Hindsight, Foresight, and Insight

It is said that hindsight is 20/20, or at least far better than foresight... but what about insight? We all need it, but I will venture to say that insight about our own weaknesses or failures tends to almost be non-existent. We can see into someone else's faults so clearly... then why not our own? And often what we see in another is generally what we ourselves are guilty of (as am I).

So let's say we finally see a 'flaw' in our own self. Then by some miracle, we must realize we need to work at making changes. Ouch! That's the hard part and yet, it is necessary for our own growth and contribution to the greater good (family, society, God's kingdom, etc). Not an easy task, and one that will never be completely finished in this life. It can sting when we also realize our weaknesses have an impact on others, particularly those we love and care about, and would never want to hurt... yet, we have that capability and DO it at times. (sigh)

Thankfully, change is possible and we can be forgiven...

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9

Growth in Pain

Pain in life... we all experience it; and some more than others. It comes in different forms as well: physical (stemming from illness, injury, grief, or stress) and/or emotional (based on thoughts, behaviors, internal or external conflicts, etc). At times it is overwhelming, seeming to pile up all at once, and we have no control over it. This is when we are most vulnerable in many ways.

It can be the lowest of times, but it can also have the end result of bringing us higher as we GROW from facing and conquering the pain itself. Even though some of the hurt remains, we can emerge as a changed person with new insight, compassion, endurance and strength. This is what James and Paul both talked about in separate instances:

James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Rom 5:3-5 "we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Our pain can develop perseverance and produce character, which enables us to become mature and complete in order to help others going through similar circumstances. But above all, God gives us His joy and His love freely throughout every single trial. This is the hope we have, no matter what!