James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (ESV)

Recently, I wrote about how God healed my body quickly while renovating my bathroom. Praise be to God! Now it is my turn to find that this is not always the case.

After doing too much cleaning on the caravan roof, my body gave up and protested in no uncertain terms. I had damaged my left knee, thigh, hip, and back. In unison, they screamed out at me to STOP! I had no choice but to leave the cleaning unfinished. Grrr.

For nearly a week, I have been gradually recuperating, unable to do much except swallow nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain-killers to be able to sleep. Healing this time has been slow and frustrating. I guess I am guilty not only of assuming that the will of God is in line with my expectations, but also that His timetable for my recovery is speedy. I suspect now that my timetable for things to be done is not His.

I've not read much Bible, since significant pain makes it hard to concentrate on anything meaningful. Even my favourite television series has lost its thrall.

In these situations, it is easy to fall victim to the temptation to become distant from God. In our exasperation to inform God of His timely duty to us, we can become rather sulky that God is not healing us straight away.

Maybe, as well, we are carrying other burdens — spiritual, psychological, or emotional — that are not visible and find their origins elsewhere.

God knows all these things about us and our foibles, whether we choose to recognize it or not.

The evil one lurks, looking to take advantage of such times. He desires to turn the screws on the pain, to ramp up the fear, and to amplify the sense of separation from God and our unworthiness.

The truth is that no matter where we are or how close to death we may be, Jesus is always there for us, waiting to be asked in. We just have to open the door to our hearts and trust in what is unseen.

It is my experience that prayer, praise, and thanksgiving are great weapons against the darts which the evil one wants to shoot into our lives and to stoke up resentment. As I write in the midst of the clamour of pain, I am reminded to worship and to remember what He has done for me in my life so far. I have no basis for an excuse. All that I have is a gift, even life itself. If you are willing, say with me today this prayer:

Prayer: Lord, I am sorry for taking Your love and forgiveness for granted. I rejoice in all that You have done for me. I rejoice that You came to set me free from the life that enslaves. I humbly ask for Your holy presence to come and be with me today. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.