Wow- Until I read this post it never occurred to me to thank God for the pain of any lesson He has ever taught me. This is very eye opening for me to read this. I am thankful to God for everything in my life (or so I thought..) I have been able to look at past suffering and learn from many mistakes I made or that even someone else has made but I honestly can't say I am thankful for the pain. Yes, the lesson but not the pain. I think I can look at this from a different perspective now... As if the pain is a good thing instead of loathing and resenting it. Possibly owning the pain as to accept the circumstances of the lesson and appreciate it. Many types of pain is very unnecessary (imo). However, I do have faith that God permits it for a reason regardless. Many types of pain is unexplained but I must have faith that I may never know "why" but that God knows and will take care of it. I believe that He will- and does. I absolutely believe that pain from the agony of addiction was necessary. I am grateful for those memories. I hope that I'll always be able to help someone else as a result.