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Perspective in Pain
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 by Dr Harlan Betz

 

            We need perspective in pain. We need to realize that everyone has some hurt and heartache, some pressure and problems, some difficulty and disappointment. We need to cultivate a heart for others. God has that kind of heart. We need to see people the way Christ saw them... not just crowds, not just in our way, not just before us in line or cutting us off in traffic... but like individual people with real hearts, real concerns, and a real need for the love of God! (Matthew 9:36-38). 

            We must also learn to trust Him even when life is taking us through a storm. We need to realize that God loves us and wants what is best for us. He is worthy of our honor. He is worthy of our trust. He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. (2 Cor 1:3). God can take the heartaches of this sin-cursed world and transform them into blessings. He can work all things together for our good and for His glory! 
            Laura Story wrote a song when her husband was dealing with brain tumors and surgeries. Her words speak to our hearts. Her song is called “Blessings!” She wrote: 

Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?                                                                                                         What if your healing comes through tears?                                                                                                                           What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you’re near?                                                                         What if the trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?

            Jesus said, "In this life you shall suffer tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). We need to trust God in the darkness. 
            Ginny Owens was born with poor eyesight and has been blind since the age of three. This is Ginny Owens song, “If you want me to!” Let the words of her song wash over you! 

The pathway is broken and the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley if You want me to

'Cause I'm not who I was when I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire if You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me and I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the darkness if You want me to

When I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
I'm gonna look into Your eyes and see, You never let me down
So take me on the pathway that will lead me home to You
And I will walk through the valley if You want me to
Yes, I will walk through the valley if You want me to

            I am so impressed by Ginny’s faith. We need that kind of perspective in pain! As the Psalmist said, we need to “Lift up our eyes to the hills. Where does our help come from? Our help comes from God.” And when around others, we must be sensitive to their hurts and heartaches, so we can show them the love of God. 


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