Pierre Renoir is a famous French artist who was known for his paintings, mostly depicting family life. But there was one disease that tormented this gifted artist -- he had arthritis that plagued him to the tip of his fingers. Each brushstroke forcing a grimace to his face... It took him a long time to finish one masterful work of art. One of his friends urged him to stop painting and focus on his health. Renoir kept going... even though it hurt.
God talks about pain in His word: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
For so many... that level of pain is very real. Sometimes it comes from a physical condition...other times it’s emotional scarring... relationship damage... poor choices... or even self-inflicted loathing or pity. In any case, it hurts. Badly. But one thing I’ve found in all my years of ministry... pain precedes progress. What we see as a mountain… a barrier... God allows into our lives so that we can develop the necessary skills and character to become an overcomer... a person who knows what they’ve been through so they don’t have to be scared about what’s coming. If you are hurting right now as you read this, hold on. Don’t quit. I know it hurts. But I also know this... breakthrough is coming. Pain is temporary...God is permanent. He’s not going to give up on you and you are going to be different as a result of your perseverance.
