Dear Friends,

We have in one time or another experienced pain. Having a stiff-neck or sore muscles is painful. It robs you the ability to function well. The pain of a tooth-ache throbs and affects your whole body. Accidents that physically harm your body are excruciating. Losing someone is heartbreaking. The pain lingers for so long or permanently stays. Should we thank God for the pains that we experienced or are experiencing?

PAIN has a way of reminding us to P – Pray. Sometimes when life is going easy and smooth, we tend to forget to pray. Pain is a great reminder not to forget to pray, and to always find time to talk to God.

PAIN has a way of checking our A – Attitude. Our outlook in life changes when pain is present. Some would become bitter, others are angry and a number of people would even become uncaring. Pain tests our mettle – who we really are. We must be conscious of this and improve our attitude to become better versions of ourselves.

PAIN has a way of I – Illustrating our dependence on God. Without God we are nothing. But we do not sometimes realize this truth when we are pain-free. Pain prompts us to the reality that we need God in our lives.

PAIN has a way of making us take N – Note of what we have. A simple fever prods us to rest, to take it slowly and find time to appreciate the blessings that God has bestowed upon us.

Are you in pain right now? Thank God in spite of the pain. God is sending a message to you. Be rest assured that God will continue to be there in the midst of our pains and struggles.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on