Pain Leads to Wisdom

“He who learns must suffer. Even in our sleep, pain that cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the heart, until in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom, through the awful (solemnly impressive) grace of God.” -Aeschylus

It’s no secret, growth hurts. I remember the ache in my joints as a kid being described as “growing pains” by my parents. I recall sleepless night as bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments were stretched beyond my comfort zone with each growth spurt, yet that pain resulted in a larger shoe size and longer pants. My body was growing. The pain was just part of the process of maturing.

Life, in general, is full of growing pains such as loss, disappointment, betrayal, and hurt. All of these experiences contribute to my wisdom. I learn something from each of them. God allows them to percolate through the layers of soil, sand, rock, and leaves of my being until finally they are distilled into hard won wisdom that frames my Christian life. Each experience brings value in spite of the pain.

God is growing me and maturing me and He gifts me with wisdom as I put my trust in Him.

Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.

Proverbs 4:6