Purpose In The Pain

While happiness is something we embrace and appreciate, what about pain? So many have expectations that following Christ equals an easy life and this is simply not true. When we go through trials we need to take our focus off the short term pain and put it on the long term gain.

 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4, NIV)

In order to “lack nothing”, pain is a necessity. Without it, you would never truly appreciate the hope that Jesus gives us. Without pain, we would quickly forget that we broken humans in need of a Savior. God doesn’t want us to be self-sufficient. He wants us to find our sufficiency in him because his power is made perfect in our weakness. The Bible says For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

The idea of “finding purpose in pain” is one that I’ve grown comfortable with. It has been a driving force in my process of healing from the destruction of my family. Instead of trying to get justice for my loss, it became my way to show gratitude to the One who gave me purpose in the first place, Jesus.

It was Christ’s pain and suffering on the cross that paved the way for our salvation. So now, we must use our pain as motivation to grow and become better versions of ourselves. God desires to take our trials and use them for our good and His glory. Without pain we wouldn’t have compassion.
“Suffering equips us to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)”
We must experience pain ourselves before we’re able to find compassion and empathy for others.

Sometimes the purpose may not even be obvious or even for us but I assure you If it feels like God isn’t changing anything for you; he’s most definitely trying to change something in you!

We must have faith and take comfort knowing that God is acting according to his plan for all creation and for our lives in his good and perfect timing. It may not come right away. It took 2 years to fully see how God was working in my grief. But he promises to make good out of everything for those who love him!

I challenge you to look to Scripture for guidance and wisdom because God’s truth never changes and neither does human nature. Thankfully God’s Word written thousands of years ago still applies to us today! Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Heavenly Father, thank you for being my refuge and my strength in hard times. Help me to cling to You and your truth. Help us to remember we don’t have to understand everything we just need to trust that you are working all things out for our good even when it doesn’t feel like it. Help me to have confidence in knowing that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Lord empty us of ourselves so we can be filled with you. Take our eyes off our circumstances and place them on you so we can have your peace and joy through every hill and valley. In Jesus’s powerful name, Amen!

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