I. God Has a Purpose
II. Make the Call
III. Do Your Exercises
INTRODUCTION
The humorist George Jessel once said, “The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.” I think he was right. As some of you know, I've been dealing with severe back pain for a few months.
The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 38:7: “My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body”.
Back pain affects the body, mind, will, emotions, and spirit. It is an excruciating experience. I now understand what people are going through when they say they are experiencing pain. I have learned that I need to be more sensitive and sympathetic to those around me who are in pain.
The pain medicine prescribed by my doctor was a narcotic and it greatly concerned me. I do not want to become addicted. Therefore, I switched to a over-the-counter medicine and it seems to be working well.
I searched online for information about the doctor's prescription. The medicine modifies how the brain handles and reacts to pain.
I asked myself, “Can I control my pain through my thought life?” I know that what I think about controls my feelings and emotions, but what about pain? Can I handle my pain by modifying my thought life?
It is inevitable that we are going to face pain, trials, and sorrow this side of heaven.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”.
One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Or “Think on these things.”
Dwelling on God’s Word changes lives and don’t ignore pain. It’s there for a reason.
1. GOD HAS A PURPOSE
God does not waste our life experiences. He will use whatever we are going through (including pain) to help us grow in Christ and be an encouragement to others.
I wrote in my Bible years ago the following: Long Suffering is self-restraint when dealing with other people in the face of painful provocation. Long Suffering does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope.
We received a letter from Charles Stanley that spoke directly to the topic of my sermon. In his letter he wrote the following:
Remember, anything that touches our lives must first be allowed by the Father’s hand. If we can embrace the circumstances that come our way as opportunities for growth, we will experience victory. With that in mind what kinds of things does the Lord teach us through adversity? Doctor Stanley lists five lessons:
- First, God may be revealing Himself to us -- demonstrating His love, character, wisdom, power, and faithfulness in meaningful ways. We may not realize how deeply we need the Father in certain areas of our life until we experience a trial that is far beyond what we can handle. He may bring us to a place where we have no choice but to rely upon Him and the individuals he leads across our path. This is so we will “stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish in us” (Ex. 14:13).
- Second, God may be training us to trust Him for all our needs rather than rely on ourselves. Do we feel inadequate, weak, or weary? Have our resources run out? If so then we are learning to depend upon the Lord who will never fail us. He is our sufficiency. Do not fear, rather claim the promise of Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
- Third, the Lord may be teaching us about the true joy, which comes from intimacy with Him. At times, we may place too much emphasis on earthly sources for our happiness. The more tightly we hold on to those things, the more miserable we can become. Therefore, we must, like the apostle Paul, be able to say, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11). We do so by finding our satisfaction, fulfillment, and purpose in Christ.
- Fourth, the Father may be refining our character. God’s goal is to conform us to the image of Christ and strengthen our faith. To do so, He cleanses us of all our sinful strongholds and transforms us through His Holy Spirit. In this way, He produces in us “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). We then become a beautiful reflection of Christ.
- Fifth, God may allow adversity to prepare us for some kind of ministry. If there is anything we can all relate to, it is suffering and dealing with pain. As we seek the Father in our trials, He trains us to comfort others and helps us proclaim the hope He has given to us. We will be amazed how blessed others will be by our testimony and how powerfully the Lord will work through us if we will simply trust Him.
In all of our afflictions, God comforts us so in turn we can comfort others.
2 Cor. 1:3-8 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
God has a purpose for all of our experiences. By faith we embrace each challenge knowing that we are in the loving hands of our Heavenly Father. He will lead us to victory and He will bless us as we seek to serve Him daily and call upon His name.
2. MAKE THE CALL
When you need help, call those who can help. Got plumbing problems? Call a plumber. Got car problems? See a mechanic. Got spiritual problems? Call upon God, talk with a pastor or godly counselor.
I saw a U-Tube clip recently where Ronald Reagan was saying that if a friend offered a prayer to God and got a busy signal, it was because he (Reagan) had called first.
God is waiting to hear from us:
- Psalm 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
- Psalm 102:2 Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.
- Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
ILLUSTRATION
A few years ago one of our cats took ill and Judy was concerned enough to call and make an appointment with the family Vet. We keep a list of emergency numbers by our phone and looking at the number, she made the call.
When the receptionist answered, Judy said, “We would like to make an appointment to have our cat looked at.” At the other end of the line, there was a bit of silence and then the receptionist said, “I don’t know that the doctor can help you.”
Judy replied, “Oh, he’s seen our pets many times before and he has always been able to help us.” In stunned silence, Judy realized she called the chiropractor by mistake.
Calling the right number makes all the difference. To do otherwise brings embarrassment and frustration.
Many people make “wrong calls” in life to try to resolve their problems. They
- Immerse themselves in their work/job, home, yard, reading, or electronic devices.
- Use sporting activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, jogging, work out at the gym, or go sailing.
- Eat, sleep, shop, watch television/movies, or work on their vehicles.
Not that there is anything wrong with any of those activities. However, they can be a substitute for a serious relationship with the Lord.
Make the Call - Doing what is right brings blessing. Doing what is wrong brings pain, suffering, and emptiness of soul.
3. DO YOUR EXERCISES
Harmful exercise brings pain and suffering, but proper exercise brings healing and growth.
Reading God’s Word and prayer are essential for overcoming life’s pains. However, understanding and properly applying God’s Word are essential for a healthy spiritual life. If we don’t know where we are going, how will we know if we get there.
Just reading the Bible with no goals or purpose brings little benefit just as walking is good exercise, but doesn't fully develop the whole body. Make a spiritual growth plan and stick with it. Target special areas of need. If you don’t know which way to head, ask the pastor or read a book on Spiritual Growth. We have a great library that can provide helpful resources,
The pastor’s wife shared with me a few weeks ago some exercises for strengthening my back. She asked me to get on the floor and lay on my back so she could demonstrate the exercises.
The thought occurred to me that sometimes it’s only when we are flat on our back, that God can demonstrate His healing hand.
PERSONAL ILLUSTRATION
Several year ago, although immersed in Bible reading, I went through a period when I was very legalistic. My wife and daughter suffered because of my “holier than thou” attitude.
They will be quick to tell you about a time when I was going to Seminary that I was afraid to go eat in a pizza restaurant named Piccadilly Circus because the windows were covered up and you couldn't see in. My thought was “There must be something evil going on inside that they’re trying to hide.”
They convinced me that we should go in because they all loved pizza. Stomach rules!! We went in and had a wonderful time. The restaurant had many arcade games and the pizza, which was delivered by two robots on tricycles named Wilbur and Dolly, was delicious. We ate there several times.
Judy’s favorite arcade game was called Name That Tune. Whenever we got separated, I always knew where to look for her.
If you ever feel separated from God, you know where to look. He is always there.
Hebrews 13:5 - Let your manner of life be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
CONCLUSION
Take your medicine and follow God’s prescription.
- God has a purpose for what you are going through.
- He is waiting to hear from you and wants to help you. Make the call.
- Make a plan and grow through your pain and suffering. Do your exercises and do them properly.
- Take warning signs seriously.
3 John 1:2 - Beloved, in regard to all things, I pray for you to prosper and to be in health, as your soul prospers.
One day all pain will be gone: Rev. 21:4 - and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away.
Even so, come Lord Jesus!
This was a sermon delivered at our local church.
ReplyDelete