Did you ever wish that you don’t feel pain anymore? If yes, then you’re not alone. Most people would like to live a life free of pain. However, have you really thought of what life would be like without pain?
Living a life without pain
There’s a rare medical condition that you probably haven’t heard of. It’s called Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (CIP). There are less than a thousand known cases of CIP around the world.
People who have CIP has an inability to feel pain. Growing up with CIP is tough. Most parents would tell you stories how their babies won’t cry when they are hungry or are having a diaper rash. Toddlers would intentionally bump their head against the wall or fall down on their face thinking that it’s a fun way to play.
CIP patients often suffer from burns. They could dunk their hands on scalding hot water without flinching or touch a hot oven without shedding a tear.
Because of the inability to feel pain, CIP patients injure themselves without even knowing it. Worse of all, their condition may lead to their death if they don’t effectively identify pain.
The purpose of pain
There’s a reason why we feel pain. It serves a purpose to ensure our survival.
Without pain, we couldn’t detect there’s something wrong in our body. It acts as an early warning mechanism to prevent further bodily harm. Because we don’t like pain, it motivates us to avoid dangerous situations.
In short, pain is essential to life.
Experiencing pain with a purpose
Whether we like it or not, pain can serve as a blessing rather than a curse. Now, I’m not saying that we are not to avoid pain. In fact, we must do our best to free ourselves of UNNECESSARY pain and suffering. I would be the first person to say that we must have the wisdom to make the right decisions in life to ensure that we have an abundant and comfortable life.
But here’s something that we must not forget: pain is a normal part of life.
There are times that no matter how much we want to avoid pain, it will happen. It’s not a matter of if, but it’s a matter of when. As long as we are composed of flesh and blood, pain is there to remind us that we are still humans.
Christians are not immune to pain and suffering. In fact, you must even expect that it will come in your life if you accept Christ’s invitation to carry your cross and follow Him.
The Apostle Peter wrote:
For THIS IS COMMENDABLE, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God (I Peter 2:19-20).
Peter is telling us that if you suffer because of doing good, then you are approved by God. What you do is commendable and praiseworthy to Him!
All of a sudden, your pain and suffering have a purpose. You are not suffering in vain. You are suffering for God and when that happens, you will receive your reward in due time – if not in this lifetime, then it will be given in the life to come.
This post originally appeared on BecomingChristians.com and was republished with permission. The article was written by Joshua Infantado.Â
Joshua’s Outpost is a source for men to find encouragement to be bold in their faith and walk with Jesus Christ.
and our reaction to our various and sometimes numerous pain is a witness good or bad to those who do not know God. Great post!
Yes I agree Claire. I know for myself, I often forget how I react can have an impact on others witnessing the power of Christ. Great comment.