The commentator during an international match mentioned that the key player of one team was hurt. But despite the injury, he continued to play. He was committed to the welfare, victory, and progress of the team, hence willingly endured the pain. Many people who are doing the ministry are similar to that hurt player. They sincerely serve, restlessly work, and joyfully help others, even when they go through pain and sadness. In their personal lives, they have sickness, inabilities, wayward children, a critical spouse, and an uncooperative leadership team, yet they continue their ministry.
Hurtfulness to blessing in abundance
The Psalmist describes this vividly: “For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.” (Psalm 66:10-12)
Little hurt
Those diligent Christian workers may have friends to pray for, believers who encourage, enough money to meet their needs, and grace in their weakness, yet they still have a little hurt.
Sanctification
This hurt or thorn is what God uses to sanctify a person. Such hurt helps a person to take focus away from themselves and others, but look towards God. Being hurt is a feeling, just an emotion. But a disciple does not walk on feelings, but on facts and truths of the Scripture. The Words provide promises, strength, guidance, and care amid human fragility and difficulties.
Resilient
Committed and surrendered servants of God have immense resilience. They are like a ping pong ball. With more force, they are hit on the wall, which would bounce back with equal force.
Compassionate Care
God uses such broken people to minister to the needs of other people. Such servants of God could empathise with others and agonise for others in prayers. Instead of seeking healing, saints of God trust in God and continue to minister by the power of God bestowed upon them.
Do I retire, or refire when hurt, to continue zealously working for the Lord?