Pastors Bible Class Thomas Road Baptist Church
Where Is God When We Suffer?
Lesson 3: Coping With Pain?
A. VARIOUS REACTIONS TO PAIN
1. Masochism, “no pain, no gain.” They enjoy pain.
2. Those who deny pain. They have lived with suffering for so longs; they act out if they have no pain.
3. Pain management with prescriptions, exercise, massage, etc.
4. Low tolerance of pain vs. high tolerance of pain.
5. Give up and die.
B. EIGHTEEN REACTIONS TO PAIN
1. Since suffering is inevitable, accept it. “Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7).
2. Don’t immediately think God is punishing you for a sin when trouble or suffering comes.
a. We live in an imperfect world.
b. Our bodies are finite.
c. Some think suffering is tied to sin.
3. Since there is a divine purpose for pain, learn what God wants to teach you. “All things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28).
a. Ask God to teach you His purpose.
b. Look at your pain through God’s eyes to see what He sees.
c. Trust God for healing and relief.
4. Sometimes you suffer because you are attacked for your faith. “If anyone suffer as a Christian” (1 Peter 4:16).
a. Physical attacks
b. Financial attacks
c. Family attacks
d. Mental attacks
5. Remember most everyone will leave this life in pain. “The pains of death” (Ps. 116:3; Acts 2:24).
6. You will probably have more pain in old age than in youth.
a. Bodies wear out.
b. If we had strong old bodies we would not look forward to death.
7. Jesus died through suffering, why should we be exempt? “We were buried with Him through baptism into death” (Rom. 6:4).
8. Accept what you cannot change. David fasted for 7 days over his dying son then said, “He is dead; why should I fast?” (2 Sam. 12:23).
9. Don’t exaggerate your pain. Play it down and pray it up. “He went to the house of the Lord and worshipped” (2 Sam. 12:20).
10. Focus on the good you have left in life, not what you lost. “David comforted Bathsheba his wife . . . she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon” (2 Sam. 12:24).
11. Never retaliate when people hurt you.
a. Pray God’s best for them. “Bless them that curse you and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Luke 6:28) (Rom. 12:20).
b. If possible, be peaceful (report crime, protect others, protect your family). “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18).
c. Don’t revenge yourself. “Avenge not yourself” (Rom. 12:19).
d. Let God settle the score. “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Rom. 12:19).
e. Being good to your enemy hurts him. “In so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head” (Rom. 12:20).
12. Let God do His work in your life. Remember, pain is a natural consequence on this earth. While sin and pain are playing out its course, God is providentially working His will.
13. God’s primary focus is to heal your hurting heart and soul before a secondary consideration, i.e., relieving your body pain. “The prayer of the faith shall save the sick” (James 5:15).
14. Look past your pain to your future reward. “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
15. God may have a purpose for you beyond your pain, so trust Him. “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ” (Phil. 1:23). “Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear; because you would forget your misery, and remember it as waters that have passed away” (Job 11:15-16).
16. Learn to relax and get the therapeutic value of rest. Surrendering, rather than fighting your pain, makes healing easier.
17. Listen to your doctor and let him know as much about your pain as possible. Take medicine properly and exercise.
18. Set small goals; your accomplishments will accomplish much.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet www.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elmer-towns.
Dr. Towns’ email: eltowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address: www.elmertowns.com
