Reach4Life- Journey 3: Liveనమూనా

DAY TEN: EMOTIONAL PAIN

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14, NIV

LISTEN

Pain is for real! If it’s not dealt with, it can become baggage weighing us down and making us lose hope. Pain results from people hurting us or taking advantage of us, also from hopes and dreams being shattered. It is the result of mistakes made, relationships broken, and life situations that have been tough. Many have stopped following Christ because the pain was too great. Others crawl along without relief or hope. Christ wants us to find him in our pain. With his help, we’re not prisoners of our past – we’re pioneers of our future!

LOOK

Philippians 3:7-16

LEARN

Paul wrote these words while in prison for his faith! He was going through a really, really tough time. Here he teaches us how to deal with emotional pain:

Realise that all pain is an opportunity for closeness to God (v10).

For Paul, drawing closer to God was more important to him than anything else (v8).

Don’t face hardships on your own (v17).

Join a church where you can pray for and support each other.

Trust in God’s resurrection power to help you overcome (v10).

Accept and face your pain with courage, knowing that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is able to bring you through victoriously.

Forget what is behind (v13).

Free yourself from bitterness by forgiving those who have hurt you.

Bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die.

Press on toward what lies ahead (v14).

God has so much he wants to do in you and through you. Keep your eyes on God and the dreams for the future that he gives you!

LIVE

· What pain are you struggling with?

· How can you deal with the pain in a God-pleasing way?

· What dreams has God put in your heart for the future?

LINK

For more on Emotional Pain, read:

Matt 6:12-15

Well done! You’ve completed the Live Journey. Why not begin the final Journey: Change.