Most of us don't like to think about pain - painful relationships, sickness, accidents, and situations that bring discomfort.
We like to think that bad things only happen to bad people and that when bad things come our way we must have done something to deserve it.
How about I add to that the fact that sometimes it is actually God who brings pain into our lives - and not always because we've done anything to deserve it?
The difference is that when God allows trials, it is for a redemptive purpose. He is trying to bring about good ultimately.
So I ran across this verse in Lamentations that really intrigued me:
Lamentations 3:31-33 For the Lord will not cast off forever, 32 but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33 for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. ESV
Like a good parent, God knows that sometimes pain is better than pleasure to remind us of things, challenge us in things, and spur us on to depend on the Lord more than we are.
End by considering another verse you may not have known came from Lamentations - which is probably one of the most depressing books of the Bible - written by Jeremiah as he surveyed Jerusalem, ravaged by invading armies. Yet this verse is so encouraging!
Lamentations 3:22-24 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." ESV
So let's hope in the new mercies of the Lord each day. Though he causes pain, he also brings healing!
Pastor Tom
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3 comments:
Pastor Tom,
We as Christians sometimes do not know the Lord's purpose in the Trials we face. But the thing I have found in my walk with him this year is he will always bring us a message when we think it is our darkest hour. Thank you for delivering the Message.
David Chenoweth-FOB Fenty, Afghanistan
Thanks for the reminder, Tom.
Amiable post and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you as your information.
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