While each of my three sons wore braces my middle son, David, had an unusual problem that had to be corrected. Seems his mouth wasn’t large enough to hold his teeth. To remedy this, his orthodontist placed a telescopic bar across his palate which he anchored it to his back molars. Every night I would place a small tool into a hole in the middle of the bar and crank it–expanding the bar. This exercise cracked my son’s palate making room for his teeth. Needless to say, the process hurt. However, Cindy and I figured a way to minimize the pain. She would tickle David while I cranked.
The one truth that enabled my young son to endure the pain was the assurance that his smile would sparkle when the suffering passed. That experience reminds me of a spiritual truth found in the opening lines of the New Testament book of James.
Here’s what the half-brother of Jesus said to his suffering friends, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3).
Most of us have never received a condolence card like that. It would be like getting a card from a friend that said, “Rejoice in your heart attack.” or, “Be happy that you lost your job.” “Be thrilled that you failed a course in school,” or, “Didn’t make the team.”
However, that’s not what James was saying at all. He wasn’t telling them to be happy that they were suffering or disappointed. He urged them to rejoice because of the good hardship could accomplish in their lives. We don’t rejoice because of sickness or suffering. We rejoice that God can use pain to accomplish good in our lives.
James said the purpose of testing is to “Produce endurance.”
The word James used for “testing” referred to soldiers tested by battle or gold tested by fire. Such tests were intended to purify and prove. Difficulties test and try our faith. And when the test is over we have an enduring faith . . . we are stronger and more Christ-like.
So if you’re suffering, celebrate, not the pain or the loss, but the fact that God will us it to make you stronger.
In a very real sense, the pain passes, but the smile remains.
Bill, Great article and great faith building truth, as well. As a dentist, I can truly relate especially due to the fact that my twin sons, both went through the exact same treatment with their orthodontist as your son. I just forwarded the e-mail to them at college. I know it will increase their faith. Their suffering isn’t life and death, but I could tell from recent conversations that the course load is causing some concern, anxiety, and doubt. They know that we all face those tests and trials but sometimes feel that you’re facing the struggle alone. Your words will be great encouragement to them. Sometimes they need to hear it from someone other than Dad. In Christ, Brian