Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher and author once said, “If I could choose any of life’s blessings, I certainly wouldn’t ask for wealth, because wealth cannot bring freedom from pain, concern, or anxiety. I certainly would not ask for popularity, because there is no rest for the world’s leaders. My choice, my highest honor, would be to have God with me always.”
I personally couldn’t agree with him more. When I was in the acute stage of my back injury, I felt the highest level of pain and despair that I could ever remember. I could hardly move and didn’t walk for 10 days! Knowing that God was with me and that His sovereign will was governing my circumstance at that moment, was what got me through that horrific time in my life. Driving any distance was almost impossible. Sneezing, coughing, and laughing produced electrical shock waves that traveled up and down my spine. Sleeping was almost impossible due to the shooting pain that ran up and down my left leg. Pain medication didn’t help me and only made me nauseous. For months, I often cried out to God to take away the agony. After three months of sleepless nights, I started to look into surgery which would’ve costed tens of thousands of dollars. My doctors warned me that there were high risks involved with surgery and no guarantees. I was so desperate that I told them I didn’t care as long as the pain would go away. By this time, my lack of sleep and mobility had put my spirit in a state of unrest. Depression settled in and found a place to rest in my weary soul.
Thank goodness, by the grace of God something so simple miraculously took my pain away completely. Taking Steroids. After 2 weeks, the pain was gone. However, my appetite shot up causing me to gain 15 pounds. To be honest, I would rather live with a rounder figure, as long as the pain and agony was alleviated. I am now able to sleep at night without shooting pains waking me. I can cough, sneeze, and laugh without electric shocks. And my depression lifted.
No wealth, riches, or power could give me peace and contentment if I am in constant pain or experiencing anxiety. My agonizing back injury was a valuable lesson for me to appreciate my life right where I am, with God steering and guiding my ship. I have more contentment now than I have in many years. There are many things I can improve and desire, but I am happy just to be healthy, disease free, and mostly pain free at the moment. I can move and drive without any discomfort. Having God’s presence and loving hand guiding me in every aspect of my life is enough riches and power I could ask for and want.
Psalms 139:7-10
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
The apostle Paul was no stranger to pain and suffering:
“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). He overcame pain, suffering, and persecution by fully depending on God for strength. Otherwise, he would’ve lost his faith and hope early on. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who give me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
I give thanks to God who gives me strength to walk into each day in His presence. Knowing His Grace and Mercy is sufficient; His Divine Love covers my faults and imperfections. His mighty hand is my shield and my reward. He will never leave me nor forsake me. Apart from Him I can do nothing.
Be GRATEFUL for what you have and where you are right now. If you are healthy and pain free, be glad you are not suffering. But if you are suffering, stand firm; knowing that you share in Christ’s suffering; binding you in His Love. If you have the gift of sight and can read with discernment, be thankful you can receive messages of truth into your heart. If you have a roof over your head, a comfortable bed, and are not hungry, be appreciative. If you can worship God freely without persecution, condemnation, or death threats, Rejoice! God is with us! He gives us our daily bread and daily breath to sustain us. And He stands with us and for us to overcome the world as He did. In return, we must give Him Glory and Praises!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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