Daily Grace and Mercy

  

In recent years muscle pain has become an increasingly bothersome symptom. This winter it was my constant companion. Most often it was just annoying and uncomfortable. Sometimes it was an intense ache that sent me to bed to lay motionless until the pain subsided.

This month I had a week without muscle pain. Oh, it was so nice! Relief from pain! I could rest and be comfortable, not bothered by waves of pain washing through my muscles. Without the daily ache it was easy to forget just how sick I am. I’m used to being tired, so it was easy to become comfortable with my slow pace of life.

On Saturday the pain came back. It is not at its worst. It is mild, and I'm thankful for that. But with the pain comes an unsettling feeling, a constant reminder that something is very wrong inside my body. It’s a reminder that we can’t fix what is wrong and that only God completely understands what is happening with my health.

When I am feeling well, it is easy to think that I am going about life with my own strength. When a setback comes, I realize how little control I have over my health, energy, and strength. Even if I were in perfect health, I would still need the Lord every day, but I think it would be easy to forget how much I need Him. The pain doesn't let me forget. Therefore, I am learning to see this pain as a daily grace and mercy. How merciful of God to remind me each day of my need for, and dependence upon, Him. What a grace to be reminded that my life is in His hands and that He is in control!

God is the One who holds all things together (Colossians 1:15-17). Apart from Him I cannot take a breath (Acts 17:24-25, Isaiah 42:5). My life is for His glory, and He will give me the measure of health which He chooses.

Can it really be that these daily muscle pains are a grace and mercy in disguise? Yes! God can take this pain and use it for my good. He does as He knows best, and I can rest securely in God’s plan for my life. Muscle pains are a reminder that God is in control, that I need Him, and that my life is in His hands.

Thank you, Lord, for your daily grace and mercy.