Painful Lessons by Donna Avant

At 65, I have experienced many forms of pain—divorced parents, rejection, betrayal, loneliness, and grief—but rarely intense physical pain, until the last few weeks after receiving a total knee replacement.

When faced with pain—physical or emotional—my first instinct is always to make it stop, to regain control. Yet, these last few weeks have taught me that the Lord intends for me to learn from pain,  not just manage it. Here are some truths I have been reminded of these last few weeks:

• When I can’t control the pain, Jesus is in control.  Nothing or no one can remove Him from His throne.

Suffering of any kind tends to make us question God.  Is He there?  Why would He allow this in my life?  When Jesus experienced excruciating unimaginable pain, He questioned why His Father had forsaken Him. (Matthew 27:46)  His pain led to my salvation. 

The experience of my parents’ divorce and abandonment has opened up many doors for me to share with others.  The trauma of betrayal in the ministry has also allowed me to encourage other ministry wives.    Pain will be used to advance His kingdom if we choose to do so. 

• What is really on the inside of my heart, will come out when in pain.  

Although I have no recollection of coming out from under anesthesia, my husband told me that I was quoting Bible verses when he came into the recovery room.  When I asked him which ones, the verses he told me were ones I memorized years ago.    Now before you think I am some superwoman, let me assure you that during the first few days of recovery, my husband also told me I had moments of pure meanness as well.  

• Calling on Him in the middle of pain, might not make the actual pain go away but He will redirect my mind if I ask Him.

One morning on the way to physical therapy, two of my granddaughters were in the car and they sensed my dread of the upcoming appointment.  One of them said, “Nonna, you need to listen to one of our new favorite songs, “Demons” by Josiah Queen,”  I immediately played it.  Here are some of the lyrics:

Oh why, oh why

Does it feel just like a war zone in my mind?

As I fight the fight, try to hear Your voice through all the lies.

He heard my heart and heard my cry, even heard my whisper in the night

And as I prayed, I heard my Father say:

Tell those demons run and hide.

They tremble at the name of Jesus every time.

Fear ain’t got a home here up inside my mind.

Darkness has to leave up in this light

You’re always near

Just a mention of your name and You’re right here

• Pain causes me to slow down, appreciate blessings, and put life in perspective. 

The recovery period for any kind of suffering varies.  I still have flashbacks from painful moments as a child and in ministry.  For knee replacement, I have been told it is six weeks.  I’ve truly had to embrace slowing down.  

Friends and family have been quick to send notes of encouragement, bring meals, call me, and assure me they were praying for me.  What blessings!

One day when I was whining about my pain, my husband reminded me that having this surgery was a privilege.  If I lived in many places in the world, I would just have to suffer with ongoing pain in my knee for the rest of my life.  Perspective is crucial.  

• One day there will be no more pain!

        "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,   There will be no more death or

          mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

          Revelation 21:4 

Friend, whatever pain or suffering you are going through right now.  Embrace this one truth.  There will be that day when we see Him face to face and sorrow and sighing will flee!