The eternal benefits of pain

II Corinthians 4:16 - For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward

I've been in alot of pain lately. Because of congenital issues with my back and hips, I've always dealt with certain amounts of discomfort, and I've learned the hard way how to limit my activities accordingly. Still, at times of additional demands on my time or energy, these issues can spiral out of my control and I end up flat on my back in alot of pain, wishing for release.

Last night was one of those nights. As I have done in the past, I tried to use it as prayer time. However, this time I found myself easily distracted by to-do lists for the upcoming wedding in our family :-) A good distraction, for sure! In all, it took several of my waking hours overnight to finish my prayer list, and soon I was back to simply feeling miserable. This was when God used Facebook to remind me of His presence. One verse that a friend had posted was "Great is Thy faithfulness! His mercies are new every morning..." so encouraging, as I was torn between longing for the night to just be over so I could go about my long list of things to accomplish, and longing for just a few hours of sleep so I would have the energy to face all those things I needed to do! The other verse that encouraged my heart is the one I opened this post with, which I had committed to memory last year in Bible study. I am so grateful for these loving words from my Saviour to give strength in my weakness!

I found that today went more smoothly, and with far less pain, than I had anticipated, and I believe it is in large part due to God bringing these verses to mind. As I focus on the eternal good He is working in me, and the mercies He gives every day, I have little room left to complain about little aches & pains... May you, too, be comforted by these verses in whatever circumstance you find yourself today. man is renewed day by day. (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Reflections on my 35th Birthday...

My version of Longfellow's "Mezzo Camin" -
Half my life is gone, and (by His grace) I HAVE fulfilled the aspiration of my youth,
to build some lofty song that will outlast my days.
Sorrow and care may threaten to keep me
from the plans God has for me.
Halfway up the hill, I see the Past lying beneath me:
a fulfilling ministry, loving marriage, godly kids,
and a future full of His promises.

"I know the plans I have for you, to prosper you, and to give you an expected end."

It's been a long time since I've posted, as my hubby so lovingly reminded me when he saw what I was doing. But I wanted to share this poem, written by an unsaved poet, as a challenge, both to those of you who have most of their lives ahead of them, as well as to those who see the end nearing ever more quickly. Life does not have to be filled with regrets and missed opportunities. While the days may be filled with discouragement and unmet goals, the years can be filled with growth and love for others. If you are ministering to "the least of these" in His strength today, God is pleased with your efforts. He does not ask you or me to be concerned with results -- He only asks that we be faithful to our calling.

A song I have been listening to from West Coast Baptist College's "Stand" talks about this. It says, in essence, that when we get to heaven, the Lord will show us the faces of those we served, not because we were part of the visible harvest, but because we were faithful to sow the seeds and to water them with His love and His Word. That is my desire for whatever time remains in my life here on earth.