Faith doesn’t always take away the pain, faith gives us the ability to handle the pain!
I betcha I didn’t get a whole lot of amens after reading this statement, but l wanted to remind you (including myself) that God never wastes pain. Meaning, the Lord always uses the pain of our trials, struggles, failures, heartaches, and adversity to accomplish His ultimate will, plan, and purpose.
Here’s something else to remember, our greatest good and God’s glory are not mutually exclusive: that is, God does not allow us to suffer for His benefit alone. Rather, our greatest good and God’s glory are mutually inclusive: consequently, if the ultimate emphasis is not God’s glory, then it cannot be for our greatest good; and our greatest good cannot be achieved without ultimate emphasis on God’s glory. I believe Paul hit the proverbial nail on the head in Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
The pressing reality of everyday life is that yes, pain hurts, but only a gracious God who is in complete control of all things can bring out a transcendent good from pain, hurt, and sorrow. Subsequently, because God is sovereign, the Christian’s hope is that no pain ever escapes from God’s control, and thus, suffering is never for nothing.
The Christian’s encouragement is that no pain is ever random or meaningless; instead, God only allows what He wills, and He only wills what is for our benefit. After all, it is only the God of the Bible who can make dry bones breathe again, bring existence out of nothing, and light out of darkness. Additionally, let us never forget that God does not delight in afflicting and grieving His people; rather, He delays as long as the honor of His name and the safety of His people will permit. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that, “God is near to the broken-hearted and He saves those with a crushed spirit.”
If you or someone you know is going through the fire please encourage with these words! God doesn’t waste our pain, grief, or heartaches. Romans 8:28 should uplift all of our spirits because it reminds us that, “God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”
4GIVEN 