My Pain Will Often Reveal God’s Purpose For Me

In review of 2 Corinthians 1:4 and 6 it says, “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others . . . When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer”

Bottom Line:

The comfort we receive from God in the midst of trouble, we should share when others who are in similar situations. These things often happen so that we can comfort and encourage others.

What this means to me:

God comforts and helps me in my troubles so that I can comfort others when they are troubled. The things I suffer and endure happen so that I can in turn comfort others and and encourage them to endure.

Today's passages come from the 2nd letter Paul sent to the church in Corinth.  In it, he explains how God offers comfort to all. He tells us, that first all praise should go to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. Secondly that He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can in turn comfort others. For when they are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. The more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for the comfort and salvation of others. For when we are ourselves are comforted, we can certainly comfort other. Then they can patiently endure the same things we suffer.

I’m learning that the pain in my life often reveals part of God’s purpose for me. God never wastes a hurt! He wants me to help others going through similar hurts. God can use the problems in my life to give me a personal ministry to others. In fact, the very thing I’m most ashamed of in and resent the most, can become my greatest ministry in helping others.

After all, who can better help somebody going through a financial troubles than somebody who went through them as well? Who can better help somebody struggling with an addiction than somebody who’s struggled with an addiction? Who can better help parents of a special needs child than parents who raised a special needs child? Who can better help somebody who’s lost a child than somebody who lost a child?

The very thing I hate the most in my own life is what God wants to use for good. Today’s passages say, “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others . . . When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer” (2 Corinthians 1:4a, 6 NLT).

One of the definitions of this is redemptive suffering. It is when I go through a problem or a pain for the benefit of others. This is exactly what Jesus did. When Jesus died on the cross, he didn’t deserve to die. He went through that pain for my benefit so that I can be saved and go to Heaven.

There are many different causes for the problems, pains, and suffering. Sometimes it's stuff that we bring on ourselves, such as making stupid decisions. For instance if I go out and overspend and buy things I can’t afford and presume on the future, and then go deeply in debt and lose a house, I can’t say, “God, why did you let me lose my house?” In short, I can’t blame God for my bad choices.

But in some of my problems, I’m innocent. I’ve been hurt by the pain, stupidity, and sins of others. And some of that pain is for redemptive suffering. God may allow me to go through a problem so that I can then help others.

Today I will think through and consider what are some of the problems I’ve had and how I can use these experiences to minister to others?

Learning to Not Give in to Fears

In review of 2 Corinthians 1:10 it says, “From such terrible dangers of death he saved us, and will save us; and we have placed our hope in him that he will save us again”

Bottom Line:

If you place your confidence in Him, God will provide the rescue you need.

What this means to me:

In my own life, God had rescued me from mortal danger in the past. I have no reason to doubt that he will rescue me again if it is in his will. And because of my own experience I place my confidence in him to rescue me when I need it.

What I have learned from personal experience is that God is watching over me. Therefore I do not need to listen to fears in my mind. Today’s verse in 2 Corinthians 1:10 says, “From such terrible dangers of death he saved us, and will save us; and we have placed our hope in him that he will save us again” (GNT).

God’s promise that no matter what happens to me, he will be working for my good, especially as I love and follow him. Scripture reminds me as a believer, that all things will be working together for my good; not that all things are good, but that they are working together for good.

Because of this, I can stop listening to my fears. There will be no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, or disaster in my life that God can’t ultimately get some good out of. Therefore there is no need to fear the future. If I give into my fears, then I am not trusting God.

Today, I will think through any of my existing fears that I might be holding onto. I will ask God to help me identify why I have fear in those areas. Then, I will ask him to help me substitute my fears with trust in him.

God Uses The Dark Times for Good

In review of 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 it says, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead”

Bottom Line:

Stop relying on yourselves and learn to rely only on God.

What this means to me:

When I face overwhelming odds or pressure, I need to stop relying upon myself, and learn to give it to and to rely on God.

As I think about it, it is very comforting to know that Jesus became human and experienced everything I experience, including suffering, loneliness, discouragement, misunderstanding, or unjust criticism.

In my life, I will never be exempt from these feelings, mainly because God is developing within me the character of Christ, and, in order to do this, he must take me through all of the circumstances in life where I learn to turn to him.

While God does not cause tragedies, he will use any of the dark and stressful times for my good. He uses them to teach me to trust him, to show me how to help others, and to draw me closer to others believers.

Today’s verse from 2 Corinthians 1:8b-9 says, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead” (NLT).

So, what should I do when I’m going through difficult times?

First, refuse to be discouraged. Then, remember God is with me. Finally, rely and lean on God’s protection and guidance.

Like others, I have and will continue to face difficult times. The difference is that I believe in Jesus and in him is the presence of light in the dark times.

There have been several difficult experiences in my life where God has used them for good. One of the more recent issues dealt with a serious health problem. I think because of my walk with him before this event, he granted me the peace of the Holy Spirit throughout the ordeal (I did not feel discouraged.) Even though what I had was serious, I never felt alone, abandoned or with the feeling of why me as he was with me. I felt an overwhelming peace that whatever happened he would be with and protect me. In this situation God miraculously healed me.

So today I will consider anything in my life that I have apprehension or concern over. I will consciously stop relying on myself, and turn it over to him.

The Three “C”’s to Creating Conflict

In review of Proverbs 20:3 it says, “Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them”

Bottom Line:

Only a fool will insist on quarreling, however it is more honorable to stay out a fight.

What this means to me:

It is easy (and probably foolish) for me to start an argument. It is more honorable for me to avoid a fight at all costs.

Scripture tells me that a wise person will be more of a peacemaker and not a troublemaker. A wise person learns to not carry a chip on their shoulders, look for a fight or intentionally antagonize others.

However, I find that if I’m around someone long enough, I can usually figure out out what that person does that irritates me, and file it in the back of my mind as a tool to use when an argument comes up. It ultimately becomes a personal “weapon of mass destruction”! When in an argument, and that person says something that hurts, offends, or slights me in any way, I end up pulling out the big gun. I push their hot button.

This verse today reminds me this is foolishness! It doesn’t help me get any closer to a resolution or help the relationship, In fact, it hurts it further. It is not wise. Proverbs 20:3 says, “Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them” (TEV).

I can use all kinds of tools, tricks, and skills in relationships that are counter productive. They are harmful and do not get me what I want, in fact they get me just the opposite.

Three “C”’s to creating conflict are:

Comparing. Comparing just antagonizes anger. I should not compare anyone with someone else. I need to remember that God created each person to be unique.

Condemning. If I lay on the guilt in a relationship, all I’m going to get is the exact opposite of what I’d expect. It doesn’t work.

Contradicting. There’s some stuff I just need to overlook. It’s not worth mentioning or bringing up. Being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.

Another verse from Proverbs 14:29 reminds me that, “A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes” (TLB). When I get angry, my intelligence will go out the window. When I get angry, I say and do foolish things that are actually become self-defeating.

As Rick Warren pointed out, there is only one letter difference between “anger” and “danger”? When I get angry, I’m in dangerous territory and I’ll end up hurting others and myself.

How Gentleness and Humility Can Reduce My Stress

In review of Matthew 11:29 it says, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”

Bottom Line:

Take up his yoke, learn from him, for he is gentle and humble and in him you will find rest.

What this means to me:

I am to take up the yoke that Christ offers. I am to put it onto my shoulders and then learn from him. For he is gentle and humble in heart, and in this I will find rest for my soul.

One of the things that Jesus says in this stress management verse is to, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29b NIV).

I can learn from Jesus Christ how to lower stress, and his means are with gentleness and humility. Instead of teaching endurance, stamina, confidence or courage, Jesus wants me to learn gentleness and humility.

Interestingly enough, what I’m learning is that the two biggest causes of stress are a result of my own arrogance and aggression.

Aggression happens when I do things too quickly. I don’t wait. I don’t ponder. I don’t delay. I don’t think it through. I don’t trust God’s guidance and direction. I mainly just jump in with both feet. And as a result, I get over committed, and I end up filling my life with a lot of things that it shouldn’t be filled with.

Arrogance is the idea that I know what’s best for me, so i’m going to control everything. It as if I’m thinking that I can handle things better than God can. It’s this attitude that likely creates the most stress.

The truth is when I try to do it all, have it all, be it all, and experience it all, that is aggression and arrogance. So Jesus antidote is gentleness and humility.

Since I have tried other things, why not trust and come to Jesus. He is gentle and humble of heart, and he will give me rest. Today I will consider how I can practice gentleness with the people and in with the activities I’m committed to.

Eliminate Stress By Giving up Control

In review of Matthew 11:29-30 it says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”

Bottom Line:

Take up his yoke and learn from him. He is gentle and humble. In him you will find rest.

What this means to me:

I should learn to take Jesus yoke, put it on, and then learn from him. He is gentle and humble in spirit and I will find rest in him. The assistance Jesus gives when I yoke together with him makes it easier and lightens up my load.

The overload I experience in life is likely because I’m trying to contol way too much. I think, it all depends on me. “If it’s to be, it’s up to me. I’ve got to hold it all together. I’ve got to make it all work.”

What I’m reminded of is that, while I’m an operations manager at work, I’m not the operations or general manager of the universe. The more control I try to exercise over the universe, the more stressed out I’ll get.

Today’s passage reminds me that Jesus has a different plan for me, he says to: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30 NIV).

It sounds a bit contrary to take something else on, especially if I’m already carry too much.  

Part of what Jesus is referring to, relates to farming, something everyone at that time could understand. A “yoke” is a single piece of wood that brings two farm animals together, so the load is shared. A yoke is not a harness. You put a harness on one cow or one horse, and it has to pull the whole load. With a yoke, you team up two or more animals so the load is halved. It is lightened. The purpose is to make it easier on the animal, not harder.

What I’m learning is that when Jesus says to take his yoke, he’s saying, He never meant for me to carry all my problems on my own. He is telling me to let him help. To team up with and partner with him. He will help me carry the load.”

So, if I’m feeling stressed, it means I’m not fully yoked to Jesus Christ. Stress is a warning sign/indicator that tells me I’m trying to control things and carry too much on my own.

Every time I get disconnected from Jesus, the stress is going to go up in life. But if I get reattached and yoked up, he’s going to help me pull the load.  As a result the stress will go down.

Often when we feel stressed, we think we need a break or escape. This may help temporarily, however the stress is there when I get back.  Often I can end up taking my stress with me because it’s in my mind. So I can be just as stressed lying on a white sandy beach as I am right in the middle of problems at home.

I believe God is saying the answer to stress is to give up control. Every time I give up control, God grants me peace. Today, I will consider how I can share my burden (get yoked up) with him.

Only God Can De-stress My Soul

In review of Matthew 11:28 it says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”

Bottom Line:

If you find yourself tired from carrying heavy burdens, go to Jesus, he promises to give you rest.

What this means to me:

I should come to Jesus and give him all of my burdens (heavy or not). He promises to give me rest and make the load lighter.

Today's verse is from Matthew chapter 11. Jesus said to them, "come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

When we get stressed out, exhausted or overloaded, we typically unwind by sitting on the couch or escape by going to a movie or out to dinner. We may even turn to hobbies or sports.

While there is nothing wrong with any of those things, none of them will provide the relief that is really needed. I could take all the naps in the world, but it’s not going to de-stress my soul. It may rest my body, but it won’t rest my spirit. There’s only one thing that can rest my soul: God. As only he can give me that inner peace that de-stresses.

Today’s verse reminds me of this. It it says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 RSV).

Jesus is not saying, “Come to church” or do some other form of religious activity. He doesn’t say to come to Bible study or small group. When overloaded, there’s only one person who understands real soul rest. It’s God. What I really need more than anything else when I’m overloaded is more time alone with God.

Matthew 6:6 from the message translation says, “Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace” (MSG).

Why is it, I turn to everything else before turning toward him?  I think a lot of times it’s because I think I can handle it on my own, and at other times I just don’t realize that God is waiting for me to call on him. However, over and over in the Bible God tells me, “Cry out to me. Call out to me. Talk to me. Cast your burdens on me.”

When I feel myself running on empty, the first thing I need to do is call out to God for help. So instead of turning to a substance, a program, or a plan. “Come to Christ”, as he promises to give me rest.