Painful

This graphic from Wiki Commons doesn’t do justice to the fluorescence I see in those jagged lights that accompanied my migraines, and that I still experience about once a year.

I no longer suffer from the pain of a full-blown migraine headache, but for over twenty years I could testify to the pain.  Mayo Clinic defines it quite well:

A migraine headache can cause intense throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head and is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can cause significant pain for hours to days and be so severe that all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down.

I remember reading that nothing short of terminal illnesses and childbirth compare to that pain.  My Second Daughter experienced one last night.  In addition to the “dark, quiet place to lie down,” she and her husband considered an ER – she does not have these often at all, and that is a kindness.

Thinking about that comparison, childbirth, brought to mind a verse that is very familiar to every Christian:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3 KJV)

Nicodemus, the other participant in the conversation, did not understand the analogy, and made his confusion very plain.  Jesus didn’t give a much longer explanation, other that He spoke of a spiritual birth:

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:5-7 KJV)

Why then do we think becoming a Christian is easy?  Babies experience pressure during birth.  Babies are thrown into an unfriendly environment at birth.  Babies cry right after they are born, even when handled by professional, competent caregivers – as well as loving, yet untrained, parental mentors.

Why do we look upon the cries of new Christians as inappropriate?  Why do think they should be taking meat when we understand fully that newborns require milk before solid foods.  The analogy Jesus gave is so very accurate.

Surely those of us who love Him and have grown in His word can take these newborns and provide a loving family that will aid their growth. Along with them, we can put Peter’s advice to good use, giving God the glory:

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)