God has used our pain to strengthen us and encourage others to trust God and believe that he is working despite what we see.
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
When we are suffering, God is right beside us. Nothing can separate us from His love. He wants to show us His love through His church, and give us a purpose through His Word!
The truth is God can and will heal your body. In comparison with eternity, our pain and suffering are only for a short while. Some will be strengthened and healed in this lifetime, and sometimes God chooses to heal our bodies through death.
Pain is not only a necessity but also a blessing, because it warns us, corrects us, guides us, and brings us to Jesus. Pain can be a blessing in many different ways, and the first is as a warning system.
Whatever kind of situation you're going through right now, you can start by praying in faith, “God, I know you've got the power to change this.” Then ask God for his help. It's appropriate to say, “God, I'm asking for your help. I'm in a lot of pain right now, and I need some relief.
For example, there is Psalm 34:18 which reads “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” This passage reminds us how close God is when we are feeling overwhelmed by sorrow or grief—and serves as a reminder He will never abandon us in our time of need.
Jesus experienced emotions without flying off the handle or ranting. He deliberately chose His next steps. He responded to His emotions rather than unconsciously reacting to them. Jesus responded, asking: “Where have you put him?” (verse 34).
He is able to help us when we are tempted to doubt God's existence or goodness in our suffering because He was tempted, yet without sin (Hebrews 2:18). He meets us in our suffering and walks with us through it. We do not need to face any suffering alone.
Yes, he works all of our sufferings for his glory and our good. But he does not enjoy breaking us. He does not take a perverted pleasure in seeing us brought to nothing. All suffering is the result of sin in the world (not necessarily personal sin, but the fact that sin is in the world).
God never allows pain without a purpose in the lives of His children. He never allows Satan, nor circumstances, nor any ill-intending person to afflict us unless He uses that affliction for our good.
Feelings and emotions are transient—even the darkest and most painful days don't last forever. But when you're in the throes of grief and trauma, it can be hard to imagine that there are better days in your future.
Healing has no destination.
Sometimes what makes healing a painful process (at times) is that it is an ongoing journey. There is no end. For some people this thought alone is overwhelming, but the beauty is the more you heal, the more you grow, the more you experience.
Meaning – struggling with the “meaning” behind life, relationships, and the world around you. Forgiveness – pain that stems from forgiving others, ourselves and God. Relatedness – dealing with relationships, whether good or bad. Hope – feeling like there is no hope or it doesn't exist.
Pain as an Opportunity for Transcendence.
He said, “A little pain is good for the soul.” While most mainline religious faiths advise against suffering and encourage the use of pain medications when needed, they also recognize the potential for spiritual transformation through pain.
Lent in the Christian tradition is a time of sacrifice and penance. It also is a period of purification and enlightenment. Pain purifies. It atones for sin and cleanses the soul.
2 Kings 20:5. "The is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: 'I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.'"
God gave humans emotions to prompt us to do something. And since God says that all of the commandments hang upon loving God and loving others (Mat 22:37-39), I know that emotions help us live in healthy relationships and stay connected to God and others.
Psalm 103:2-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
When Pain Is Real and God Seems Silent is an honest assessment of life in a fallen world with the hope we have in Christ. In this short and accessible book, Duncan steers clear of trite phrases and clichés and instead provides solid truth that will actually sustain us in trials.”
Romans 8:18. "The pain that you've been feeling, can't compare to the joy that's coming."
“I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” (John 16:16, 20.)