Dec
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Written by:
Clark Mitchell
12/4/2008 2:34 PM
Growing up I had a youth pastor, Tuffy Scott, who would always sing the song "I love Pain". The lines were simple: I love pain, so hit me, hit me, hit me. He would sing it over and over again. BTW - he also ate a light bulb, so he is a pretty unique guy.
Anyway, most of us like to shy away from painful situation. We hate the hurt emotionally and physically! Every day I talk to people who are in tremendous amounts of pain right now because of our economy. It has seemed to paralyze people's ability to see beyond the day, and I understand why. But here is the deal - we have to learn how to play through the pain.
I'm sure there was a little of pain involved when Abraham laid Isaac on the alter, but God came through. For a few moments it looked like the dream was dead and things weren't that great, but Abraham trusted God! He played through the pain of the moment and God provided.
One of my great friends, Craig, has always challenged me to play through the pain, that in the midst of difficulty there is always opportunity.
I want to encourage you to do the same. Don't allow a challenging moment, day, month, or year to paralyze the dreams God has for you. Abraham's dream was on the alter, but God did a miracle.
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2 comments so far...
Re: Loving the Pain
Pastor,
God does provide in so many ways, and this year has been a WONDERFUL challenge for my family. "Loving the Pain" is a great way to look at our challenges throughout the year.
When my health problems began in April there was a odd peace that came upon me and my family when I prayed. God was comforting me, yet teaching me how to look at things through the eyes of others. Something that I had a very hard time doing in the past.
As a family we did not look upon my illness as gloom and doom, we looked at it as a time to get to know each other and to enjoy each other like we never had before. My relationship with my wife, Lisa, has grown from good to Great! My relationships with my children have grown to where God wants them to be. And my relationship with my Dad and Mom? It's never been stronger in my 38 years.
We have had a great time playing through the pain. This year God has opened doors that we thought were sealed. Lives have been changed, and God chose me to be his vessel, to speak to family and friends about what matters most in my life, and that is Jesus Christ.
This Thanksgiving we gathered with family and friends at my dad and moms house. Before we had a bite to eat I shared with them about what was going on in my life. A once stern and over bearing man, God revealed a now broken, and committed servant of Jesus Christ. Before the day ended my brother Scott held an invitation. Pastor, there was a new name written in the Lambs book of Life. His name is Donnie and he was a guest at Thanksgiving.
I thank God for humbling me enough to play through the pain. I love you Pastor keep on playing...
By Jim Seifried on
12/8/2008 8:33 AM
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Re: Loving the Pain
In life if you will eliminate the word problem and replace it with the work challenge you will reap many rewards. The farther you get in your walk with Jesus the more challenges you will be rewarded with. Yes, God will keep giving you bigger challenges when successfully solve the ones he gives you.
If we strive to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ more effectively and on a bigger scale we will encounter many challenges and much pain. So hit me, hit me as long as the Holy Spirit is with me.
Keep up the great work Journey Church. When are you coming to Lawton?
By Chuck Abshere on
12/8/2008 8:34 AM
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