Pastor Dan’s Blog

Pain Doesn’t Only Have To Hurt

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Pain - Doesn’t Only Have To Hurt

The space between our present and our purpose is often wrapped up in a process called pain. The thing about pain . . . it hurts. Miles McPherson states that pain doesn’t only have to hurt.

We all face it. We all feel it. We all experience it.

The good news is that God has a plan to make your life count. Sometimes that plan includes pain. I know that doesn’t sound like good news but the good news is . . . that pain is not always bad. Pain is given for two reasons.

First, pain is given for our protection. Pain in our body is a warning sign to protect us from further damage. When we touch something hot, our senses tell us to move our hand or we will burn. The pain sends a message to the brain to change the behavior. God gave us pain to protect us.

Secondly, pain is used to promote us. When we respond correctly to painful circumstances in life it can catapult us toward greatness. Consider that life’s greatest struggles can become your greatest stories. What would Helen Keller be without her handicap? David without Goliath? Paul & Silas without the prison? Jesus without the cross? Each of our biggest stumbling blocks are actually stepping stones to the next level. Your pain is the process for your promotion.

Pain can be identified to come from two distinct sources. From self-inflicted pain due to unwise decisions or what I call life-inflicted pain caused by others or just life happening to us. Either way we will all experience pain at one time or another. How we view that pain will determine the value we receive from it. Rick Warren says “God never waste a pain.”

Let me introduce you to Naomi. She is a very attractive lady, inwardly & outwardly. She is a noble woman. Whether at the mall or a local restaurant everyone celebrates her arrival. She has a wonderful way about her that makes others comfortable. She has a successful husband and two active boys. They live on a piece of land that has been in the family for generations. That is until the recession hit.

They lost it all. So serve was the famine they couldn’t feed the family, lost their property and relocated to another country. Her sons grew and married women from that country. Things seemed good until more pain hit. Her husband died. Then not one but both of her sons followed suit, they passed on as well. All she valued in life was gone. She had only one option . . . return to home she had left.

Upon her arrival the city was abuzz in anticipation for her return. They remembered her joy and pleasant nature. They anxiously sought her out. However, when they saw her they openly questioned if it was really Naomi. Naomi hearing their inquiries tells them, “Don’t call me Naomi (pleasant, joyful) call me Mara (bitter).” (Ruth 1:20)

You pain will make us bitter or better. It is your choice. Bitterness can keep us from recognizing what God is doing in our lives. He may not cause the pain but He sure can work from it.

Make a choice to be better not bitter.

Next week, find out how she worked through the bitterness to become better.

Tags: better, bitter, Miles McPherson, pain, Process, promotion, protection