Pain is a universal experience, whether it’s emotional, physical, or spiritual, we all face moments of deep suffering at one point in our life. Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to wonder if there’s any meaning or purpose behind the pain we endure. Yet, as believers, we hold onto the hope that God is always at work, even in the midst of our suffering.
It is often said that life is a journey marked by seasons of joy and moments of deep pain. Every person, whether strong or weak, young or old, faces struggles, losses, and disappointments yet, for a believer, pain is never wasted. God, in His power, can use even the most difficult experiences to shape us, strengthen us, and ultimately bring glory to His name. However, the very struggles that seem to break us can become the very testimony that uplifts others and magnifies God’s power so, pain and suffering are not personal or meaningless. The Bible teaches us that God uses pain for His purposes.
We may not always understand why we go through difficult times, but we can trust that God has a purpose for everything we experience. Take for example the story of Joseph, for me that is one of the strongest examples in Scripture of God turning pain into purpose. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit, Joseph endured great suffering but, through all his trials, God was at work, preparing him for a greater purpose. And so, in his testimony Joseph says’’ “You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened.” (Genesis 50:20) We are also reminded in Romans 8:28 “that in all things God works for good with those who loves him, those who He has called according to His purpose’’. Therefore, our pain can be transformed into purpose when surrendered to God.
Let us therefore, understand that no one is exempted from pain and that pain has a purpose. Sometimes, it is corrective, that means that it disciplines us, sometimes it is constructive and leads to our growth and other times, it is mysterious for reasons beyond our understanding. Whichever way, we look at it, God uses our pain or struggle for His Glory and also to build our character and faith which in turn pushes us closer to Him and teaches us to be dependent on Him. More importantly, our struggle or pain can sometimes become someone’s survival because as we are comforted by The Lord in all our troubles, we find the strength and confidence to comfort others. So also, our weakness provides opportunities for God’s strength to be revealed. Thus, when we give testimonies of our victory from the struggles and pains or even trials, people begin to wonder how we did it and this experience draw unbelievers to God as they realize, that it is God’s grace at work, in our life. Therefore, my friends, when you happen to find yourself in a situation of pain or trial, don’t hold back or be frightened, just surrender your struggles to God, lay them at His feet in prayer. Seek healing in His Word by finding strength in scriptures of hope and restoration. Forgive those who may have wronged you because bitterness adds to pain and prolongs pains. Speak to The Lord in prayer and meditation and ask Him for understanding and direction and most of all, use your experiences to encourage and counsel others.
Finally, understand that pain is real and so is God’s purpose. God is not distant from your sufferings, He is always present, working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Therefore, when you are struggling or in pain, take heart because your story is not over, Rather, you are in God’s hands and He is turning your pain into purpose, shaping you for His glory and our good and so, your pain can become the platform He uses to display His glory and fulfill your vocation. Therefore, when we trust in God, we can find hope in the midst of our suffering, knowing that He is using everything for His divine plan.
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