Joy And Pain

Joy and Pain

What do the words joy and pain mean to us as believers? How is it that these words go together? James 1 is a place to start in considering these questions. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3 NLT

Problems that cause pain present a moment to grow. A practical example is the process of building physical muscle. Stressing muscles initially causes small tears in the muscle fiber, which initially is painful. Miraculously, after a time of rest, the muscles recover and come back even stronger than before. This idea correlates to what we do when we experience pain within the context of God’s purpose. Our faith rests on the fact that God can take “trouble of any kind” and turn it into strength.

Strength for what? Only God knows. But, He does know. He directs your steps, and sometimes the trials of today prepare you for the test of tomorrow. Looking back, even from eternity’s gates, the puzzle pieces of our own trials may come into full view. In the meantime, it is our faith that forges ahead.

You may pause and say, “No, thanks. I think I am good just where I am at. I mean, I am plenty strong as it is.” That may be true. You may be plenty prepared for what may lie ahead for you, but what about being prepared for what someone else may need? Are you prepared to help carry the burden of someone else? Today’s trials can equip you with a strength to bear someone else’s burden tomorrow, which allows you to fulfill the challenge of Galatians 6:2 to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Pain hurts. Perspective creates a purpose for the pain. When pain has a purpose, it changes everything. As a member of the Body of Christ, your purpose may be to increase your own strength to later be the strength for another. Or, it may be strength today for what you may face tomorrow. Either way, faith says, God can use this pain to cause me to grow. I am going to press into this moment and not draw back, believing God to work out the rest for my good and for the good of my fellow believers (Romans 8:28).

Application: Is there an area of recent pain in your life? How have you framed it? You can look at other people for the cause of the pain or even yourself. However you slice it, pain is pain. The better question is how are you seeing the pain? Take a step back. Ask God to change your perspective. Look at the pain with an eternal perspective, knowing that he can take all things and work them for good--for your good or for the good of those God has called you to serve.

To God be the Glory.

Amen.