The Unexpected Guest...by John Naberhaus

Several years ago I had an unexpected guest come to my home. His name was Mr. Dolor. As his stay extended from a few days into months and years, I began to call him only as Dolor.

Like a small dog, Dolor was always with me. There seemed to be no getting rid of him. He was always faithful to find me. I took vacations and tried to leave him home, but somehow he managed to tag along. I could be miles away, yet he would still show up, always content to be close by.

Dolor never let me out of his sight for very long...even at bedtime. I could be asleep for a few hours, and he would awaken me with twinges and nudges at my hands and feet. It was his way of settling in for the night. After half an hour or so, I'd get accustomed to him there and we would fall asleep till morning when he would awaken me again.

I remember when Dolor first came, his constant presence greatly bothered me. I tried to convince him to leave...that it would be best for him and me if we permanently parted company. However, he made it clear he needed help. Seemed he was afraid of leaving. At least he was thinking about it.

I took Dolor to several doctors to cure this fear of leaving. Tests were taken. Drugs prescribed. But his fear remained. In some ways the fear increased-or maybe it was a renewed desire to stay-and he awoke me even more often during the night. So much for doctors and drugs!

I've finally convinced myself that Dolor is not a guest in my house. He is my constant companion. And I no longer call him by his Spanish name, but by the English translation---PAIN.

We read in scripture...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.(Revelation 21:4)

The passage tells us that one day pain will no longer be with us. It will be a thing of the past. But we must understand that until then, pain is a part of this world and most of us will have to deal it.

We all have stories of physical pain, but there is emotional and mental pain, too. My own is both emotional and physical. I lost my first wife and my two sons. At times the pain in my heart is unbearable because I cannot see them or hear their voices. That's the emotional side of pain.

The physical side is that it now takes at least three hours to prepare every morning before I can go anywhere. You see, I must use a powered wheelchair to get around. So each day, Jill (my second wife) must get me out of bed and bathe, dress and exercise me before sitting me in my wheelchair. Then she has to get herself ready.

Many others must deal with pain. I have a friend with great emotional pain over his brothers and sisters not being Christians. Prayers are offered for their salvation every day. He has physical pains, as well, and mini-strokes to contend with. 

If you are in pain, you are not alone. God has allowed it for a reason. But He has assured us that one day it will be all gone for those in Heaven. So be encouraged and take heart. Pain is never lasting, but Eternity with God, Jesus, and your loved ones in Heaven most definitely is!