There are only 84 documented cases in our country of a rare condition called Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA).

CIPA occurs because a genetic mutation prevents the formation of nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals of pain, heat, and cold to the brain. Those who suffer with CIPA are prone to self-injury, hypothermia, and other conditions which those of us with the ability to sense pain can often avoid. Another complication of CIPA, the inability to sweat, also creates the danger of heat trauma and fever. Others often break bones or chew their tongues since they are not able to feel the warning signs of pain.

Who would have ever thought to be thankful for pain? A good portion of our life and learning is spent pursuing pleasure and avoiding pain, but, the path to godliness doesn’t always pass through pleasurable places.  Our greatest teachers and trainers are often trials and pain.

If we want to be fully developed followers of Christ, some pain is inevitable. Some lessons can only be learned in the classroom of tribulation, and some wisdom can only be gained through the experiences of hardship. Just as Jesus could not experience Resurrection without the Cross, so also we do not fully identify with Him without some pain in our lives.

None of us ask for pain, but for all of us pain is inevitable. We can thank God for it, knowing that through our trials He is completing and growing us.

 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

See also a previous blog, “Thankful for My Limp.”