Pain and God

Many people believe that God uses pain to draw us closer to Him, or to draw our attention to Him. The varying degrees of that view diverge between God using the pain, as in causing it, as I’ve heard such people like Kay Warren suggest. The other view would say He uses the pain we’re in but naturally doesn’t inflict it which is what I’ve heard Britt Merrick say in the midst of his daughters ordeal. I personally agree more with Britt’s view. But that isn’t my subject today. I question whether that is in fact true, that pain draws us closer to God, or causes us to rush to Him?
CS Lewis says, “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Is it? One might suggest observing the response of Americans after September 11th. Churches were crowded. Or Haiti after the earthquake, a million people praying and fasting instead of celebrating Mardi Gras. It seems that Lewis would be right.

I look at my life though, and pain usually leads me to question God, to doubt and draw away from Him. It seems to be the opposite of Lewis’ assertion. Perhaps I am cynical or perhaps the attitude I usually end up having when the pressure is on or pain is around leads me to a place of shame before God. A place where I feel half-hearted or unworthy to approach the throne of grace.

What about you? Do you draw close to God when under pressure or in pain emotionally or physically? Or do you draw away?

**Since I originally posted this on tumblr 2 weeks ago, some of my views have changed.... What are yours?