I see two types of pain in the Bible. There is the pain that God sovereignly decrees that we go through and there is the pain that comes from our disobedience. Both have the same remedy and answer: faith.
If we suffer in obedience to God, the best thing we can do is hold on to our faith in Christ. Our faith will give us everything we need to endure.
Faith will gives us hope: Romans 5:3–5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Faith gives us purpose. Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Faith gives us peace. Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Faith gives us the right attitude. Philippians 2:5,8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
If we suffer for disobedience to God, the best thing we can do is gain or hold on to our faith in Christ. Our faith will give us everything we need to get on God's path for our life.
Faith leads us to repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Faith leads to forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Our actions have consequences and how we choose to respond to where we are in life will determine our destiny. God wants us to live by faith in Him so that He can bless us according to His purpose. We may be able to get by without God in life for a while, but in time sin and the pains of this fallen world catch up with us. Our only hope is faith in Christ who gives us access to God and the power of His indwelling presence in the Holy Spirit.
No matter the cause of our pain, Christ is there for us if we will only respond in faith.
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