Daily Devotional

If you grew up in the 1990s, you probably remember the faith-based T-shirt called “The LORD’s Gym.” It was a Christian spin on the iconic Gold’s Gym logo. Beneath The LORD’s Gym emblem was an image of Christ’s hand pierced by a nail, blood flowing from the wound, a powerful reminder of His crucifixion. Underneath that image were the words: “His Pain, Your Gain!” As a teenager, I loved that shirt. I bought one and wore it proudly for years.

Nowadays, I often wonder what ever happened to that crusty old, sweat-stained, T-shirt. But even more, I’ve found myself thinking about that phrase: “His Pain, Your Gain.” I believe there is profound truth in those words. Through Christ’s suffering, we have received forgiveness, redemption, and the hope of eternal life.

Yet lately, another question has been weighing on my heart…What about my pain? I realize that can sound selfish. It is, in many ways, a very human response to the reality of suffering. And I’m not confused about where pain comes from. I believe what Scripture teaches about living in a fallen world. I know suffering is part of the human experience. Still, knowing the theology of pain and enduring pain are two very different things.

Recently, I’ve been dealing with physical ailments that have been both frustrating and demoralizing. Some days the pain feels relentless. I’ve spent more time in doctors’ offices than I care to admit, only to be prescribed more medication, undergo more tests, and given the ol’ “It’s tough getting older” reminder.

I’ve found myself repeatedly asking the Lord to remove these thorns and allow me to do what He has called me to do without pain. At times, I’ve even caught myself bargaining with Him…as if He doesn’t already know exactly what I’m thinking.

Yesterday, I happened to be talking on the phone to one of my best friends on our Security team, who had reminded me of a verse that the Lord had been pressing on his heart, and he wanted to share it with me as a blessing due to the ailments he knows I’ve been battling. The verse is Psalm 16:11 “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

At that moment, it hit me like a ton of bricks!  That I am to have deep confidence in God. God is the one who guides me along the path of life, providing direction, purpose, security, and health. He is the source of true joy when circumstances are terrible. In fellowship with Him, there is a fullness of joy that nothing in this world can match. To enjoy God's very presence and allow Him to glory in my weakness!  

Wait!!  Did I just remind myself of another verse?  Yes!  2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “…And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me!”  

Prayer Point:
Thank you, Lord, for this reminder of your amazing Grace!  And from now on, I want MY pain to point people to the very one that perfects and sustains life! I want YOU to be glorified in my weakness until YOUR strength is revealed in me!  For “my pain is HIS GAIN” through me!  

New American Standard Bible®
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