Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10, NIV

 

Some time ago, an 82-year-old woman in China, known as Mrs Zhang, asked her family members to catch some frogs for her. She never explained what she intended to do with them. It was only after she developed severe abdominal pain and was admitted to hospital that the shocking truth came to light.

 

Mrs Zhang had been suffering from intense back pain caused by a displaced vertebra. After hearing that frogs could help relieve her pain, she decided to swallow eight live frogs! Unfortunately, instead of finding relief, she developed a parasitic infection that landed her in hospital.

 

As bizarre as this story may sound, it made me think about the different ways we sometimes respond to emotional pain in our own lives. When we are hurting, we often reach for anything that promises relief. It could be an unhealthy relationship, alcohol or something else that temporarily numbs the pain. But sometimes, the very things we turn to for comfort end up hurting us even more.

 

Perhaps you're struggling with physical pain. Maybe you're battling anxiety or depression, or carrying emotional wounds from your past. Whatever form your pain may take, God sees it. And he never intended for you to carry it all on your own.

 

Listen again to the words of Ephesians 6:10: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

 

God is able to bring healing and restoration. Sometimes he works through medical treatment, professional support or the people he places in our lives. And sometimes, the healing we long for takes time. But through it all, we can draw strength from him in the midst of our struggles.

 

Today, let's put down the “frogs” we've been holding onto to numb our pain and start turning to the one who can fill us with His wisdom, strength and peace.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know every pain we carry and the things we sometimes turn to for relief. Help us to turn to you for strength, wisdom and comfort. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen