In The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis said pain is “God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Do you believe it is? Do you believe God uses pain to get your attention?

A recent Bible lesson had me looking closer at pain. Pain is part of everyone’s story. One thing we do know is that we are typically uncomfortable with it. Like tasting a lemon, we squirm against it.

We all want the ideal, and pain does not fit in our illusions. Does this leaning stem from everyone being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)?

God is good, and everything He created is good. But a distinction to those who know Him is His Spirit is within us. We are changed forever, and everything that makes us unique belongs to Him.

Although foreign to the world, our view of everything in our lives is eternal. At times, we long for heaven. But Earth, with all its people and circumstances, is painful. Let’s consider the idea of pain.

Definition of Pain

The dictionary defines pain as a feeling of physical suffering caused by injury or illness, emotional or mental suffering. That definition seems sterile and does not begin to explain the idea of pain.

Like you, I have had plenty of personal experience with pain. However, as I sought God’s perspective about pain for my Bible lesson, Paul’s perspective surfaced from his New Testament writings. His view of pain is unique and strange to our ideal, yet it has an eternal perspective.

Paul’s Perspective

In Paul’s life, we see the sources of pain. The beatings and imprisonments were not for a crime. He loved the Lord. He was on a mission to visit as many people and churches as possible to tell, teach, train, and encourage. The forces of darkness tried to stop him, and these situations brought him pain.

It cost him, yet he is our example of contentment and joy overflowing. His heart was bursting for the One who had saved him.

The level of his pain and the reason for it gives perspective to all of us. Even the Lord said Paul would suffer much for His Name (Acts 9:16). Through his inspired pen, we see his dependency on the Lord. Paul’s example shows that we can depend on God through our pain.

Our Defaults

You have observed the people you know and how each reacts to pain. Each person’s reaction is different. I’ve put these people into four groups.

1. Freezers – Some emotionally freeze. Their stoic approach exposes no emotions. They barely experience life and struggle to get through each day.

2. Fantasy Fixaters – Others think only about a future of less pain. Instead of looking for a solution, they fixate on a pain free future. Their fantasy is not helpful for dealing with existing pain.

3. Vigilantes – Do you know people who take matters into our own hands? These vigilantes would rather do something other than wait on God’s answer. That is a costly response, with costly consequences.

4. Escapees – These people gather the wrong resources to survive the pain. Resources like substances, idols, addictions, or bad advice give them false security. These escapees find the effort of coping worse than the problem.

Here at Winning Ways to Follow Jesus, there are many biblical starting points. In the menu, you will find Simple Studies. These are brief bible-focused studies. They make you stop and think through a passage. Or, participate in a lighthearted activity and take a poll! All the resources in the menu are biblical practices that have winning outcomes even if your circumstances are troubling. Sometimes choosing an activity in the menu can change your mindset and help you in a crisis.

For the purpose of my article today, I will give you ways to focus your attention on the Lord. You can grow and mature through your pain. You can dust off your coping skills and get stronger. You can love the Lord through whatever you face. You can serve others, and bring God honor and glory through your situation.

10 choices in a painful season:

• Acknowledge your pain – 1 Peter 5:10, Psalm 34:18
• Increase your biblical practices – I Timothy 4:6-8

• Remember times when God was faithful – Psalm 77:11, Psalm 143:5

• Know God’s mercy is in your life –Hebrews 4:16, Psalm 23:6, Psalm 57:1

• Find refuge with the Lord– Psalm 91:1-2, Psalm 46:1, John 15
• Serve others, particularly in your local church or small group – Galatians 5:13

• If physically able, keep attending church and small group – Matthew 10: 24- 25

• Pay attention to God’s activity in your life – He often wants to give encouragement for yourself or others through the season – Ephesians 2:10

• Make room for your hobbies – I Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17

• Take care of yourself – stay disciplined and self-controlled – I Corinthians 9:25-27, Titus 1:8

Many are experiencing physical pain. Others are grieving the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, a role, or something else. I pray one of my tips can help to bring hope to your situation. Don’t let your pain be wasted. It is not random or futile. Give it to the One described below, and make a choice to praise Him. He is near~

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

I discussed what God does in our trials in an earlier article on this blog. https://valerierumfelt.com/2024/10/15/what-does-god-do-in-your-trial/

©Valerie Rumfelt

ENCOURAGE SOMEONE~

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