Last week I was helping Cyndi in the kitchen and stabbed myself. Ouch! It hurt and bled. I stabbed the inside part of one of my thumbs. I did not see the knife that was sticking up in the drain board. I will look next time before I start jerking my hand.

Pain is something none of us care for. But, have you ever thought how pain can be used for good? When I was nineteen years old, I woke up and my stomach was hurting. I could not straighten up it hurt so bad. After going to the emergency room, I had to have my appendix removed. If I had not felt the pain it could have burst and I could have lost my life. Pain at this time was a good thing.

And yet most of the time it is annoying. There are some folks who cannot have operations to remove their pain. They may have a bad heart or other health issues that would put them at a greater risk. Therefore, they just endure the pain each day. Many of you reading this article are aware of this as you may be feeling the pain in your body.

There is also a pain that we feel that no one knows about. It may be the pain of separation of a loved one, either by distance or death. It may be the pain of loneliness that we feel when a child has left home. It could be any sort of mental pain each of us can go through.

Years ago Jesus endured the painful cross for the sins of the world (1 Jn. 2:2). The Jews were not kind to Jesus as they hit Him, mocked Him, turned Him over to be beaten and crucified. He had nails driven in His hands and feet. They watched as He died on the cross. And, He bore the pain of our sins on the cross.

The stab wound I felt hurt, but it was nothing to what our Lord felt. I am so blessed to be able to call myself a child of God. I am so grateful that Jesus was willing to lay down His life for me. It kind of drives all the pain away knowing He cares so much. And, He does—for everyone. (John 3:16)