Protective Pain

Is pain always bad?

Are limits always a loss?

Pursuing happiness seem to be the goal of life. A life of least pain may be the goal of some.

But God is interested in our character. He inflicts pain - so that we are humbled and grow wise. He disciplines and restricts what we want (even those that seem reasonable to own) - so as to protect us from who we will BECOME, IF we have our desires gratified.

Imagine:

Pain that actually protects?

Limitations that are actually shields from unknown danger?

I believe that is just how good God is. He withholds, so as to ultimately give us the best.

"Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' OR I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God." Proverbs 30:8

May He grant us the wisdom to resonate with this - and here's the tough part - in all circumstances!