Too Good to Keep to Myself!

So, I can’t take credit for this post, at least not all of it. Only the whiny, “God I have a bone to pick with you and I don’t really feel like going to church,” part. So, here it goes.  I was riding up I-10 on my way to Lakewood (Church). I definitely had my “come as you are” uniform on (jeans, top, boots – shame on me). So on the way I started to “have a little talk with Jesus” moment. But guess who was doing all the talking? Me. It started off sort of like, “God, you know this vision you gave me? Well, I need this and that, and aren’t you supposed to do a, b & c so I can get on with your program?”

The rest of it went something like, “Whine, whine, complain, frustrated…blah, blah, blah!” You get my point. But God, in His usual cool fashion let me vent. He didn’t say much…until I got to church. We went into worship, it was good. Hands up, singing, I’m into it. Then Pastor Joel began to preach. You know one of those “This one is especially for you Norma Jarrett” sermons. Not really, but you get my point.

So the primary message was about staying in the game. Pastor Joel said specifically: Sometimes in life you have to play through the pain…sometimes you have to show up even though…

• You don’t feel like it
• You’d rather be at home watching the Texans
• You are hurting
• You are grieving
• You are frustrated
• You are disappointed

He was all up in my seat with the microphone in my face (not really, and besides I don’t think Victoria Osteen would appreciate all that). Then he talked about a young man he used to see in church all the time. He was upbeat and fully participating in worship with hands raised. Pastor Joel had no idea this man had been in Dialysis treatment for over twelve years. He was younger than Pastor Joel!  One Sunday this same man came up for prayer. Pastor Joel noticed one of his arms was red as a beet from his treatment. Then He realized just how much pain this man had been in.  However, in spite of this pain, he raised his hands in worship every Sunday with an expectant heart.

The next time the man came up for prayer, he brought another person with him.  He told Pastor Joel the man was going to donate a kidney.  Shortly after, he had the surgery it was successful. This man no longer had to go to Dialysis and had no more pain! What was Pastor Joel saying? In this life sometimes you have to “play through your pain”.  This man didn't have the ideal circumstances but was more faithful than some people with two good arms and perfect health. (Ouch!)  I'm sure he had his days but he was consistent.  Because of his attitude and obedience, "God turned his scars into stars!"

We have all have pain in this life. Hurts, disappointments, unfair outcomes...but we have to "play through our pain!" God does not promise a one time Ephesians 3:20 blessing! For as long as we live we should expect Him to show up. But WE have to do our part. We have to continue to walk, work, pray, keep a good attitude, show up and press beyond the circumstances.

Pastor Joel told of another man that had major surgery but insisted he be released to go to church that Sunday. His doctor said no way. The man said, “You don’t understand, I never miss church!” The doctor said, “You must go to Lakewood…I’ll tell you what, I will release you for 3 hours. Just for church.” He showed up with his hospital bracelet! Man, talk about faithful! Boy did I had the big convicted label across my forehead. I know I was not the only one.  There were plenty of tears and tissues in the congregation!

What am I saying?  When we are about to give up, get bitter, complain or fall short, remember this one thing…in this life, sometimes you have to play through the pain. God rewards those people who do.    It’s one thing to do the right thing when all the conditions are ideal, but it's another thing to do the right thing in the midst of our own suffering. Those are the type people God looks for to bless!

Hope this blessed you the way it did me!

Norma 

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