Your Pain Has a Greater Purpose 

The suffering we feel here on earth can be overwhelming. But when we know God is going to use our pain for His great purpose, hope is restored.

Your Pain Has a Greater Purpose 

I wish I could just remove certain words from the dictionary of life altogether, like pain, suffering, depression, anxiety, and discontent. I know it would be nearly impossible to do. Coping with these experiences is something we don’t intentionally sign ourselves up for.

“Yes, today is going to be a great day for some frustration and disappointment.” – Said no one ever!

I’d rather enjoy bright blue skies than have to deal with dark cloudy days. But we live on earth where both a beautifully clear sky and sleet can occur on the same day. I know what you are thinking; “This should not be the case.”

But the day Eve was convinced to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, all of life was changed forever. She sought her desire to gain wisdom through a tangible factor. A delicious-looking fruit that came with a deeply convincing spokesperson, Satan.

How many times have we approached a situation and allowed our own thoughts to draw a conclusion?

We mull over it and convince ourselves to believe in a visual truth without knowing the complete picture. We stand facing a well-seasoned, self-imposed interpretation.

Satan, no doubt, can lead our minds to believe a blessing is more. He can feed us lies and show us how a blessing is just a really big burden.

The truth of God will always prove differently. The one thing we need to do is – intentionally seek Him first. Only God knows the plans for our lives.

So, how can we take a small piece of the puzzle and turn it into the exact opposite – a commanding situation which needs our direction? When in actuality, a call to Jesus will break a judgment call from us.

Pain is promised

Elohim, our creator, didn’t leave us without warning. He provided a notion regarding the defective world we live in. Consequently, it shouldn’t be a surprise. But yet it always is! We awake and say: “Good morning, Lord! Whatever you have planned for me today, I am ready.” Until it happens.

Jesus gave us a promise; “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.

In everything we do, we need to put our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father. A father knows what is best for His children. Whether it is the giving of love, compassion, or correction. God sees and hears everything.

Now, the Bible is more than just stories; it is an encouragement for how we should live. With God’s authority, it is sealed with His promises. Being in tune with scripture will take those bleak days and turn them into days full of purpose and joy.

Your pain has a purpose

We should rather thank God when we are afraid, discouraged, or upset. Why? Because…

• He cares for us even during the trials (1 Peter 5:7)
• His peace can give us rest. (Matthew 11:28)
• He is the source of strength. (Isaiah 40:31)
• His joy transcends over every circumstance. (John 15:11)
• He is with us. We are never alone (Isaiah 41:10)

There are many in the Bible who took on suffering and continued to hold on to the truth of God’s word (Job, Joseph, Daniel, David, Paul, Moses & many more). Though they could have redirected their views, they stayed the course. One person, in particular, saw how joy in suffering could bring others to Christ.

Paul authored many of the letters (or epistles) of the New Testament – thirteen, to be exact. His writing occurs over a fifteen-year span. And four of those letters (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians & Philemon) were all written during his imprisonment.

In Colossians, Paul speaks of rejoicing during His time of suffering. When we think of trials and tribulations, we don’t often express the desire to celebrate. The two fit together like an oxymoron or two badly matched socks.

Paul wrote;

 “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” – Colossians 1:24

His statement; “I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regards to Christ’s afflictions” gives us a look into his awareness and appreciation for being a servant of God. The broken world in which Paul lived is the same broken world we live in today.

Paul understood His assignment and purpose to spread the good news of Christ to all people. His mission, even though it was met with resistance, was worthy of glorification. As he sat in prison, he didn’t just moan and complain. No, he continued to instruct and encourage the church.

The purpose behind his suffering remained joyous because he was continually helping to lead others to Christ. While Paul remained stationary, the word of God was elevated. It is important to remember the power of Christ can not be chained down.

The beauty in all of your pain

Too often, we do not understand inwardly the outward appearance of our purpose. There is a side we miss when we are weathering through a storm. God shapes His servants through trials and circumstances.

We just assume we are doing this thing called life, by ourselves, and only through our control will it get taken care of. He is our reality check. If we want to be used by God, we must go through trials. And it is important to know, “He is before all things, and in Him, all things are held together.”– Colossians 1:17

So whatever you are facing take hold of this verse. Not only is He our Creator, but He is also our Sustainer. We are not left independent to figure out what is best. We are covered by the blood of Christ (Romans 5:8).

Let’s Pray Together

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the opportunities you have given us. Show us how to walk in confidence, knowing you are for us and not against us. Please forgive us for trying to control what we see. Help us to be thankful for what you give us and not to worry about our needs. Give us strength, hope, faith, and most of all guidance.

All this we ask in your precious and Holy name – Amen!

Read More on Jen Schreiner

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