Sharp, piercing pain ripped through my back. Did I sleep in an odd position? Did I overdo with my exercises yesterday? Whatever the reason, the pain was increasing and was not relieved by any change in posture. In fact, any movement made it worse. Out of desperation, I contacted the office of a colleague, an orthopedic surgeon, who was able to see me that afternoon. A few hours later, I was given the diagnosis of a strained sacroiliac joint. The good news was it was not a slipped disc or stress fracture. The bad news was there was no movement that did not trigger the pain. It did not matter what I did!
Many people I know are afflicted with chronic physical pain. While some pain may be partially relieved by medications and/or surgery, for others, there is no relief, no matter what they do. It is a continual reminder that our outer self is wasting away. If we chose to focus only on our physical and temporary bodies, we will only be discouraged, perhaps even to the point of desperation. We may seek out sham or alternative treatments or enlist health care providers of dubious reputation, promising miraculous cures. We do this because we want to continue living the way we once did. We know there is a better way to live.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
There is a better way to live, one that is free of our decaying physical bodies. Our temporary physical ailments and pain should point us to an eternal and unchanging God. Our perspective needs to change from focusing upon immediate circumstances to an eternal glory. God works through our pains and sorrows to direct us to Him. We may not always understand why He does this but His ways are not our ways. God, who created all of us, wants to change our outlook to an eternal glory through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Do not lose heart. Place your trust and faith in Jesus Christ.
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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