Why are the two connected? As someone who has experienced terrible pain, and then has had the grace of most of that pain released, I can now see that pain can be a shield to some temptations and yet a highway to others. For instance, when one is in great physical pain, then many sexual temptations can typically go out the window. However, having such intense pain can lead one into a desperate search for any relief, which could easily lead one into idolatry of some kind.
So being in pain is no different from not having it. Actually, pain is more like going to a school you don't like, and it depends on how well you study your lessons. When I was in pain I had a large amount of time to be in the Word and in prayer. This did keep me away from many temptations, but obviously not all. I was able to develop great empathy for others, those hurting physically, mentally, or spiritually. However, shortly after having my surgery I found that empathy waning quickly. During one of my morning walks, I became keenly aware that without the acute pain I was now just as tempted to quickly judge others as I was before my injury. In an instant, all the stories of the ancient Israelites wandering in the desert made sense. When we read how they were a "stiff-necked people" who continued to grumble against God, we have the tendency to say, "How could they bicker and complain so quickly and easily after God brought them out of Egypt?" Now I see exactly how they were able to sin so often. It's the human condition of our sinful heart which seems to have a shorter memory than my mind (which would make that very short).
Then having pain doesn't teach us anything. That depends on us. See, God may allow us to have different pains or illnesses. Often times, that causes us to call out to Him in a very real and deep way. He in turn, gives us the grace to deal with our afflictions. Now, this is where we either take that education to heart, or forget it at the first sign of relief. The first lesson to learn is: if we think we are beyond temptation; we are not! That would be an illusion! Sometimes we feel we've gone past a certain point, that what was once a temptation has been defeated and now it can no longer be a concern for us. Not true! We can, and are, always tempted by things familiar and strange. If we do not hold on to the lessons learned while we are in our weakness, then we are doomed to repeat our mistakes. What a waste!
Don't make my mistake; remember to start everyday with His Word and in prayer by praising, thanking, and worshiping the Father, confessing our sins and putting on the armor of Christ. In this way, we can fight off the evil one, who goes about like a roaring lion. I'll take the Lion of Judah instead! What about you? Have you wasted an important lesson from the Lord like I did? Let's use this to make each other accountable.
I can relate to what you're saying when you mention that "if you don't hold on to the lessons learned while we are in our weakness..." I stumbled along that path for a long time. God has given me so much grace and I finally have found the courage/desire to see my sin as He does. I'm now scared to even think about going back but I know that I ALWAYS need to be on guard.
ReplyDeletePain does come in different forms. Mine was emotional. But my wife's is physical. She is enduring a pain I cannot seem to know how to relate. She has been diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia. Pain in her face simply put. I would like her to read what you have here and perhaps glean from other believers and what they are going through.
Thanks for this thought provoking post. Much to learn here. God bless!