Pain is good; it lets your body know it's working, but there is more!

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley

Pain prevents us from overworking your body, which can cause more damage. Muscle pain can affect a small part of your body and signal overuse, such as sore arms from lifting or bruising after a fall.

However, there can be other reasons for the feedback of pain. Lately, my body has been aching all over, and it was caused by the medicine I was taking. It was from a statin I was using to control my high cholesterol, creating overall muscle pain. Very painful. It's been four days off the medicine and I am feeling better already!

Did I cry out to God, of course, I did. I have given my life to Christ, so I am His child, consequently, I turned to God to find peace for the present, and stayed there for peace for the future.

I also spoke with my doctor, looking for solutions. I understand, ageing is often associated with retirement, and the resulting lessening of activity, this shift brings both freedom and loss.

One of the most common questions asked is, “Why is there pain and suffering in the world?” I believe God uses, not causes, our suffering and pain to draw us close to Him and develop a deeper and more intimate relationship, allowing for a greater sense of his love.

Before reading this scripture, just remember the word 'glory' means the revealing (showing) or what something truly is made of.

"But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed, you may also rejoice and be glad." 1 Peter 4:13 NET (New English Translation) shifts the focus from the pain of suffering to the anticipated joy and glory which will be revealed.

Do I want constant pain for the rest of my life? No, it's about my attitude and gratitude. My pain is nothing, compared to the suffering which could happen in my life if I felt hopeless, lost, and alone! I have a strong family support system and a church family who give me a positive and hopeful outlook, saturated in God's own love. They help me and make my biggest challenges more manageable.

When I feel overwhelmed, I know and understand God is working in me; so my trials and tribulations invite hope.

These trials help build us up in faith which comes from God, so He can shape us all for His greater purpose.