No Pain... No Gain

Boy, have we all heard that one ad nauseum… and it’s not a saying any of us really wants to hear. Let’s face it, who wants to go through PAIN to get anything?? (Well, I guess, mothers would go through childbirth for their kids - but other than that – Forgeddaboudit!)

However, there’s truth in every cliché or it wouldn’t be a cliché. “No Pain, No Gain” is no different, and seems to be the reoccurring theme of many lives. In a book I read recently by Sarah Cunningham, she said: “Sometimes we only get to enjoy progress and ongoing peace AFTER we undergo inconvenient and sometimes painful periods of change.” Her statement caught my attention and led to this blog entry. That’s one powerful statement.

I guess, since the Garden, our lot in life is to “work” at whatever we put our hand to. Of course, as enlightened people of the 21st century we’re all about the “here and now;” about the quick fix, the easiest way to get from point A to point B… we’ve got assistants, blackberry’s, the Internet, microwaves – practically everything is at our fingertips in an instant. We work so hard to avoid the "pain" part of the gain. And yet, the avoidance of that pain can come back to bite us in the bum… sometimes 10 or 100-fold.

In Romans 5:3-5 Paul says: "3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Wait a minute… the world says I’m supposed to get all I can with the least amount of effort – as a matter of fact, I’m entitled… and God’s Word is telling me I need to ENJOY the pain?? What? Huh?

Oh, but look at what comes as a result… look at the type of human being we become as a result of experiencing the pain in order to get the gain. Our character is better, stronger. “No pain, No gain” is plastered on the walls of most school gyms and fitness centers across the country. Like a trained athlete whose physical body can endure and overcome any obstacle… our character – our souls - build perseverance and resilience and strength through the pain. And so, we too, can better overcome the obstacles we face.

The result of that stronger character – is hope! And, frankly hope keeps us afloat. Our hope is never changing, never wavering – and it doesn’t disappoint us!! Our hope is more solid than a rock because it’s based in God – who is the same yesterday, today and forever and ever. It’s based in His love for us and in the Holy Spirit resident in those of us who follow Christ. That’s some power-packin’ hope!

Sarah was right, when you’ve worked hard for something the enjoyment is so much sweeter and fulfilling. And with the unwavering hope that results… peace IS ongoing… even in pain.


If little labour, little are our gains:
Man's fortunes are according to his pains.
– Hesperides 752.