Relief-Healing-Strength
Potential of a Problem
“Across the Water” watercolor by Myra Alibrando
There are principles of life also reflected in nature. It makes sense since they are all created by the same personality. We do not see the tapestry when focused on a thread. Time can act like zooming out to see a bigger picture, the tapestry, if we love truth.
I'll mention a newly discovered principle for me.
Relief-Healing-Strength
I have been having a recurring pain near my right shoulder blade for weeks. This is after months of tingling without pain. It isn’t getting better, but worse so I looked it up and learned it is my rhomboid muscle. I then searched on YouTube for some stretching exercises. It must be a common problem because there are many videos promising relief for rhomboid muscle pain. There are YouTube folks from all around the world offering not only temporary relief, but some, permanent solutions. A permanent solution would be healing.
Not Only Healing
Several instructed how to strengthen the rhomboid muscle, after it is healed. They claim it could prevent the likelihood of future injury, pain, or discomfort. I like that idea.
Now I have a plan: 1. relieve the pain through stretching. 2. keep doing stretches until the pain goes away. If I'm smart, I will 3. do exercises to strengthen this area even after the pain is gone, to make myself less prone to future problems. Relief-Healing-Strengthening
A Pattern/Principle
I soon realized this was a pattern I had used several times in my life and that this was a great 1-2-3 cycle of wisdom in using difficulties as an advantage.
I will show you one nature example and then scripture.
Muscle Strain-God’s Design
During muscle strain, lactic acid that makes you want to stop. When you stop, the pain stops in a minute (relief). But it is the actual tearing of muscles on a microscopic level that triggers an inflammatory response. That response is part of a repair process leading to the stiffness you feel 24-48 hours afterward.
Incredible Engineering Beyond Healing
The repair rebuilds what was torn but slightly thicker and stronger. Having experienced this injury, this astonishing design not only rebuilds. The “program” uses an experience to build new foresight, in case you want to do that same strenuous act in the near future. It will be less painful. Imagine that much engineering in your muscles.
If you do the same thing again, a week later, it shouldn't tear. But if you exceed the former strain a week later, doing more than before, the same process occurs leading to thicker and stronger than the level from the first strain and repair.
Every injury and strain will cause tears which continually causes greater strength. Isn't this wonderful?
What is the Take-Away?
Please note, it isn’t relaxing that builds strength, but struggle and strain. But I see the pattern of Relief-Healing-Strength here also.
This is not only true for our physical body but for our character. God provides us outstanding technology in our bodies but who we become, that is, our character is far more important to God.
" . . . we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4
If we give up on physical strain or our convictions of right, we will never build strength.
A Spiritual, Physical, Financial Principle
This 3-way principal applies to finances, relationships, and crisis of any kind. If financially we are in a crisis, the first thing we want is to solve the crisis, or escape it. That is relief. We are in crisis and want out immediately.
For healing, we need to be at least where we were before the crisis. Back to “normal life”. But if we are smart, we will ask ourselves how we can not have that same crisis in the future. At least, less likely or more prepared.
Sure, everyone wants to earn more money, but if you don’t get stronger from the crisis, it is suffering for nothing. God wants your suffering to be for profit, the same way a great coach works his team hard to be victorious.
Read the verse again:
" . . . we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4
Suffering is Not a Goal, Unless You’re Crazy
Who is crazy enough to celebrate suffering? No. Wisdom can celebrate the results of the suffering, not the suffering. In fact, a pretty famous scripture says this:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
So God knows suffering can always be made to work in your favor with His help and your right attitude. God wants you to be happy. The word “Blessed” is often synonymous with happy. The result is God’s target: your determination, your character, your strength. When you see your own pattern of not giving up and getting stronger, you are going to feel good about your own future. That’s hope. A hope-filled life by a person who doesn’t give up and keeps getting stronger and stronger.
This is God’s desire and this is one of His methods.
Hi Sam, this is an insightful article. Your reflections on the cycle of Relief-Healing-Strength beautifully illustrate the wisdom in God’s design, not just in our physical bodies, but in our spiritual and emotional growth as well. The parallels you draw between physical strain and the development of character through adversity are truly enlightening. I wholeheartedly agree that it is not the suffering itself that we should celebrate, but the strength and hope that emerge from persevering through it. Your message is a powerful reminder that God’s plans for us involve growth and strengthening, even through challenges, and it inspires me to embrace life’s struggles with a renewed sense of purpose and trust in God’s ultimate plan.
“Across the Water” watercolor by Myra Alibrando
Myra, your watercolor painting “Across the Water” is simply breathtaking. The way you’ve captured the tranquility of the scene instantly draws me in. The soft, serene blues of the water and sky blend so harmoniously, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels almost meditative. The pier, with its subtle wooden tones, leads the eye effortlessly across the water, guiding me toward the boat in the distance, evoking a sense of journey and calm.
The reflections of the sky and landscape on the water’s surface are stunning, creating a mirror-like effect that adds depth and balance to the composition. The gentle oranges and yellows in the sky hint at either the beginning or end of the day, bringing a quiet, contemplative mood to the piece. The distant silhouette of the boat, barely noticeable at first glance, adds a touch of solitude, making the viewer pause and reflect.
What I truly love about this painting is how it stirs the imagination is inviting the viewer to wonder about the journey that lies ahead or the beauty of just sitting still in the moment. Your use of soft brushstrokes and light gives the painting a dreamlike quality, making it feel alive and peaceful at the same time.
Your talent for capturing such quiet beauty is remarkable, Myra. Keep creating! As Emily Carr once said, "Art is an expression of inner joy, and it's meant to inspire and connect." Your work certainly does that, don’t ever stop!