Pain

Pain

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Pain is a relative term. As an RN on a busy orthopaedic unit, I learned that the slightest twinge can make a grown man cry. But I live with more than twinges, my nursing career sidelined by a pain that gnaws at me day and night. My pain begins with a capital “P”.

I walk a hard road. Not one system in my body is untouched, and no one knows why, but God meets me in my pain. Jesus understands because He suffered too. In the midst of my pain, God gives me Himself. When I can’t take another step, He carries me. In the middle of the night God speaks to me. When I feel like giving up, God reminds me that He has a purpose for me.

Maybe you suffer too. I can’t tell you how to do it. We each have our own path to trod. God’s purpose for me is not His purpose for you, but I know He has one. I know because He enables me every day. I can speak love to a hurting soul. I can write a poem that touches a wounded spirit. I can understand when someone loses heart and offer a listening ear. If my aching body can minister to someone’s hurting spirit, I am blessed.

Father, speak to those who hurt today. The source of their pain doesn’t matter. Your comfort is for everyone. Thank you that for caring enough to teach me to trust You every day. My pain shows that You’re not finished with me yet. Help me honor You by facing this trial in Your strength. Enable me to finish well because Your grace is sufficient for my every need.

© Copyright Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, February 16, 2016

Norma Gail is the author of the Christy Award nominated contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and the New Mexico Christian Novelists. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org