Playing through the Pain!

Most athletes and most of the general public are familiar with the expression "play through the pain". In fact, athletes take a great deal of pride in being able to do just that. This past weekend Virginia Tech offensive lineman Greg Nosal took it to the extreme when he played for over a quarter after losing the end of his finger on a play. He finished the first half and then played the third quarter before they took him back into the locker room and reattached the finger tip. We see it as a badge of honor to play in pain.

Life is a little different isn't it? Playing through the pain is not a sense of pride, but rather for many it is simply a necessity. Life brings pain and we all struggle at times with carrying on when it just hurts too much. I think of so many friends, neighbors, co-workers, and acquaintances that are dealing with pain right now. Whether it is a medical condition, the loss of a loved one, the estrangement of a child, or a host of other issues, the pain seems overwhelming at times. I recently had a toothache and when I went to the dentist, she asked me to rate the pain from one to ten. I honestly told her that most of the time it was a 5, with the occasional spike to a 12, but that even in the best of times, it was still there! That is how certain seasons of life are for us. Some days are more bearable, but the pain seems to linger even at best.

But thankfully, we don't have to handle these situations in life by ourselves. God's promises today are the same as in His Word:

"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (Genesis 28:15 ESV)

"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20 ESV)

He also told us that a Helper (His Holy Spirit) was coming.

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7 ESV)

That Helper takes us through the pain and gives us the strength to carry on. So whatever your pain this day, know that He has not left you alone. In fact He has provided you with a Helper for that very purpose!