Turning pain into purpose
A devotional series for those rebuilding after loss, pain, and/or trauma*
There are many promises made in the Bible. In John 16, Jesus promises, “In this world, you will have trouble.” Not the best promise, I know.
The reality is: our stories will not be free from sin, neither our own nor other people’s. The more life we live, the more chance we have that our story will contain experiences which are influenced by sin. And, with each new experience, we will come to a greater understanding our own limitations, especially as they relate to our control and choices.
However, in addition to promising that we will experience trouble and pain, Jesus also declared that it was possible for us, even in our weakness, to endure suffering because he had already overcome the world. Jesus took our sin and suffering upon himself and achieved victory over death for us!
This is the good news of the gospel!
The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews says that we can learn how to respond to our own suffering by studying Jesus’ response to suffering. As a man, Jesus both started and finished the race of life that we are in. Jesus left behind heaven to experience weakness, to become both a victim and a savior. He felt hunger, fatigue, grief, etc., but never self-pity. He was sinned against and experienced verbal and physical abuse; he knew pain. In Jesus, we can see that healthy choices and control look more like suffering and surrender than they do like comfort, power and pride.
Some say that God’s kingdom is upside down. As part of his kingdom, God is inviting you to a new way of living, one that is both better and harder than the one the world gives. One in which the missing pieces and uncertainty are an opportunity for you to see him moves in ways that are greater than you can imagine. God is offering you the opportunity to take your burdens and brokenness to him, to receive and to learn; he will exchange your burdens for his rest and peace. In his presence, you will experience good, even when it seems like the world around you is falling apart.
But God’s kingdom is not only about you and me. God is not just asking you to know him, but also to make him known.
As part of God’s kingdom, you have been called to bring life to your people and your places. To bring change and uniqueness. Like Jesus, you can keep the future in mind even though you have already and may currently be experiencing the effects of sin and/or suffering. You can also show grace and mercy and be moved by compassion, for yourself and for others. You can become a safe place where the kingdom of God can flourish.
Read the following passages of scripture:
Psalm 40:1-5
Hebrews 12:1-4
Proverbs 16:32
John 16:33
Matthew 11:28-30
Luke 4:14-21
Psalm 73:28
Matthew 9:13, 35-36
Ephesians 3:20-21
Something to think about…
Make note a few times when you’ve felt weak, limited or out of control. How does the truth from this week’s study change your perspective on those experiences?
What is one way that you can use your story to help others flourish? How might your story help them to know God more?
Missed previous weeks of the series, read them here:
Week 1: God’s Story in You
Week 2: What God Says About You
Week 3: What Went Wrong?
Week 4: Renewing Your Mind
Week 5: Understanding Your God-Given Emotions
*Not all pain is the same. Not all scripture feels comforting in every season. If you find yourself in need of additional support, please reach out.