A STICK AND A STING

“A stick and a sting” – that is what the doctors and nurses at my dermatologist’s office say before giving me a shot of numbing agent. I’ve been through it many times. They are very apologetic, but there is no need. Yes, it hurts a little and very briefly to get that shot. However, a “stick and a sting” is a small price to pay to be pain free through the rest of what the doctor needs to do – cutting out the basal cell cancer, cauterizing the wound and stitching me back up.  I do not want to feel that. So, the brief stick and sting is welcomed.

Although it may not feel like it right now, what we go through in this mortal life - the troubles, trauma and pain we endure in this life – will seem like no more than a “stick and a sting” compared to the eternal, pain-free, trouble-free, blissful life ahead in God’s Kingdom. 

We need the knowledge that it all has a greater purpose and that there is more to our existence than this mortal life. As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. [NIV] 

James tell us in chapter 1, verse 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [James 1:2 NIV] I think that is very difficult to do without the perspective of the hope of eternal life where there will be no more of those trials. Revelation 21:4 [KJV] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 

I am very much looking forward to that time of no death and no sorrow and no crying and no pain. Aren’t you?

This life can be very rough – natural disasters, illness, persecution, financial struggles – we all suffer from time to time in some way. Satan will ensure that we do. And I do not mean to minimize the struggles of this life. For now, it definitely does not feel like a small thing, as short time or a little “stick and a sting.” 

I’m only saying that, looking back on it from the lens of eternity, I believe we will appreciate or at least understand the purpose of it all. 

I do not believe that our loving Abba puts us through suffering without a purpose – without using it to help move us closer to Him and to the reward of the Kingdom. Maybe that thought is of little comfort to you now. It doesn’t take away your pain, answer your questions or provide a way out. 

I’ve been in those dark corners too. I understand that words – even painting vivid word pictures of that better world in the Kingdom – does not take away your present pain. But I also recognize that we need that future to hold onto – that promise of the better life – a life free of pain and suffering. 

So, let me offer two more scriptures about it:

Isaiah 11:6-9 [KJV] The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Micah 4:3 [NIV] He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Please join me in fervently praying for healing, help and relief now for all who are suffering and that Jesus Christ returns soon, as King of kings and Lord of lords, to put away Satan and put an end to all suffering; knowing that He will bring with Him your reward for enduring what you’ve had to go through in this life

Maybe we won’t look back on the suffering in this time as worth it – maybe we’ll just forget it happened. 

Isaiah 65:17, 25 [KJV] 17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. ... That would be fine too.

However, I will make a deal with you. If, looking back from the vantage point of 100,000 years as a spirit being in God’s Kingdom, you don’t agree that the troubles and pains of this rough life feel like no more than a “stick and a sting” by comparison to that 100,000 years as a spirit being – why, then, you have permission to smack me.

Hang in there, precious sister. There is a better life ahead. Come, Lord Jesus, come. 

I welcome your thoughts, comments and questions. You can write me at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org.