PAIN PRODUCES CHANGE
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later. – St.Paul
For far too many beautiful people, this Christmas holiday season will not be a time of joy, peace, and laughter.
500 years ago Ignatius of Loyola came up with the notion that we are either living in consolation or desolation.
This wise saint taught his followers to know that desolation follows consolation and consolations is the doorway to desolation.
In consolation rejoice Ignatius exhorted, but know desolation is around the corner, or in today’s jargon; the next phone call.
In desolation rejoice for consolation, will come as sure as the sun will rise in the morning and fall in the evening.
If you are blessed to be living in consolation this Christmas season you will be filled with joy peace and laughter.
Savor each moment and thank Jesus.
However, if you’re living in desolation, this Christmas season will be challenging, it will be hard, and it will demand your best effort to put one foot in front of another and win the moment.
Embrace the pain; don’t deny it or run from it, or bury it in destructive behavior. Trust the process by winning the moment.
These are three of my favorite resources to help me win the moment. I have hidden these words in my heart for instant recall lying on my back, driving in the car or in times of reflection.
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.
– Zephaniah 3:17
But now, this is what the Lord says — he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.
– Isaiah 43:1-3
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
– Lamentations 3:22,23
One of my favorite questions to inspire kids at NBC is to ask, “How is your PPC?!”
With loud shouts kid yell, “Pain produces change!“
Pain can be enemy or friend. Dr. Pain is a demanding professor. He grades hard. Tough to get an A in His class. Guess Crowell better put his big boy jeans on and get busy!
For further study, master the book of James.
