Pain has a purpose

"I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes." Job 42:5

When researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center built 3D simulations of runners in a lab to uncover the cause of runners’ frequent lower back pain, they found that the cause of the pain went much deeper than they thought. The models showed the different muscle groups at work during endurance running. The scientists learned that much of the back-supporting burden was carried by muscles in the body's deep core, rather than by the surface abdominal muscles that core-strengthening workouts typically target, according to the study. This could explain why some runners experience back pain even though they perform exercises thought to build core strength, the study authors said. And until it's determined how to effectively strengthen these deep muscles, you and I might just have to live with a little back pain if we want to keep running.

And you know, when it comes to experiencing and living with pain, especially deep, unexpected or chronic pain, many Christians ask the question, "If God loves me, why do I have to suffer?" And while I don’t (and will never) know the reason many believers have to suffer, I do know that pain is a direct result of living in a fallen world full of sin. But thankfully, I also know that pain always serves a purpose. The story of Job is testament to that when it tells us that he was a God-fearing man who had a great life until the day he was struck with tragedy upon tragedy-his children were killed, his wealth was destroyed, his health floundered and his friends turned against him. But in the end, because of the pain and suffering, Job came to know and love the Lord more intimately than ever before saying, "I had only heard you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes." Can’t you just hear the gratefulness in Job’s utterance?

So if you find yourself hurting today and wondering if God truly cares or even knows, consider the words of Christian author Jerry Bridges, “God never allows pain without a purpose in the lives of His children. He never allows Satan, nor circumstances, nor any ill-intending person to afflict us unless He uses that affliction for our good. God never wastes pain. He always causes it to work together for our ultimate good, the good of conforming us more to the likeness of his Son.”

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that so clearly reminds us that you have a purpose for our pain and that you never leave us alone in our suffering. And Lord, when we are prone to doubt your love for us in the midst of our trial and tragedy, help us to look up and to trust You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Bring the rain - MercyMe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtjxCx-7Hps

https://www.livescience.com/61390-mocap-tech-back-pain-source.html