Hey, man of God,

The problem with pain is that our first reaction is to do whatever it takes to stop it. 

When we feel pain from the past or present, it can drive us to do some really unhealthy things. These repeated responses keep us dull when what we really want is to get sharp and stay sharp, right?

But what if this pain is trying to tell you something? What if stopping or numbing the pain is what your brain wants, but not what your soul needs?

When we quickly escape the pain, we miss something we are deeply desperate for…

To see and know God who meets us in our places of deepest hurt, brokenness, and need. It seems counterintuitive, but this is actually where the life is.

Consider this: perhaps the place you are most desperate to move away from is actually the place you are most desperate to move toward.

I’m not talking about wallowing in it or setting up a home to live there. I’m talking about the necessity of passing through it.

Honestly, how are you doing in this? If this stirs something in you, reach out. I’d love to connect with you on this. 

Trust me. I write this for myself as much as I do for you.

THIS WEEK’S TOP 3

1. READ: Matthew 16
   
   
2. THINK:
   
   Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

3. ACT: Invest 15 minutes and take an inventory of the unhealed pain in your life. When you feel pain, what do you go to most often to alleviate it? Ask God to give you insight and wisdom into this. He will reveal and heal.