Peace Through Pain

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

I woke up one morning to excruciating pain in my shoulder. Moving my arm caused sharp pain. It’ll be better in a couple of days if I rest it. Wrong! It just worsened. Before long, my range of motion became very limited. Unresolved issues in our pasts can severely limit us as well. Ignoring them won’t make them disappear.

It was time to get professional help. I called my doctor. We may need help to resolve our inner conflicts as well. God has placed competent people around that may be able to assist such as pastors, counselors, good friends, or maybe just you and Jesus.

Although I had no familiarity with the injury, the physical therapist did. So I thought it wise to follow her advice. She suggested several exercises that would help. As I moved my arm, the radiating pain returned. As much as I didn’t want to hurt, I knew healing would come no other way. Likewise, reaching into your past - though painful and uncomfortable - will
bring healing. I know it isn’t easy, but Jesus longs to heal your wounded heart.

I was expected to complete the exercises at home. I could have ignored the advice, but my healing would have taken much longer. Emotional healing is a process that takes time and effort.

After the first week, I could move my arm much farther in one direction. Now I had to work on moving it from side to side. That meant new painful exercises, as well as strength exercises. Although tempting, please don’t stop with a little healing. Persevere until you are totally healed.

Keep the goal in mind - a harvest of righteousness and peace. The healing process can
be difficult and painful, but the peace and freedom that results is well worth it!


Thank you, Jesus, for coming to heal our broken hearts and free us!

Terri