He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. - Revelation 21:4
As followers of Christ, we long for that day! We know it is coming and sometimes wish it would come sooner than later. Although it knows no age restrictions, physical pain can be especially difficult as we get older. Don’t you love your doctor’s words, “Well, Chris, as we age….”?
Marty and I have been through health challenges over the years, some quite serious and painful. Without doing an “organ recital,” I know we are not alone. Marty often says with a smile, “If it weren’t for doctor appointments, I wouldn’t have any social life at all!”
While medical help can be of some help to dull physical pain, it doesn’t always erase it completely. Some of us live with chronic pain that limits activities, leading to frustration if we let it.
My advice: don’t hide your pain or pretend it doesn’t exist. Pain hurts! While He may not heal us, Jesus promises to be the Great Comforter. He certainly knows about physical pain firsthand! While fellow believers, especially those with similar physical issues, can be helpful to talk with and share some ideas that have worked for them, the ultimate source of help is the Lord. Have you laid out your pain to Him? There’s an amazing promise in Scripture that keeps me going in many circumstances, including when physical pain is taking its toll: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
Take some time to memorize that verse today. Let it soak in and meditate on it. The pain may not end, but neither does His peace.
Chris is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL (M.Div.) and has served as a pastor in churches in the Midwest. Chris and his wife Marty have been married for nearly 40 years. Chris currently teaches the Fundamentals of the Faith class and serves in the Prayer Ministry here at Faith Bible Church.
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