Pain to PromiseSample

The Promise of Growth

The process of growth through pain is profound and transformative. If you seek growth, you can actively evolve mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Isaiah 61:3 assures us, 'to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.'

God desires to replace our pain with beauty, joy, and praise, enabling us to grow like trees with a robust root system. Remember, even a tree starts as a tiny, weak seed. It must be broken down in the dirt and its outer shell destroyed to bring forth anything good. The seed needs a lot of watering to produce a sprout of something good to come. Pain is a process, and we must allow it time to do the work intended for us to grow out of it, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

If you get a stomach ache, you might want to try a bottle of liquid antacid to relieve the pain. Where is "the good stuff" when you pick up that bottle? It's at the bottom. The directions tell you to "shake well before use." This is because the best part of the ingredients sometimes settles into the bottom of that bottle. This is also how God works at times. He has to shake us up quite a bit to get the good stuff to come forth and out. The shaking (the pain we encounter) develops the growth necessary to bring out the very best in us.

What knowledge and wisdom you may learn from asking God to strengthen you in your pain!

Can you ask God today to give you strength, wisdom, and knowledge so that you may be rewarded on the other side of your pain? Can you thank Him for the lessons being learned in the process?

PRAYER

Jesus, You are my strength, a very present help in times of trouble. I take refuge in You and trust You, Lord, that You have growth for me on the other side of this pain. Equip me to endure what I must, knowing that You have exponential growth for me and help me to trust You every step of the way.

In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.