Avoiding Pain

“We’re not doubting that God will do the best for us; we’re wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” This quote from the collected letters of C.S. Lewis hit home. Your will be done, Lord, just don’t let it hurt! Have you ever prayed like that? I have. It’s not so much physical pain I dread, though I don’t like that either, but mental pain. We live in a world where bad things happen to good people. None of us or our families are immune. So I believe most of the bad that happens to us comes from the evil world we live in and from our own human weaknesses and bad judgment. In my experience it’s not God who brings the pain; I’m the problem and it’s God who comes to the rescue with his healing and redeeming grace. (What! Did I just disagree with one of my most favorite authors!)