Pain 

Once I knew what it was to rest upon the rock of God's
promises, and it was indeed a precious resting place, but now I
rest in His grace.  He is teaching me that the bosom of His
love is a far sweeter resting-place than even the rock of His
promises.
               ... Hannah Whitall Smith (1832-1911) in a letter


Gods’ promises are truly precious and confidence building.  They lend a place of stability to life that is revealed in our belief system, our expectations and our actions.  The trouble comes when it is found out that this is the beginning and not the end.  That this is only the first step of the journey and not the Promised Land!

By resting on the promises I am in reality standing in the demand position.  Demanding that He perform those promises.  Demanding that they be measured by my measurement and in my time frame.  The immaturity of this position is revealed through pain.   Pain causes us to face the truth that what we don’t want to believe  (that “this” is in accordance with His will) and what we know to be true (that His Love is real and secure) can be true. The pain of the truth requires us to confront the lie, face to face, and accept it.  You see, it will be accepted.  It is a mater of when not if.  It is a mater of how much pain, not will there be pain.  The sooner the easier is not true, for this journey is not about reducing pain.  That is a self-interested lie as well.  It is about growth.  The journey is a journey of growth, and you cannot grow without change and you cannot change without pain.  The maxim could read, “If it did not hurt, you did not learn.” The pain need not necessarily be harsh but merely noticeable.  The twinge in the stomach is fine if it does the job.  Or perhaps round two will be needed.  It seems more that having a malleable heart is the vital component not the knowledge before or after.  Being willing to learn, and attentive to opportunity, is desired. What is actually learned becomes secondary.

The logic strain is this; “I will not close myself to new truths that push my security.”  If this is not in place, the only option is a closed loop logic strain as follows; "If it fits my prejudice template I will allow it in to be considered, otherwise I will eschew it immediately and be justified for doing so.” The results of closed loop logic are obvious to everyone, except those using them.  There are always issues that arise but are seen as problems rather than the symptoms of the logic failure. The next failure is that of the one noticing it, to take the accusational and condescending view of the enlightened, rather than that of the supportive friend that will draw them to the new truth. This is the role that is truly critical, the teacher of the teachers.


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