for which I had signed up to help, God showed me He is big enough to carry on these events without me.
God used the pain to slow me down and led me to moments of sweet fellowship with Him. He has used it to show me His love and faithfulness. God has humbled me through the pain and required me to accept help from other people.
And through it all, He keeps reminding me - His grace is sufficient for me.

Do I still wish He would touch me and take away the pain?

I sure do!

In fact, I would love to be pain-free by the time this post hits cyberspace. But God has shown me, and continues to convince me that His purposes are greater than my pain. And that is why I can say, Sometimes it hurts so good.

******************************************************
I wrote this post last week, and thought I ought to update it to say that my back and I are getting along quite well now.
I can stand up straight.
I can walk.
Something still isn't quite "right" and I am still being careful, but I can honestly say - if my back never improved from where it is right now, I'd be OK with that.

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10 comments:

luvmy4sons said...

God uses it all doesn't He? I often wonder at His choices of object lessons. So good that we can trust the He WILL work all things together for good! Yes? Glad your back is feeling better. I CAN SO RELATE to that! Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Wow...the wisdom in this post is absolutely wonderful & just what I needed to read this morning!! I can't even express how much your posts have helped me not only to look at things differently, but to open up more to Jesus' sweet voice.
Thank you so much, my friend!!
Hugs to you!
Patricia nyc

Leah Adams said...

Sounds like you and the Lord have had some incredible time together. So thankful that your back is doing better.

He truly has given us everything we need for life and godliness!!

Leah

Jessica Nelson said...

I just love that: God's purposes are greater than my pain. This is wisdom for other things too. Wow. Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad you can move easier now.

Ronel said...

This is interesting to me because my neck has been killing me this week and I am at my breaking point... I have tried everything but going to him & resting... hmmm guess I should rest in knowing he is with me in my pain.

Thank you,
Ronel

Larie Carlice Proverbs 27:19 said...

I can relate. It's awesome how you shared this, it's for somebody, don't know who, but somebody needed this testimony! Hence the reason you have been in pain!

smooches,
Larie

Rosy Caesar said...

Something still isn't quite "right" and I am still being careful, but I can honestly say - if my back never improved from where it is right now, I'd be OK with that.

karen, dear, how I wish I also bring myself to the same thing...but I am not able to bring myself. Pray for me....

O Mom said...

His purposes are greater than my pain........
Oh how I needed that.

Edie said...

I'm so sorry for your back pain but I'm so glad that God is right there all the way.

I sometimes have back pain too. This thought just occurred to me. Have you tried a cold pack on it? I was so reluctant to try that (cause I like heat better), but when I did, the pain went away fast.

Angie Muresan said...

Karen, I hope you feel better and better each passing hour. You said something in there that scares me: 'some unconfessed sin He is trying to bring to my attention.' I have plenty of those!