Thankful for the Pain
Gabby Gingras was born in a Minnesota hospital in 2001. On the surface, she seemed just like any other child, but her parents soon discovered that she was born without the ability to feel pain. Only a few dozen people in the world share this rare condition. The medical term is congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. Some might think that not being able to feel pain would be a blessing, but those who live with this condition would say otherwise.
The nerves in the human body are designed to help us act, think, and feel. If someone accidentally smashes their thumb with a hammer, the nerves in the hand send a signal to the brain, alerting them that they are hurt and in pain. As the saying goes, "Don’t play with fire, or you might get burned!" But what if you don’t realize you're getting burned until it’s too late?
Sadly, Gabby severely damaged her mouth by biting and chewing her tongue and repeatedly breaking her teeth on toys. She felt nothing, so her body couldn’t warn her of the danger. For years, her parents felt helpless not knowing when she might unintentionally harm herself. What a tragedy it is—to live without the ability to feel pain.
Far too often, we desire the pleasures of life, failing to recognize that pain is a necessary teacher. For the Christian, it is during times of pain and suffering that one can receive power and strength to endure (2 Corinthians 12:10). The apostle James encouraged fellow believers:
“Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.”
(James 1:2-3, AMP)
How prone we are to doubt and despair in times of hardship! We long for endless sunshine, but we must remember: it takes both rain and sunlight to grow a garden. It’s unfortunate that we’ve reached a point where modern American Christianity often emphasizes feeling loved more than growing in faith. But be thankful for the pain. Learn to sing in the storm—because you are following the One who not only has the power to calm the storm, but who also gives you the grace to walk on the waters in the midst of it.
