I have been so mindful of God’s precious way of listening. I am grateful for a God who is awesome in power yet mindful of man.

 

As I share my heart with Him, and we discuss what I feel He is leading in this season, I ever so gently feel Him watch as a deep grief suddenly passes quietly through my heart.

 

I stop for a moment and whisper, “I know you saw that, Lord.”

 

As my eyes begin to sting with swelling tears I ask Him, “Will it ever go away?”

 

It’s an answer to a question I’ve asked many times over my years, yet one that has remained unanswered.

 

Some seasons leave deep scars and pains that I’m not sure you can put to rest on this side of Heaven. Yet, I’ve often wondered if for me, it’s equal to a thorn in the flesh. One that stings from time to time so that I might remain mindful of hurting people.

 

Let’s be honest.

Pain changes you.

Forever.

 

It’s not all bad change either. It teaches us to be more alert of unseen pain in others. It causes us to be quicker in grabbing the hands of others in deep valleys. It teaches us nuances that others might miss when a heart is silently crying out in pain. We can now see past facades and makeup. Our Spirit discerns more clearly needs that we could not see before.

 

Some of us (likely many of us) keep on walkin’ this thing out with unresolved pains. Pains that you may feel God has turned His back on. Maybe you think recompense has not been equal to the cost just yet. Perhaps you’re still waiting for God to clear your name on a matter. Yet, Heaven seems silent.

 

It’s likely one of our greatest tests. Will we continue being faithful with Jesus despite the personal pains of life?

 

I assure you it can be challenging at times. Yet, His grip is so firm and strong that He will keep us when the waves of grief powerfully, or quietly, knock at the door of our hearts.

 

I’ve found I can bear the pains much easier when I see them being put to work in others lives. As I help them, they help me.

 

We can hold on to His promise that one day there will be a moment, friends, when the pain will be all gone. A day when the tears will cease. A day when all will be made right.

 

Until then, let us use all that we’ve learned to rescue others.

 

Their healing may certainly depend on us, but our healing may also depend on them.