Thank you God for my... uh… back pain?!?

Sarcasm?  Perhaps it sounds like that.  Many people use sarcastic comments to illustrate their dislike of some circumstance.  I am not expressing sarcasm though… nor am I trying to come across as some self-righteous zealot.  Let me explain. 

I suffer from arthritis, and migraines.  Often experiencing pain I would not wish on my worst enemy.  Some days it hurts to breathe, or wiggle my toes.  During these times I turn to God for support.  I plead for miraculous cures that don’t exist.  Thankfully I have found Tylenol, Advil, and ice to be reliable for the most part.

Some days I am pain free.  The first pain free day I might thank God for relief, and for the blue sky, and the birdsong in the trees.  The next, I thank him for my blessings and the rain, and the smell of lilac on the breeze.  By the third day I almost forget what the pain was like, and I stop leaning on God so much.  Over time I imagine that I might get lost in the trappings of life, blessed as I am, and forget to thank God at all.  Until the pain returns and I am reminded that I am weak, and need God to help. 

I was thinking about Paul today as I read from 2 Corinthians chapter 12.  He was given a thorn in his side, and pleaded with God to remove it.  In verse 9 God refused, stating “My power is made perfect in your weakness.” I wondered what the “thorn” may have been.  Could Paul have suffered from arthritis or migraines as well?  Paul accepted the “thorn” and praised God for the chance to experience the fullness of God’s glory.  How can I then cry foul, or plead for relief.  I am reminded instead to praise God all the more, and humbly ask for His help to get over the hurdles I might face. 

So yes, thank you God for my back pain, and my migraines; it reminds me I am blessed, and loved; I have a roof over my head, and a wonderful job.  Most importantly, I have a loving God who cares for me.