By Evangelist John BJ Hall
On the wall at my physical therapist is a framed poster. It says, “I didn’t say it wouldn’t hurt. I said it would be worth it.” On June 19th I had a Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder Replacement. On July 13th I began physical therapy to increase my range of motion and strengthen the muscles of the shoulder. As I write this article I have one week down and three weeks to go.
I have found the poster to be truthful. We have all heard the axiom, “No pain. No gain.” The therapist has not been gentle with me. In fact, I’m pretty sore right now. But I have made real progress in my quest for complete recovery. I have already reached the target goal for what they call “Shoulder Abduction.” And I am well on my way to reaching the other goals.
Why am I telling you this? Physical therapy has a lot in common with spiritual growth. James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NASB)
Just as my goal in physical therapy is complete recovery, so our goal in trials is to be “complete, lacking nothing.” Paul told us in Romans 8:28 that God makes every difficulty, every trial, every disappointment, every heartache, every failure, every job loss, every death of a loved one, work out for the good of everyone who loves God and is called to His purpose.
The truth is that we are purified by the trials of life. Peter said it this way, “that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:7 (NASB)
Sometimes God doesn’t show us the purpose of our struggles in this life. When Job lost everything, God did not tell him why. He only found out why when he left this earth and entered into the Glory of the Lord. Job even endured the judgments and accusations of his friends. Yet he said that even if God were to take his life, he would trust Him. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (NASB)
I look forward to the day that I complete my therapy and am able to mow my own yard. But there is a road I must travel before I get there. That road leads through stretching of my muscles and tendons.
I look forward to the day when I wake up and look around and find myself in Heaven with my Lord. I hope to hear Him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” My road will lead me through times when my faith is stretched beyond what I think I can bear. It leads through prayer, witnessing, and loving on the unlovable as I strengthen my walk with Him.
He didn’t say it wouldn’t be painful, He said it would be worth it.