A Pain-Free Life?

This morning I was thinking about how wonderful it would be to have a pain-free life. I know that today can be a hard day for many people. There is so much hype and anticipation going into Christmas, that when it is all over, there can be a real letdown. And, if you add to that expectations that went unmet, or any kind of grief, it's like a hangover of the heart.
But, as I was walking I thought about John 16:33,  "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” 
It seems like Jesus must have known what He was talking about. Imagine that! He knew the trials we would each face in our lifetime. I personally find great comfort in that. I know that he is not a God who panics, is overwhelmed, or feels confused. He created us with the ability to have peace in Him, no matter what. We can take heart, stand up, find comfort, and embrace hope because of Him. 
I have been moving through some pretty intense back pain the last five days. This morning, I had to get on my hands and knees just to get the dog's bowl and then pull myself up by the sink in order to put water in it. I won't even talk about how much fun it has been getting my socks and shoes on each day! My son said to my husband and I, "You guys are getting old." NICE!
So, as I was slowly walking around the Forest Preserve, I realized that a pain free life would feel wonderful for a while, but only for a while. I felt the Lord impress on me to take a look at the good that has come from my pain and IS coming from my pain, physically and emotionally. Thankfully, I was pretty much alone so I could cry in peace! I whispered to the Lord all the things that had come as a result of pain in my life from the last year. This isn't to minimize or pretend that things weren't the way they were or are the way they are. But, it is true that we can hold both pain and joy in our life at the same time. We do not have to be overcome.
I want to share with you some of the things the Lord brought to my mind:
- I know what it is to EXPERIENCE being the daughter of my Abba Father
- I've seen miracles
- I delight in the tiniest of God-given pleasures all the time
- I know how it feels to have nothing left and somehow make it through a day victoriously
- I can smile through tears
- I have more grace
- I SEE people
- I want to know God more deeply
- I have found treasure in unexpected relationships
- Waters don't have to consume me
- The pain will pass
- God is faithful even when I can't see a thing and the situation gets worse
- Wisdom
- Perseverance
- Acceptance
- Pain won't kill me
- God is reliable
- ALL people matter
- Give second, third, and 20th chances
- Praise is powerful medicine
- Forgiveness feels good even when it really hurts
- I can let go
- God gives presents 
- God gives treats
- God is FUNNY
- Conviction only hurts for a little bit
- I can be alone
- I have felt the angels God has commanded concerning me
- I can fail
- Sleep is possible
- I'm not much different at the core than anyone else
- I can make decisions
- I have conviction
- My sin is touched with the glorious tenderness of God's forgiveness
- I am KNOWN
- I know JOY on the battlefield
- I can handle a crisis 
- Provision comes in many ways
- Bending makes me more resilient
- I can be carried
- Cleansing is cleansing
- Jesus cares about the little things
- My list is indefinite and all of it is real and it doesnt mean I don't hurt

Today would be a great day to come up with your own list of what God has taught you or is teaching you through hard circumstances. When you know God is in it and He is getting glory, you WILL breathe and you CAN breathe.
And someday, for all of us followers of Jesus Christ, we will indeed have a pain-free life! Until then, don't give up. Let's encourage each other to move through the valleys. Together with Christ we CAN do this.
You're SO loved. ✝️