First Church of God

James 1:2-4 says:  "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Our oldest son, Caleb, has a condition in his knees called Osgood-Schlatter disease.  This usually affects children ages 9-16, that compete in highly competitive youth sports, and is very uncomfortable during growth spurts.  It is found in the growth plates of the knees and heels.  I will not go into all of the details of this disease, but instead tell you that the result is very painful.  The pain is akin to the pain of arthritis.  It does not damage the affected areas permanently, but it is a constant struggle to manage the pain while they are growing.  Caleb has had a little bit of a break from the symptoms as he has not had a "flare up" for several months.  Probably because his growing has slowed up a little.  But, on Friday night "Osgood" showed up with a vengeance.  Both of his knees were filled with fluid and Caleb's face spoke volumes about the amount of pain he was in.  As I wrapped his knees in ice bags, elevated them, and handed him some Ibuprophen I felt so sad for him.  As the evening progressed I was reminded that on the other side of the pain there was probably significant growth on the way.  I told Caleb that he could look at the pain as a necessary thing to grow that extra inch that he would like to have for basketball season next year!  He smiled a crooked smile and nodded his head as if to say..."Easy for you to say!".  

Even though Caleb is having a hard time seeing the positive in the pain, as a Mother I know that we will get to the other side of this and he will be stronger.  The perseverance he has developed dealing with this affliction has made him into the competitive soccer player he is.  And, even though he has good and bad days I know that he will soon grow beyond this. 

Isn't that just like us sometimes?  We go through pain, but fail to see the growth on the other side.  But, just as Caleb will no doubt shoot up one day and the pain will subside, we too will see growth on the other side of the painful trials we may be walking through at this moment.  Trials bring perseverance, and perseverance produces maturity...consider it all joy! Maybe the title of this entry should have been KNOW PAIN?  KNOW GAIN!