I was at the doctor’s office recently and we had a conversation about the Swine Flu. I’m not a huge fan of vaccines and my question was, “What’s the worst case scenario if a guy like me decides not to take the shot?” His answer? “You’ll be laid up for a few days until your body builds up the antibodies and fights it off.” Interesting. When we get sick, our bodies build up the strength to overcome it.
I find it extremely interesting that heavier weights (also called resistance) increase muscle strength, unfamiliar subjects fortify our minds, and difficult circumstances cause us to grow in wisdom, patience, and faith.
Pain, resistance, difficulty, adversity. These things toughen us. We’d turn to mush without them. In fact I’m sure I know people who have turned to mush because they go into denial, dodge pain, or give up and wallow in self-pity. After all, it’s far easier to quit, blame, or feel sorry for ourselves than go through the ringer one more time. “Who wants more patience?” “I have enough, thanks.”
I once heard Sam Chand say that our capacity to grow is directly proportional to our capacity to endure pain. How true! Once we decide that we’ve had enough, we stop growing. I love Tylenol’s recent marketing slogan, “Push through the pain.” When we want to give up, when we can’t find the answer, when it all seems too hard, PUSH THROUGH! I’ve found that simply NOT throwing in the towel has tremendous value. Most of the time, breakthrough happens just the other side of wanting to give up.
One of these days I’ll probably tell my story on this site, but let’s just say it’s not a pretty one. I’ve had to endure some pretty great pressure and, even though I wouldn’t want to repeat all the obstacles, I treasure the work God has done in me through them. I’ve gained wisdom, insight, endurance, and compassion for others. Those things have prepared me for the work He has called me to and I thank Him for all of it.
Romans 5:3 & 4 says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
If you’re feeling pressure, resistance, or stress stay the course! Your muscles are growing, your mind is sharpening, your emotions are getting stronger. Growing is more important than the false peace found in giving up. When it’s all said and done, you’re gonna be a butt kicker. Just wait and see!
Good thoughts!!!! I think I have the credentials to say I identify.
In years past have been through the difficulties of starting and or helping start new ministries. The misunderstandings and the ones that thought they had a better vision of what God wanted then that I had been given….Difficult yes. Resistance and adversity came as some wanted (or at least it appeared that way) to undermine the leadership of said ministries and caused great kaios as they usurped their positions again and again. The afore mentioned has pasted and “behold” new things have risen up. The lastest venture is pain. Having begun slowly almost 10 months ago moved to increasing levels about 7 months ago then to excruciating levels for about 3 months, then to almost nothing for a couple months and now back to elevated levels. So….unable to do much else have spend much time in prayer and reading. In the past 4 months have read (in addition to the Bible) seven other books, the last one being the 3rd Serving of Chicken soup for the soul” In the portion of the book called “Overcomging Obstacles” there are stories of people who have OVERCOME greater physical obstacles then I have experienced and went on to do extraordinary things. Why have I rattled like this???? Probably because just as the other experiences I have shared brought me to “new” places in my walk with God this one will to. However the only things showing up so far….a greater compassion for the lost….
a greater desire to give/share what I have with others (right now material things that can be used better elsewhere)….a renewed desire to “rely on God alone” written in my notes to self about 3 months ago and brought out in our pastor’s sermon last Sunday. (Isaiah 10:20) This is especially meaningful as the enemy has sent some of his cronies to knock at my door. Doubt, unbelief, self pity,
depression, boredom, PAIN, distrust and others. In all these God has been faithful to “raise up a standard” (HIS WORD) against them. Probably to put it all in one phrase….I am learning (thought I was)
to “rely on God alone”. I’m sure there is much more that’s on it’s way and maybe I’ll be able to share that with you also…for now “I trust in God. I know He cares for me”.
In Christ
David
Wow, good post.
“Growing is more important than the false peace found in giving up.” Great, great great line. Since beginning college (lesser than life’s “big” trials, but it’s a big step for me!), there are so many times I’ve wanted to stop growing up, run away from the deadlines, press pause on school, and rewind to childhood again. I’m glad to be reminded that growing up is essential and worth it. “Pushing” when it’s hard is a necessary ingredient in life…and it’s so hard to do! That’s what gets me, I can’t develop perseverance and focus by listening or reading anything about it, I have to do it!
I’ve run across the Romans passage recently, and the message hit me again…It challenges me to keep going and pray for strength, and trust God is developing me into the Christ-like person He wants me to be.
Thanks for writing it!