The Sunday Sermonette – The “Kidney Stones” of Life. 

On my way to work that morning, Spring 1993 announced its arrival with a wash of magenta azaleas, the spring green of new leaves, and the noisy chatter of blue jays. As I sat at my desk, the sweet morning air from my supervisor’s window across the hall drifted into my office. The strains of Debussy floated out of the CD player. No phone calls, and no clients were coming my way. It was shaping up to be a good day at work. Then it hit me.  

The pain was initially dull, increasing in intensity with the passing minutes. I felt nauseous and broke out in a sweat. The tight throbbing in my lower back morphed into a white-hot, penetrating stab, as if someone had heated an ice pick and was now jabbing into my side. I stumbled into my supervisor’s office, told her my symptoms, and without hesitation, she said, “You trying to pass a kidney stone.”  

After an agonizing ambulance ride, I was delivered to the hospital. While in the ER, as I writhed on the bed like a worm on a griddle, a kindly nurse shot me full of morphine, and in seconds, the pain subsided. But as test after test was administered, the morphine would wear off. And each time it did, another shot of it killed the pain. Finally, I passed the stone and was discharged. But occasionally, another kidney stone would come calling, and off to the ER, I would go.  
    

The pain of living in today’s world can be like a reoccurring “kidney stone.” When we are faced with that pain, it can seem unbearable. However, the “morphine” the Good Book has to offer helps us bear life’s pain, giving us comfort, strength, and hope to press on to the prize before us. In the Good Book, stories of physical and mental struggles remind us we are not alone in our suffering. In times of grief or hardship, Father God’s promises can lift our spirits and soothe us with the assurance that there is another day. He gives us the strength to endure.  
    

Lest we forget: Father God sees our pain. He is not living on the backside of Heaven, seemingly uncaring or unknowing. That knowledge should be a source of enormous comfort to those who suffer. The scriptures tell us about His compassion when we are hurting. They show us how to embrace our pain and allow it to lead us closer to Him.

In moments of deep, dark suffering, we must remind ourselves that our suffering is not in vain. If we allow it to, it can produce hope and strength. Suffering can deepen our walk with Father God, too. No one likes “kidney stones.” They can, however, help us grow in maturity and toward a deeper relationship with Father God.
    

“Kidney stones” are part of our journey toward Home. Try to look upon them as opportunities for growth instead of mere burdens. We must hold onto our faith while we await a shot of biblical morphine. Enduring pain? Invite Father God into the very heart of your pain and struggles.  
    

Never let go of your faith during these hardships. By doing so, you become a testimony to Father God’s love and faithfulness. Persevering and trusting in Him can help us overcome life’s “kidney stones.” Whatever happens in life, never forget that we, as Christians, are promised a brighter future beyond the pain we currently face. Because when the pain is over, the joy begins.  

Ponder this and go forth.