Pain Has A Purpose

Following Christ involves

suffering and trials.

Paul sees suffering for Christ

as a privilege.

God allows suffering to come to people, but not

all suffering comes from sin. Jesus said that

suffering can be for God’s glory.

John 9:1-7

Joseph suffered because of

the sins of his siblings.

Although Joseph’s brothers intended to harm him,

God intended to accomplish good things through his

suffering, including saving the lives of many people,

including his wicked brothers.

Genesis 50:20

It can be very difficult to discern how God is

at work in our misfortune. Instead of telling us

why we suffer, the Bible shows

us how to face suffering.

In life, pain and storms are inevitable. In this life,

we may still go hungry, get sick, grieve, and

ultimately die.

Romans 8:18-24; Philippians 2:25-28

Whether it is emotional or physical pain... we will

all experience the valleys of suffering and pain...

at some point in life.

God wants us to grow, and will sometimes

use suffering to discipline us for our benefit.

Hebrews 12:7-13

Suffering can build our faith so we can serve

God better. So, after you have suffered a little

while, God will restore, support, and strengthen

us. God will place us on a firm foundation.

1 Peter 5:10

Through suffering, God shapes and moulds us

into people who honour His Name and bless

others.

Pain changes people.

There is no growth without

pain.

Pain and suffering has a way of stripping away

those things that will not bring out the best in us.

Through suffering, God can mould us.

Sometimes pain awakens

us to God.

Some of the richest, fullest, and most fruitful

lives are those lives that have been in the

crucible of testing and tribulation.

There is no coming to consciousness without pain.

One does not become enlightened by imaginings.

There are times when both the righteous

and the wicked suffer.

Job 1–2

Suffering is universal.

All creation suffers.

Romans 8:22

If we have compassion for those we see,

we suffer with them.

“Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers

to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences,

but shouts in our pains. It is His megaphone to rouse

a deaf world.”

― C.S. Lewis

We are most keenly aware of God’s character

in our suffering. It is when our self-sufficiency

is peeled away that we see how weak we really

are. It is in that moment of weakness that, as

God tells Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9,

“My power is made perfect in weakness.”

It is in our pain that God has us taste His

power, most intimately.

It was in our brokenness that we are able

to witness God’s strength made perfect as

He carries us through.

Pain and suffering can help us to learn vital life

lessons. The valley of suffering can shape our

character and prevent us from becoming

dangerously proud.

Our personal pain also speaks volumes to those

around us it gives us a platform of sorts.

The dark and painful seasons we journey

through in life can lead to repentance and

salvation and help us to put our trust in God.

Experiencing and persevering through

extremely challenging seasons can stretch

and build us.

Challenges can become valuable insights,

they can open doors, help us to develop godly

character, refine our faith and hold many vital

teachable moments for those of us who are

directly involved.

The most painful events always seem to

contain hidden blessings. When we bear the

pain and go through the valley of suffering...

we can be an inspiration to others.

In life, pain and storms are inevitable.

Whether emotional or physical pain...

we will all experience

the valleys of suffering and pain...

at some point in life.

God is totally aware and committed

to accomplish the purposes for the hurt

He has allowed.

No one comes out of

the valley of pain and suffering...

unchanged.

As painful as it is,

pain and suffering has a way of stripping away

those things that will not bring out the best in us.

Pain can often help us find a new sense of purpose,

acceptance of what is happening, and the realization

of inner peace.

Those valleys of suffering will not go away

until the reason for their arrival has been accomplished.

God is masterful enough to divinely orchestrate

all of our trials and tribulations, in such a way,

that they ultimately draw us towards being the

people God desires for us to be.

Let us keep in mind...

whatever brings us

closer to God is a blessing.

God uses the most painful

suffering for good.

Those painful periods can serve as

powerful and purposeful lessons.

May our response to pain and suffering

lead us to

look beyond the pain and suffering

in the attempt to

see God’s higher purposes

and what God wants to teach us.

Let us always remember

and never forget:

God does not leave us hopeless or in

despair as we navigate

through these valleys of suffering.

Time and time again….

God promises and provides...

His amazing grace.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now am found,

was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear...

and Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear...

the hour I first believed.

.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...

we have already come.

T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...

and Grace will lead us home.

As God ordains suffering in our lives, may we

embrace it, knowing it will be for our good,

both now and forever.