Anyone can attest to the fact that, pain and suffering are part of our every day existence. It goes back to the earliest time period, back to the fall of humankind into depravity. All the way back to the time of Genesis, chapter 3, and the Fall itself.

Pain, suffering and even death did not exist in this world until that infamous act. The eating of the forbidden fruit. This one indiscretion by Adam and Eve allowed Sin into enter the world. Bringing with it death and its associates anxiety, anguish ,despair and all manner of afflictions. Romans 5:14

Due to this one rebellious act the whole of creation was corrupted. Everything from our will, to our physical being. Including the entirety of creation, everything under Heaven. Romans 8:22 and

Genesis 3:17-18

As I write, I am sitting in the waiting room of our local hospital's radiology department. Waiting my turn on the CT Scanner.

Two summers back I was hit with a double whammy of a medical diagnosis. It turned out the lump on my scalp was cancerous. A B-cell lymphoma. To top it off the tremor that had developed in my right hand was the result of Parkinson's Disease.

A month or two prior to these diagnosis' I had read the book of James in preparation for leading our small group through it over the summer.

The words of James the brother of Jesus kept returning to my mind during this potentially devastating time.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:2-4 (NIV) God was using my time of trial to work changes in me! I had learned from my study of James, to look for His will even the seemingly "bad" things. He proved Himself present by using my afflictions to bring me closer to Him! All of this is part of His plan and so am I. As are you!

Whatever affliction or hardship you are facing! Whatever anguish or distress you are currently undergoing! Is all part of His plan and His plan is pure good! And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 God uses our difficulties to bring about changes He wants in us, if we will only trust in Him. Take comfort in the One who created you. 2 Cor 1:3-4

When tribulations come, and they will, might I be so bold as to suggest you consider this life a trial run. Keep your eyes on His promise of a far better world to be. He will wipe 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. Rev 21:4 (NIV) Then you will begin to understand all things as a gift from God. In closing I borrow from the Apostle John as he closes the book of Revelation and The Bible with : He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Rev 22:20 (NIV)