The Purpose in Pain
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)
We know what it’s like to deal with pain. Maybe, you are walking through a painful situation right now, whether it is physical pain, relational pain, emotional pain, or spiritual pain. Maybe, you have caused pain in someone’s life and you are dealing with the repercussions of your mistake. Whichever situation you find yourself in, be encouraged that God often uses your pain to bring growth and maturity to your life. Specifically, there are three things which pain can cause us to do that will help us grow in our walk with Him:
1. Pain serves to make us lean in. Sometimes, God uses the pain in our lives to cause us to lay our head on His shoulder. We are asking for His protection and we are leaning on Him for support.
2. Pain serves to make us look up. When you go through unbelievable pain and you don’t have an answer or a resolution, you not only lean in, but you start looking up. You look up to say, “Jesus, if I’m going to make it through this, my hope is in you, and you alone.” It is powerful to be in that position.
3. Pain serves to make us look in. As we look up in our pain, we should also look in and say, “God, what do you want me to do now? What should my next steps be?” If you ask Him, He will give you that guidance and direction. He will make you aware of any changes you need to make, and He will mold you into whom He wants you to be.
Let’s take to heart the words of James, and try to see the good in our pain. Pain brings us closer to God. Pain matures and develops us as believers. Pain reminds us in whom our hope and peace are found. Also, pain develops our perseverance and resilience so that we may continue to press ahead in pursuit of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We know what it’s like to deal with pain. Maybe, you are walking through a painful situation right now, whether it is physical pain, relational pain, emotional pain, or spiritual pain. Maybe, you have caused pain in someone’s life and you are dealing with the repercussions of your mistake. Whichever situation you find yourself in, be encouraged that God often uses your pain to bring growth and maturity to your life. Specifically, there are three things which pain can cause us to do that will help us grow in our walk with Him:
1. Pain serves to make us lean in. Sometimes, God uses the pain in our lives to cause us to lay our head on His shoulder. We are asking for His protection and we are leaning on Him for support.
2. Pain serves to make us look up. When you go through unbelievable pain and you don’t have an answer or a resolution, you not only lean in, but you start looking up. You look up to say, “Jesus, if I’m going to make it through this, my hope is in you, and you alone.” It is powerful to be in that position.
3. Pain serves to make us look in. As we look up in our pain, we should also look in and say, “God, what do you want me to do now? What should my next steps be?” If you ask Him, He will give you that guidance and direction. He will make you aware of any changes you need to make, and He will mold you into whom He wants you to be.
Let’s take to heart the words of James, and try to see the good in our pain. Pain brings us closer to God. Pain matures and develops us as believers. Pain reminds us in whom our hope and peace are found. Also, pain develops our perseverance and resilience so that we may continue to press ahead in pursuit of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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6 Comments
I am going through a very painful illness for the past2 months. The treatment is very difficult and time consuming. I have turned to prayer several times a day and God is helping me through this pain and isolation.
Keep reading the Bible and pray on it also.
And remember, no pain. No gain. I will also pray for you. God speed in your recovery.
I’m so sorry. I’ll be praying for you. I too have a very serious illness. God is helping me everyday. God bless you.🙏
Vicki, keep close to God in prayer as you are doing. I am praying for you as well.
I too am going through a painful situation. I have been leaning in and God has been helping me deal with it and I am getting closer to Him. Keep leaning in and have faith that He will heal you.
I have a friend that is going through a walk I've walk. A loss of her daughter. The daughters husband shot and killed her then killed his self in front of their 2 children ages 6 and 14 the 14 year old is Autistic now they are in their 60s trying to raise them. They are good Christians and our church has been very supportive , but it is hard on them to having to act like everything ok in front of the children and at night morn the death. Please pray that the Lord will guide them in a way they can have some joy in their life the kids are not taking it to well at times asking why only adding. to their pain.put them on you prayer list. I truly believe in prayer I've seen it. I know what Our God can do. Thanks for listening.