Here is a great article http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tullian/2009/11/26/being-thankful-for-pain/ on the role of pain in the life of the Christian. Read this and think on how Father has used pain to grow you closer to him. Could it be that by not having a proper theology of suffering we actually spend ourselves out of sanctification and into more delusion? I don’t think we are to not take advantage of the common graces of God for the betterment of humanity, but I also don’t want to fail to be made more like Christ either. So, if suffering is a way for becoming more like Christ, then I have to find a way to fit this into my theological framework.
Here is an appetizer from the article: “Charles Spurgeon once said, “Health is a gift from God, but sickness is a gift greater still.” Throughout his time in this world, Spurgeon suffered with various physical ailments that eventually took his life prematurely. He longed to be well but he recognized the supreme value of being sick and he thanked God for it because it was his pain that caused him to desperately draw near to God.” – Tullian Tchividjian
May the Lord grace your pursuit of him with everything needed to grow into Christ.
Theology in the Dirt 