By Grace Through Faith

Back in June, I started experiencing jaw pain on the left side of my face. I also began having several other symptoms such as sinus issues, fatigue, & headaches. What I thought was a small sinus infection, turned out to be a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issue.

After multiple doctor appointments (the doctor hop a friend likes to call it), I found out that part of the cartilage on the left side of my jaw was out of place, causing me to not be able to open my jaw much on that side.

Then became the topic of “how to fix it”. The best recommendation was to have surgery, which I had at the end of August. To be honest, I did not expect the healing process to be lengthy. This was my first hospital surgery, so I guess I expected it to be a quick fix. However, over the next several weeks, I had to be cautious of what to eat, be mindful of my sleep, & take it easy on my body.

I’m writing all this to talk about the topic of healing. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental healing, we were meant to do it with God, not without Him. We are to involve Him into the process day by day.

We have always been created and meant to do life with God. When sin entered the world, suffering entered the picture as well. Suffering was going to come to us in many shapes & forms, but God did not want our suffering to separate us from Him.

Looking at the book of Job, we see that as time went on in Job’s suffering, he became more open with the Lord about his pain. Job turns to God asking Him “why” and “what” is the purpose of his suffering. “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” – Job 3:11

James stated that suffering was considered a joy: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3

But how is suffering for our good? As humans, our hearts ache when we watch someone experience suffering or when we are suffering through a physical, emotional, or spiritual battle. Because it causes so many emotions that we would label “bad”, suffering is then labeled negatively in our minds. We don’t want to suffer. So why would God put us through it?

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. – Romans 5:3-5

Paul also experienced suffering & watched others suffer around Him. However, Paul states that suffering is for our good & for God’s glory. How does God get the glory in our suffering = when we include Him in it.

We’ll explore more of the topics of healing & suffering to come, but I want to encourage you today, to open your hearts & hands to allow God to move into any hardships, sufferings, or challenges you or a loved one may be walking through. Invite Him in through prayer. God isn’t too small to carry your burdens, weight, & emotions.

With love,

Claire