What encouraging words would you offer to people who are experiencing great pain—physically or relationally—in their life?
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janie0 on June 2, 2014 at 8:08 pm
Everyone’s story is different. As a young adult who hasn’t brushed up against much of the brokenness of the world, experiencing pain on a daily basis gave me a tangible reason to hope fiercely for the rightness of the age to come – when we receive new bodies and experience true communion with God and each other.
In the meantime while we wait for that day, God has shown me over and over the depth of His care and compassion for me, even while He allows the pain to last a little longer. The times that I have felt His comforting presence the most have been in the moments of the greatest pain. In those moments, I’ve felt His arms around me, almost heard a gentle whisper, as if to say, “Just a little longer, my sweet child. Hang in there. I’m here.”
Though my physical condition has stolen much of my energy and consumed the greater part of my deepest thoughts, God has, in turn, redeemed that energy and redeemed those thoughts by revealing profound truths – metaphorically and literally – about me, the nature of mankind, and the glory of the world to come.
I would not be the woman I am today had it not been for my God redeeming the brokenness of this body and turning the pain into something good.
Tom Felten on June 3, 2014 at 8:59 am
Thanks so much for sharing, janie0. I can definitely relate to what you’re shared. The trials and pains of life are real, but we have a hope that is also real. Jesus is with us now and one day we’ll be with Him in a place without tears, pain, and heartache.
jessie1 on June 3, 2014 at 6:20 am
In September of 2013, a diabetic wound on my left heel became infected. They could not defeat the infection, and as a result I had to have my left leg amputated below the knee. The surgery went well, but the subsequent pain from the procedure was great. The medications required to help me deal with this pain left me in a more than uncomfortable position. It was the most intense pain of my life. I turned to God in prayer, and I could sense his presence comforting me. It was the biggest trial of my life, but prayer helped me endure all of it.I think prayer should be your cornerstone when dealing with pain of any kind. My ordeal actually brought me closer to God, at a time when I could have easily been angry with Him allowing me to have pain at all. I believe my suffering would have been much greater if I had not spoken to the Lord. I believe it actually made me a better Christian to go through all I had to endure. Many of my family members and friends comment on how much I have changed for the better since my amputation. And I owe it all to God and his beloved Son, Jesus. Prayer is a most powerful thing, and it helped me as much, if not more, than any pain medication during my recovery. Praise be to God. Jessie1
Tom Felten on June 3, 2014 at 9:02 am
jessie1, your example is truly inspiring. Yes, in light of your loss and suffering, you could have chose to turn away from God and become bitter. But, by His grace, you offered Him praise and continue to do so! I’m reminded of what Job declared: “The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21). May He continue to use your faith to His glory!