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Last Sunday I had surgery that put me in the hospital for a week.  My week-long stay was filled with questions concerning what I could and could not do.  With each question came answers I wasn’t exactly thrilled with.  They told me at first to walk and when I did, they said it was to early for me to be walking, just move from the bed to the chair.  One conversation I had with the doctor proved to be substantial for me going forward.  He said, let pain be your guide.  That was a principle of truth I knew from the bible.  This truth is declared over and over in scripture.  However, there are two perspectives given in the bible for this truth. 

Jesus faced the pain of rejection and betrayal.  This pain He endured led Him to the cross where he endured massive physical pain.  These pains were the indications of the path moving Him toward the redemption of the whole world.  In this sense, pain could be seen as the guide.  The practical truth of this would be to let the pain in your life lead you to the plan God has for you.  In order to do that we must submit to the pain.  We must even feel the pain and not cover it up so that we know which way to go. 

On the other hand, the Apostle Paul said concerning what he would endure, but none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24).  Paul was not willing to allow pain to stop him from fulfilling his calling. 

I have a settled truth within me that I believe is the call of God for my life.  As far as purpose being connected to activity goes, I am to declare God’s truth to people.  By whatever means at my disposal, I am to tell people of the wonderful gospel and the power of living your life for the design of bringing glory to the Father.  So for me, pain may limit my ability to stand and teach.  Pain may limit my ability to travel.  Pain may keep me inside the walls of my own home.  But the pain will not move me from the call of God to declare His love, mercy, and grace.  If in fact, pain is to be my guide it becomes really easy to discover the will of God for me at this time.  I’m happy and full of joy to declare to all those who follow Christ, let pain be your guide.  God is even using that to bring about His purpose for you. 

One last thing.  If pain has led you to a place where you can only do certain things, then those are the things God will use the most.  Your potential will be maximized in the kingdom for full benefit.  May God have His way in your life.