As many of you know I am currently suffering with some back pain which is
also causing numbness down my leg and arm. This is happened before and I've had
two surgeries on my back and two surgeries on my ankle. Hopefully by next
newsletter I will know what the doctors propose to do to help. 
But it reminds me of how we as mortals cope with pain and suffering in our
lives. I've spoken many times about how God is only good so He does not cause
bad things to happen, but bad things do happen to us. We have a choice when bad
things happen; we can lash out at God and be angry at Him and other people, or we
can go to Him as a child seeking help from His or her Father. 
Clint Eastwood famously said a man's got to know his limitations. So when
we hit our limit what do we do? 
You have also heard me say that God can make good out of bad. I have seen
in my life as I deal with suffering and in my son's life as he dealt with suffering and
other people as they deal with suffering; that it can bring renewed and increased
strength to our lives as we heal from our suffering or pain. Now I don't know very
many people who do not desire more strength or resolve in their lives. So why
would we not go to God when we are suffering or in pain? Certainly we would ask
that the pain be removed, but also asking Him to help us endure through it so that
we can glorify Him with our lives. Why would He not honor that request? And if,
according to Him who knows all things past present and future, healing is not in my
best interest - would I not want to glorify Him in my death?
I'm not suggesting that I might die soon. But don't we always walk a fine line
between life and death? Shouldn't our spirit always be prepared for either?
Shouldn't we learn to be with God Almighty either way? After all, He has blessed
me more than I’ve deserved, should I not honor Him with all I am? 
Another thing we should be aware of in ourselves or others who are suffering
– anger, disappointment, and a short fuse often wells up inside of those who are
suffering. This is not easy to control in ourselves, and tries to overtake us; much
like the demon spoken of in Mark 9:28-29 where Jesus said certain types of demons
(spiritual strongholds) require prayer – I have found at times, constant prayer.
See ya Sunday, in person or on the internet -
www.fccpensacola.org  or  www.facebook.com/timthepastor . 
All glory and honor to God.  Peace and blessings, Tim.