Purpose Through PainSample

Purposeful Pain 

After a long day at work, I remember feeling heavy pain in my stomach. I was going to blow it off, but after being coerced by a loved one to go to the doctor, I relented and went to Urgent Care. Twelve hours later I found out I had a major issue that would require surgery. Terrified, I started the stint to look for the right doctor to perform my upcoming surgery. 

Now, almost a year after this incident happened, I realized had I not felt that pain, I would have never recognized there was an issue. It’s very similar to what Paul writes in Roman 5:3-5. We should rejoice in some of the moments that cause us pain. Why? It’s because in those moments we are shaped into the people God wants us to be. Have you ever been through something and afterward you became stronger because of it? It’s because that pain has purpose! We should be more focused on what God longs to teach us, rather than why something is happening to us. 

I later learned that if I never felt that pain, the issue could have caused very extensive damage that would have been irreversible. When I think back on it, I rejoice in that initial bout of pain because it actually saved me from something more serious. When God takes us through life's valleys, there is always something that can be used in them for our benefit. 

Prayer: 

Dear Jesus, 

I must understand what You want to teach me through my pain. Help me to see the big picture. 

In Jesus' name, Amen! 

For more encouragement through grief, the book #IMUST can be found via the following link: 

#IMUST: 40 Days of Encouragement Through Grief and Loss