Pain Does Have A Purpose

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

Trials and suffering can make us frustrated, irritable, and angry. Maybe it is an ongoing riff in the family. Maybe it is a job where we feel drained and morale is low. Maybe it is an illness that worsens over time despite our best efforts to get better. God seems silent. Prayers are not answered the way we would like.

But what if God allows the pain in our lives for a reason?

Sometimes God uses pain to refine us. One of the best ways to shape character is through adversity. Through trials, we can learn humility, trust, and faith. We gain a clearer picture of who we are, including our tendency toward pridefulness and self-sufficiency. As God walks with us through the trials, he refines us to be more like Christ. God can provide opportunities for us to use the insight we gain from our trials to minister to others. Second Corinthians 1:3–4 says that God “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” We can use our difficult experiences to walk with someone else who’s experiencing a similar trial. God could also be preparing us for work that we’re not ready for yet. God knows exactly what to include in our lives to help us build endurance, strength, and faith so that we are prepared for the task he has ahead. Our experiences can help us minister God’s love and share eternal hope with others.

Nothing we go through is arbitrary. In the midst of our trials, we can look for opportunities God might give us—both now and in the days ahead—to grow in our walk with him and to be an encouragement to those around us.

No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.

William Penn

God never allows pain without a purpose.

Jerry Bridges

Your greatest ministry will most likely come out of your greatest hurt.

Rick Warren

For Further Reflection

1 Peter 1:6–7; Isaiah 48:10; 1 Corinthians 13:12

Today’s Prayer

God, I admit I do not like the idea that you allow pain as a way to refine me or bless others. I also do not understand why you allow this pain to happen. But I can trust your character and your history, knowing that you see the big picture. Amen.