Purpose in the Pain

Have you ever thought that there might actually be purpose in the pain you're facing? Whether that's physical or emotional pain? I have become convinced that with God there is always purpose in the pain. In my life I have experienced both emotional and physical pain. They have all come on different ways; in the pain of loss and grief, the physical pain of health conditions, heartbreak pain. In every situation I felt like I was drowning in my pain but there was a purpose and plan in it. I couldn't see it but it was there and as I came out the pain things fell into place. I don't know what your pain is and what the exact purpose of it is in your life but I do know that God has a plan for it. For me the pain I experienced when I was severely bullied led me to working with children and young people. It shaped me to be a better person. That pain taught me. And through the pain I have had in illness, I have learned strength, perseverance and that God can make all things possible. Even when I have been at my worst health, somehow life kept going and God gave me his strength to keep going.

I know that in the middle of that dark and deep storm, this message doesn't help. But let it sit in the back of your mind. Let it be your assurance, that this pain will bring goodness. It may not happen straight away but it will have a purpose in your life. I don't think it's any accident that some of the greatest known people of faith and the greatest Christian influences I have had in my life were all affected by pain. Pain shapes your faith, it strengthens you and it helps you to let God in. When we are strong we push God out but at our weakest we are fully open to him.

I was part of a zoom praise meeting, my church members shared songs and two writers stood out to me. They were Annie Johnson Flint and Fanny Crosby. Despite both having physical illness. Fanny became blind at just 6 weeks old and Annie was afflicted by severe pain. Yet they both wrote beautiful hymns. God used them and showed them joy, peace and wonder in their pain. He kept them going. So I have full confidence that my pain will not be for nothing, but it will serve a great purpose. For God cannot do anything by half measures.

If I can do anything in this blog today, let me encourage you. Whatever pain you are in, it will end and you may face pain again. But that pain will have a purpose. If you let God, it will build you stronger and it will be used to bring Glory to his name. I am here doing this not by my own abilities but by God's grace and the Holy Spirit. It is through my pain and hardship that his name gets lifted up. So know that today your pain will bring Glory to God and will bestow blessings and grace over you. Your pain is not for nothing! It has purpose.

Hold your head high and know you are loved and your plan is in action.

Faithfully, Becky