A number of years ago a story appeared in the news about a little girl who lived in Toledo, Ohio. She was like most little girls in every way except one. Her parents noticed when she was just a baby, that when she hurt herself she never cried. At first they didn't think much of it. They thought she had a high threshold for pain, or that she was just really brave. But as time went by they became concerned.
Finally her mother took her to a doctor where it was discovered, after several examinations, that she had a rare disease of the nervous system that prevented her from feeling any pain. The doctors cautioned her parents that she could never be left alone, for she could severely injure herself and never feel the pain.
Even pain can be a gift from God for our protection and good. The Psalmist prayed, "The troubles of my heart are enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses" (Psalm 25:17) NASB. I like the way The Message reads, "My heart and kidneys are fighting each other; Call a truce to this civil war." Instead of praying for freedom from distress (and pain), perhaps we should just praise God that our pains (self-inflicted or otherwise) remind us of our need for Him.
By Rich DuBose, Director, Pacific Union Conference Church Support Services
Comments