Pain. Nothing prepares a parent to see their child in pain. My experience in this area is nothing compared to the many who have watched their children suffer in the hospital, through treatments, and so on. 

Even in the small day to day occurrences, we (inexperienced parents) get a glimpse of this. A glimpse into the world of pain and suffering. A child sick with a stomach bug, allergies, colds, cuts and bruises. Seeing a face twisted with pain does something to a momma, to a daddy. Something deep in our core wants to take it away, take all the pain away. 

Recently I felt the pinching deep inside me as I watched my daughter limp around the house. Her 30-inch body hobbled and whimpers of pain escaped her lips. Something deep inside of me ached. Something wanted to jump up and heal her. 

While I mightily believe God heals and continues to do miracles in our times I also see from experience that pain is part of life. Pain is part of growing up in Christ. Taking all my daughter’s pains will not help her. Whether the pain is physical, emotional, mental or spiritual taking it away will not truly aid her. 

Part of growing and maturing is facing pain, dealing with struggle, working out the difficult. I can comfort my daughter. I can encourage her but the taking away, the healing, redeeming that is God’s work. Her heavenly Father is qualified to take away her pain. God is able to heal and redeem. My job is to lead my hurting daughter to Him. To let go of my desire for control and let God be the Father He longs to be in every life. 

As a parent, it breaks our hearts and let me remind you God understands that the best. You can trust God to do a might work in the life of your child and in your life as well. He is qualified. God is in the business of healing. And when healing seems slow…it is the growing in that season that has the power to transform our lives if we let it. 

 

James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. NLT

Romans 5:3-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. NLT

Philippians 12:13-14 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. ESV

Romans 5:8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. NKJV