Finding Purpose in the Painful Process
On Monday, I put Irma behind me and went back to work. I’d spent a week away from my fellow warriors, so I did a few check ins as I wandered about the building to see how everyone was holding up.
I stood in the reception area talking to a beautiful single mom who asked me to pray for her son. Apparently, her rambunctious boy still has all his baby teeth intact, and the dentist says action is required. So next week, they are going to pull two teeth and start inserting spacers to help create room for him to develop a healthy smile as an adult.
My hand involuntarily rose to my molars in empathy as I gasped, “Oh no!”
The discomfort of this process will be palpable for the young man, but it’s a necessary procedure for this growth.
Over the past few years, I’ve experienced a great deal of personal pain. Yet, I see now how God used each throb to create the space I needed to grow into greater beauty.
I’ve pitched more than a few hissy fits along the way, but God has patiently performed surgery in my heart.
Maybe you are in a painful place right now, friend. May God give you courage to stay in place as you wait for God to perform a wonderful work in you.
As we press in to Christ, God unfolds a grander purpose for our pain.
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Lyli, I am so blessed by this post today. I am scared of surgeries for the pain it causes but these surgeries were very important. I love how you connected them to our spiritual surgeries from theGreat Physician. We need them for our spiritual growth .
Praise the Lord!
Glad to link up with you as well
Hugs, Diana. He holds us through those painful cuts and heals us up! xo
Lyli, thank you for encouraging me this morning. We need to be reminded that nothing is for naught. God has purposes in it all that exceed our understanding. Praying for this little boy & for you this morning! xo
Thanks, Joanne. I know his mama will appreciate those prayers.
I was just reading this morning a commentary on abiding in Christ from John 15 with this same truth, that sometimes God has to prune, or cut away, some parts of the branch for healthier growth and fruitfulness. That is one thing that helps in anything I have undergone, knowing He has a purpose for it. That doesn’t always make it easier, and I sometimes still squirm (and, yes, whine) over it. But I know Him well enough now to trust Him with it.
Thanks for sharing that, Barabara. Pruning, refining — neither are very fun during the process, but what they produce is quite lovely to behold.
Also sharing Kristin’s book this week.
And I just came over from Missional Women, and once again, I’m wondering how you manage to ride two bicycles in your very busy life.
Thanks for all you do.
Hey, Michele,
I actually wrote that short Missional Women post in January and found it in Laura’s drafts when I logged on yesterday. Saved my life this week because I am fighting a cold and super low on energy.
I am down to one one or two short posts a week at this point — You, however, are producing way more content that me! So, I should be asking you for your secret. xo 🙂
Love seeing Kristin featured here…she’s a treasure! And I agree, so much of my prized spiritual fruit and maturity has come from my hardest moments. God is just that good!
Love Kristin and her story! God writes the best stories. 🙂
Painful place? Um. Yes.
Trusting God? Yup.
Hope for a better day? Check.
I say, “Amen, Lyli” and “Thank You, Father.”
I will share Kristin’s information with a member of my critique group who has experience with this journey. I know she will find Kristin’s words encouraging and inspiring.
Thank you for sharing your life – and your words – Lyli. I look forward to your posts every week.
((hugs))
Char, you are such an encourager! Thank you, friend. xo
Thanks for hosting!
Glad to linkup here today Lyli. Kristin is one of my faves – fun to see her featured here.