How I Handle Pain...Sometimes!

God Creates Growth Experiences.

As I read Exodus 13-21 I noticed several opportunities for Israel to trust God for various areas of needs. In fact, the text is pretty clear that rather than removing Israel from conflict, God actually created it so that they would grow. Exodus 13:17-Exodus 14 tells us that rather than leading Israel on t

One of my least favorite parts of the Israel tours that I lead is the Wilderness. There's nothing attractive to me in dirt and rocks and brown as far as the eye can see! As our group sat in Timnah, where there are mines and refineries that some archaeologists believe the Israelites had labored in the copper mines while slaves in Egypt, I put my thermometer on a rock in the shade. It peaked at 120 degrees, the limit for my thermometer!he Expressway to the Promised Land, He took them on the route going the opposite way, through the Red Sea and through the Wilderness.

But God had a goal in that territory: moving Israel from a slavery mentality to a free nation that was a Kingdom Building Nation in a hostile world.

So God sent them back toward the Red Sea so Pharaoh thought that Israel was wandering aimlessly, like bait on a hook. As Pharaoh's 600 chariots rumbled across the desert to re-capture these poor, ignorant slaves, God had Moses send them through the dry path He made through the Sea, to lead them to freedom, and Pharaoh's army into their destruction.

God also placed them into the wilderness without water, then without food or meat, had them journey through the night, rest during the day. Many circumstances that didn't appear that God was with them, but seemed like he had abandoned them in the wilderness.

The Lesson

Often my life doesn't appear to be successful or even abundant with God's favor. But part of following God is viewing my circumstances beyond my control as something God can use for my growth (Romans 8:28). As a parent I want a comfortable life for my kids, and when I assign them a task I can't believe the complaints of injustice and pain!! But the easy path (it's just easier to do it myself) is the worst preparation for them. I am caring for them by preparing them for the future life that will be far better if they take responsibility on today.

Exercise is a kind of self-induced pain that results in long-term growth. What responsible people impose on their bodies to produce a longer-term benefit.

The Application

I don't think God is telling me from this lesson to simply let life happen and accept it as His plan for my growth. That seems to be the opposite of what this principle of growth opportunities would teach. I must pursue my life's goals rather than wait for God to change the circumstances. But when I am pursuing a healthy path and circumstances turn bad, trust that God can use that too and attack it with trust and energy.

Today I will pursue my goals with prayer and passion, and believe that any "interruption" can be used by God for a goal He sees that I cannot.