Pain Redeeming Power

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

We naturally want to avoid pain and suffering. Yet Jesus warned us that in this world we would have trouble. Pain, suffering and sorrow are sometimes going to be a natural part of our lives. The temptation is to go extremes to escape the pain. So, we may draw back from a relationship because we fear or can not endure the emotional pain that our spouse or potential spouse can cause. I know a man who told me that he and his wife decided to not have children because he thought that he would be a bad parent and, as a result, would have problem children. When I love someone then I put myself in their power and they can hurt me. That pain can come from their words, actions or attitudes. But, it can also come from losing them or from sharing in their pain.

When pain comes or when suffering is seen in the distance, we have a choice. Often, the first thought is to reject it and try to escape it. Alternatively, we can confront the situation and keep bringing the hurt to Jesus in faith that He is redeeming it. Emotional wounds can be the most difficult to heal. One reason is that we often keep it hidden and hardly admit it to ourselves. Some of us never get out into the opportunities, adventures and thrills of life because we're afraid of the pain of failure. Many of us are afraid of rejection and draw back from telling the Good News of Jesus to those who are wandering through life, sliding toward a dark abyss.

God is in the business of redeeming pain. Let's stop running away from pain, complaining about how we've been hurt, or looking for the magic potion from our doctor. Instead, let's genuinely come into Jesus' presence with our suffering, tell Him how we feel, ask Him to redeem it and then determine, through Jesus, to do whatever we should be doing in His eyes. This may mean being cheerful when we hurt, patient while we wait, attempting reconciliation, or risking falling in love. It may mean allowing someone to crucify us. Only by His strength can we suffer with the same attitude (or mind) as Christ. But, His power really is there for us. Jesus said we would inevitably have tribulation and trouble in this world but He also said to be of good cheer because His pain redeeming power is available to us.

In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (Jn 16:33)