I'm up working earlier than usual this morning. It's not because I'm feeling particularly ambitious, it's because I can't sleep due to a throbbing toothache. I've tried toothache drops, and Tylenol, I've tried icing my face but none of it seems to be helping. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow so I’ll just have to put up with it until then.

I know from the experience that a toothache fits pretty far down on the pain scale, but for me it's one of those nagging pains that really annoy. I've had broken bones that bothered me far less than a toothache.

Pain really is an amazing invention. It is our body's way of telling us that something is wrong and in need of attention. Without it we would have all kinds of additional problems. For example, those who have Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) lose the use of nerve endings in various parts of their body. It's the loss of the nerve endings that creates many of their problems. They don’t feel the pain of cuts, burns and other injuries and can do their bodies irreparable harm.

Pain is a fact of life. There is no escaping it.

Pain can be a very beneficial thing. Pain is actually a gift from God. It can point out things in our lives that need changing. Experiencing pain can point us in the direction of God for pain-relief or comfort.

Pain often accompanies growth. The old need to be broken before the new can emerge.

For many people, the act of coming to terms with the pain in their lives (physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual) is the very act that sends them running into the arms of a loving God. It can be the final step that gets our attention and makes us look outside of "self."

There will come a time when there is no more pain for all those who have accepted Him. We will be in an eternity free of any form of pain or suffering.

In the interim, if you have pain, trust God to bring you through it. Seek His heart in it and ask what it is you need to be learning or doing differently.

Perhaps He will bring you relief, perhaps He will bring you healing, perhaps He will bring you growth or perhaps His plan is to simply let you rest in Him and be comforted. No matter which one He brings in response to your pain, if you allow your pain to draw you to God, you win.

Until next time, may you find comfort and joy in Him even in the times of trial and pain.

Be blessed.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)!

Kevin

http://gleaningsfromtheword.com/

Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are like a well-watered garden

Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world.

Are you hurting? Look to the one source of true relief; look to a personal relationship with Jesus.

If you haven't made the decision to accept Christ as Lord