Pain

What can I learn from my pain?

God’s Response

Don’t tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful. Joel 2:13

The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17

He told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I am glad I wasn’t there, because this will give you another opportunity to believe in me. Come, let’s go see him.” John 11:14-15

We can learn much through pain: (1) Pain can be redemptive —your broken heart can lead you to God through the realization, confession, and repentance of sin. (2) Pain can reveal God’s power as you see him respond to your cry for help. (3) Pain can test and prove your commitment to God. Will you move toward him or away from him when you are hurting? (4) Pain equips you to comfort others in their pain because you know what they are going through. Use your pain to strengthen your faith, your character, and your compassion for others.

God’s Promise

At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One. Job 6:10