it doesn't only have to hurt; the reward is life and more life

I hate the saying: "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger." It's not true. 

I think it was Pastor Miles McPherson (don't quote me on that) who said, "Pain is designed to bring us closer to God in our time of need." Now that's something that makes more sense to me. And something I've seen fulfilled in my personal life.

I'm thankful I don't have to do this life thing on my own. Because there's no way I'd make it.


As Abby (one of the 9 year olds at Ban San Faan) said in a letter to God - "Dear Lord, thank God for you."

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. . . . If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. . . . Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.

- James 1:2-8, 12