My friend Dennis Gable has been exploring the dynamic between pain and identity over at his blog. Yesterday was a particularly interesting post, and I joined in on the discussion. Give it a read here and chip in if you have something to add.
One thing you’ll find about Dennis is that he’s not afraid of being raw, and you’ll see that in his posts.
Interestingly, as I was reading Spurgeon’s Morning by Morning, today’s passage was on pain–and I think particularly poignant. Dennis, this is for you buddy:
It was but a little while ago that on thy knees thou was saying, “Lord, I fear I have no faith: let me know that I have faith.” Was not this really, though perhaps unconsciously, praying for trials? – for how canst thou know that thou hast faith until thy faith is exercised? Depend upon it, God often sends trials that our graces may be discovered, and that we may be certified of their existence. Besides, it is not merely discovery, real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials. God often takes away our comforts and our privileges in order to make us better Christians. He trains His soldiers, not in tents of ease and luxury, but by turning them out and using them to forced marches and hard service.
I’d be curious, after reading Dennis’ post and Spurgeon’s thoughts here, how do you view your pain and trials in your life?