The story is told of a little two-year-old boy named David who had leukemia. His mother, Deborah, took David to see Dr. John Truman who specialized in treating children with cancer and various blood diseases. After his examination Dr. Truman’s prognosis was devastating: “He has a 50-50 chance.” The following days included countless clinic visits, blood tests, and intravenous drugs. And though the pain and fear David had to experience were great he never cried, but actually ran in to the office ahead of his mother awaiting the warm welcome he always received. When he was three David had to have a spinal tap – the pain of which is unbearable at any age. Deborah explained to David that Dr. Truman had to do something to make him better so, “If it hurts, remember it’s because he loves you.” The procedure proved to be terrible. It took three nurses to hold David still while he yelled and cried and struggled. But when it was over, the small boy soaked in sweat and tears looked up at the doctor and said, “Thank you, Dr. Truman, for my hurting” (Monica Dickens, Miracles of Courage, 1985).
We all experience pain in some form and to some degree in life. That pain might be physical, emotional, or even spiritual; and often when that pain develops the first question we ask is “Why me?” Such is not uncommon because a man whose name is associated with suffering asked much the same question (Job 3:11-12; 7:20-21). However, did not Job himself examine his transition through his suffering and reach this conclusion:
“Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me. There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered forever from my judge. Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: on the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: but he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:6-10).
Job recognized that in his weakest and most vulnerable state God had made him stronger by his realization that true strength resides in faith (2 Corinthians 12:9). Such reflects the meaning of James’ opening words perfectly: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3). Are you hurting? If so, don’t charge God foolishly but use it to build up your faith because what does not kill you will only make you stronger!