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Painful Decisions Can Empower Growth
CHICAGO, IL (March 26, 2005) - In preparation for Easter, Covenant
Communications is publishing a series of online devotionals, gleaned
from the more than 250 local church newsletters received each month and
used with permission of the writers. The following devotional comes from
pastor Mark T. Pattie, senior pastor of Covenant Congregational Church
in North Easton, Massachusetts.
By Mark T. Pattie
I've been amazed by the growth I've seen in those going through
difficult times. Not always and not all people, but I've witnessed many
step up to the challenge and grow through pain. In some cases, people
learned something new that was helpful, but every time the key was that
they chose to change their behavior. They knew that their pain might
continue or even increase for a period of time, but they had come to the
conclusion that avoiding pain could no longer be the determining factor
in their choice.
One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, as well as those we
love, is the chance to work through the challenge and hurt of life.
Running from them ourselves or being too eager to protect others from
them is shortsighted.
Like Esau in the book of Genesis, who gave up his birthright for a pot
of stew, we too often sell out the full blessings of life we've been
given for fleeting comforts and temporary accommodations.
As Jesus knew all too well, pain is often a part of the equation in
life's decisions. Yet, as he also knew and taught, letting it be the
determining factor as we calculate our choices is a sure way to miss out
on God's best.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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