Pushing Through PainMuestra

There's a rare genetic condition that makes people unable to feel pain. It's so rare, in fact, that only about 20 cases have ever been reported. People with congenital insensitivity to pain, which is caused by specific gene mutations, might be able to tell the difference between hot and cold—but they won't feel any pain if they burn their hand on the stove. That might sound pretty awesome, but it's actually really dangerous: pain is a warning sign; without it, you can end up with third-degree burns instead of the mild blister you would have gotten had you pulled your hand back right away. In fact, repeated injuries often lead to shorter lifespans for people with congenital insensitivity to pain, according to the National Library of Medicine.* I think the same is true for Christians. Pain is a warning sign that exists so that we will recognize there is a problem. It allows us to address a deeper issue or hurt and use it to become more like Christ. Everything He does—or allows—is for the purpose of making us more like Him. I may not like it or see how life’s circumstances accomplish that, but I don’t have to. When I choose to follow Jesus in the midst of my pain, I know I can ALWAYS trust Him to use it to make me more like Him. The same is true for you! Challenge: What is something you could do to shift your mindset on pain? Start asking God to make you more like Him in every circumstance. *Data from [ prevention.com ](https://www.prevention.com/)