May 16: Purpose in the Pain

 Theme: Trusting God Even When It Hurts

Carlene Douglas
Kings SDA

Born with a bone deformity of my left leg called Blount's Disease, born with endometriosis, diagnosed with acute migraine at 13, later developed adenomyosis and multiple uterine fibroids, I can safely say I am no stranger to pain. My life's experiences have been shaped and transformed by pain.

As I grew older, the deformity in my leg worsened, with that leg forming a C while the other remained straight. I wasn't just the child who walked funny and could run fast as lightning with the “bend foot”, but known only to my family, I was in constant pain, and complications from the illness kept mounting. Corrective surgery was imminent, but a surgery of that magnitude cost money that was not readily available, so we had to wait, which meant waiting in pain. In came puberty, and my cycle hit at 11 with the most excruciating pain that outdid the leg pain, and I thought then that I must really be different from other children.

You see, then I wasn't aware I was battling endometriosis at 11. I just knew pain was going to come every month to join the daily knee pain, and there wasn't anything I could do about it but bear and push through it for a few days. 13 came, and I had a blinding, nauseating, and excruciating headache for one month straight. Doctors diagnosed me with acute migraine. Adenomyosis and fibroids felt left out, so they later joined the party to complete the cycle.

 Let’s take a look at some stats:

●      1 in every 1,200 children in the Caribbean is born with Blount's Disease.

●      1 in 7 or 10% of women worldwide are diagnosed with endometriosis.

●      14-15% of the world’s population has migraine.

Now, why was I so lucky to be made to be included in all those statistics?

When I shared them with my parents, my mom asked in anguish, "Why, Lord?!" But I reflected and asked myself, “Why not me?” If not me, then who? Would that other 1 in my 1,200 for Blount’s Disease be as resilient to stand up to the trials that come with this lifelong disease as I have been able to?

Paul said in 1 Peter 4:12-13 to "think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." So don't get downhearted when you are lashed with pain and faced with trials of this world, but instead, why not do the unthinkable...REJOICE!! No, I've not lost my mind. Dig deep inside and crack a smile like I often do, even if it's just to brighten someone else's day, because they may also be in pain. Yes, rejoice and trust God even when it hurts because you have a hope that Christ will eventually reveal His glory in a pain-free outcome in you.

How is it possible that God can use such an uncomfortable and often unbearable tool as pain as an avenue for ministry?

In 2 Cor. 12:10, Paul said, “I take pleasure in infirmities...” Hold on…Did Paul do a wicked thing? Who takes pleasure in disease, weakness, and ailments?? But hold on again,  Paul did not stop there, as if he were sadistic. He said, “For when I am weak, then am I strong”! What a victory being claimed even while he’s down and out! He has the confidence that God will deliver him from his ailments even before they happen. Look at faith!

So I will thank the Lord for healing and relief from pain while I'm yet still sick and in pain and praise Him in advance for the healing He will be delivering so that when He delivers me from the pain and adversities others will see and witness the glory of God's mercies and work who can deliver me from all hurt, all sickness, all adversities, all trials and all pain. That is God’s ministry through pain!

Listen, this is how I see it and push through: If we can't bear endometriosis pain, knee pain, migraine, or any kind of pain, then how do you suppose you will be able to face the hardships and trials that lie ahead? I believe there is a purpose in the pain we feel now. You are being prepared for what's to come. You’re being prepared to be an example for many others, to show someone else the way. You are being prepared for a higher calling. Trust God even when it hurts and cling to the promises of Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

So, the next time someone breaks your heart and you feel emotionally shattered, or the next time you are doubled over in pain from cramps, or the next time you close your eyes against the migraine that just won't go away, instead of asking yourself, "Why me, Lord?" Why not ask, "What are You trying to teach me Lord?" Maybe then, and only then, might we find the answer to the true purpose in our pain.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for using my pain for Your purpose. Strengthen me to endure, teach me through every trial, and let my life reflect Your glory—even when it hurts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Editor: Daughters Arise Team