We do what we can do to avoid “pain” in our lives. Most of us would naturally shy away from it. We dread the sound of having to endure it at any time. Some of us may even take extra measures to ensure an easy way: pain free and as carefree as possible.
The Bible seems to take on a different view on pain:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
The trials of our life are meant to bring us closer to God. The pain that you may be faced with and maybe even dreading may be just the thing that God is going to use to draw you nearer to Him.
Even though, we cannot see more than the pain that is before us at times, we should rest in the fact the God has a plan and that will lead us to a greater glory. To endure for the present will be worth it all.
I think of the song “Trading my sorrows”
I’m trading my sorrows
I’m trading my shame
I’m laying them down for the joy
of the Lord
I’m trading my sickness
I’m trading my pain
I’m laying them down for the joy
of the Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Amen
I’m pressed but not crushed
persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I’m blessed beyond the curse for
his promise will endure
And his joy’s gonna be my
strength
Though sorrow may last for the
night
His joy comes with the morning.
Sometimes our fears keep us from experiencing all that God has planned for us. But if we walk by faith and go through the present pain, we can rest assured that God is going to use it to help us grow in our life.
This is one of the greatest things about God, that He even when going through our trials, he will be there holding our hand the whole time. It is the joys of our walk with an intimate God.
Then when our trial is over, we can see and understand what we went through and why, then we can say with all confidence that by the grace of God, He brought me through it. Sometimes looking back, we can think, “Well, that wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be.” That is confidence and faith in a God we can trust.
Then what are we to do with our experiences??? Share, testify, and encourage others who may be going through the same trials that we once went through. It does us know good to be prideful, holds our heads high, and pretend that everything is fine. We need to talk about the struggles we went through, share how we felt, share how God helped us and be a light to others.
God has spoken the light of Jesus into our hearts. That light shines so powerfully through us that we are like the stars in the universe that point the human race toward real life.
That is a picture of discipleship with Jesus. He is the light of the world. If we have fellowship and faith in Him, we because we are in a supernatural union with Him, will have light. We can not do it ourselves, it is only through our relationship with Him. Jesus said in John 8:12
I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
Our focus must always be on the light, humbly trusting Jesus to reveal the light through us.
When sharing, encouraging, or ministering to someone prayerfully remember :
- The influence and visibility is a result of who lives in you, not because of what you do.
- It is God only that put you in a place of influence and visibility.
- You are a steward of influence and visibility, remember to get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit do the work.
- Only God can measure the significance of your influence and visibility. It is not our job to force things upon people, we do what God would have us do and leave the other person to free will it with the Lord.
