Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you WILL perform it until the day of Jesus Christ"



Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Pain doesn't kill

I started reading "Feathers from My Nest" by Beth Moore. I love Beth Moore. I can always hear her southern accent speaking when I read her books, and it is soothing. I bought this book a few years ago when I attended a conference where she spoke. I am just starting it again, and I thought it would be a bit lighter that my last book. I guess not. I read this last night, when I was having a "painful moment." Thankfully, today hasn't been like that.
"I have learned that pain doesn't kill...I threw my hands over my heart and fought like a Trojan not to give way to it. God gently pulled my hands away and said, 'My child, go ahead and feel it. The pain will not kill you. It will be a reminder that you are very much alive, engaged, and that you loved with abandon. That was your primary assignment. Your present pain proved you did it.' It was at this moment God spoke a transforming truth into my life: The goal of life is not the absence of pain. It's the presence of glory. God's glory. And sometimes that comes most vividly with pain. Not only have I learned that pain doesn't kill; I have learned that I will never lose or be betrayed by the one thing with absolute power to destroy me-God Himself."

3 comments:

Stephanie Turner said...

Wow. I am getting to where I love to read your blog everyday because you are so inspiring. Whatever you are going through, remember everything has a purpose. Sometimes when something happens and I say "Why did this have to happen?" if I go a little farther into the future, I can usually look back and say "Oh, that's why that had to happen. . .so that THIS could happen". And believe me, I've had my share of tribulations, as have we all. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. And better.

-Stephanie Houston

Gretchen said...

I can hear her voice saying it! You are too right!

Okay, miss skinny minny minny. . . how about I be more jealous of you and Mandy and Mandy all running today! What did you decide to do about applying for my job? You don't really want to give up the fun of working out with your own personal trainer, do you? :)

Sandy said...

thanks Stephanie!
and yes Gtretchen, I do hate to give up my workout with my personal trainer. That is honestly what is holding me back. Mandy is a great workout partner.