Written by Corina Diaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Argentina.
This is the last month of the year, and as usual, I take a look at my path through 2021. Many things happened! I am realizing that each situation was a simple thing to be solved and not a big problem as I thought. It is true what Paul says: Difficulties are small and will not last long, and indeed I can see how each situation made me grow and allowed me to end this year with another perspective. This makes me think of these words from Paul:
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
That's totally true! What we see today goes away day by day, and what we DO NOT see is immutable. Therefore, remembering pain is a way of understanding that it is perishable and that today is a new opportunity to give thanks for it.
I want to share with you four ways I can take advantage of my pain, especially in 2021!
1. I use my pain to glorify God and draw me closer to Him. When we are in pain, we go in deeper search for God. It is a new opportunity to trust more in His power.
2. My pain allows me to be more like Christ. We are more sensitive and reverent when we are in pain. We approach the likeness of Christ with a pure heart.
3. Pain brings me closer to others. That's right, pain brings me closer to my community to solve my problems.
4. It is an opportunity to testify about Christ. Think for a moment… What is it that strikes you the most about someone else when you meet them? Many times, it is the person's pain and how she has overcome it! So, how many people could come to Christ with your testimony?
In a few days, 2021 will be over, so, let's take this opportunity to redefine our vision about pain. Remember that pain is a warning sign that tells us when something is wrong and also, God uses pain to protect us, take care of us, guide us, and make us grow.