Have we the humility to thank our Father for the gift of pain?
Elizabeth Elliot, Secure in the Everlasting Arms (2002)

When I saw this quote, I did a double-take… GIFT OF PAIN? Since when is pain a gift? Although I must admit my past ignorance of the idea, I can now say that I agree with the statement. In our culture, we view pain as evil, bad, un-called for, bad luck, etc. But, what we do not do is call it a gift. In other words, we see no value in it. A gift is something that is given to you because it has meaning and value in someone’s eyes; therefore, they expect you to benefit in some sense from receiving it. The more I thought this over, the more I realized that pain is often a gift God gives us because it is working something in us. It has a redemptive aspect to it and it therefore has meaning and value. How sad it is when we view pain and suffering as meaningless and the bad luck of the dice! Beloved, listen to me: God loves you and does not desire to harm you, but He often will allow pain and suffering to come into our lives in order to prune us, purify us and perfect us just as gold is refined in a fire. When we understand that our loving heavenly Father is working something beautiful in our pain, something that will benefit us here and in eternity, then we, in humility, can give Him thanks…yes, even in our pain. My friend, you are loved by God and His mercies are never failing. Don’t despair when pain comes; remember to give Him thanks and He will create a spirit of joy and thanksgiving in the midst of your suffering.

GOD LOVE YOU!

Originally published on June 2, 2018