Church Family; It has been a little longer than anticipated between my writings. Demands and focus on other matters of importance was a part of the reason, and thrown in a little of procrastination by me and look, we are here….Oct 7th. I am appreciative of the number of you that have shared in different ways how God has been speaking to you through the messages of the last month or so. I suppose approving opinions are good but even more so the confirmation that what God has given me to share has been for a purpose to many of you. I am humbled as His servant to be used by Him.
Sunday I spoke on PAIN! We discussed how hard it is to endure any kind of pain but especially pain that seems to have no purpose to it. I reminded us that Romans 8:28 tells us the “we know that all things work together for good…….” for His children. With that truth we can realize pain in our lives within the parameters of God’s will and purpose. ….we probably need reminders of what Jesus said about trouble…..that in this world you would have it….but be encouraged for He has overcome the world. I know personally if I can sense in my prayer time with God an assurance that present pain in my life is being used to fulfill part of His eternal purpose I can see that pain through different eyes.
It is for certain, as it was for Peter, that God can use our pain to “help others” if we allow Him. People need to know that we understand their pain, sorrow, and questions before they will allow us inside their hurts. They will turn to someone they know that has been down the journey they are presently taking if they know we have empathy and compassion for their plight that is based in experience.
Sunday there were two scripture that I did not share or elaborate on that were in my notes for the message. I want to share each of those with you in the blog today.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. James 1:2-4 These verses deal with the topic of pain in our lives that we have be speaking about. It puts first and great challenge before us in the statement, “consider it pure joy” and brings God’s purpose to the forefront in the remaining words. Allow me for just a moment to comment in this matter. This joy that James speaks of is in light of the truth that trouble and trials are a part of the earthly existence and no one is immune. In light of that James provides a purpose to those times of difficulty we face in stating these times produce the opportunity to produce perseverance in our lives. When that perseverance is allow to complete it journey successfully the result will be maturity and completeness in one’s life. (Remember Romans 8:28) A few verses later James adds these words…..“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 Seeing through the eyes of these truths the trials or pains that we face in this life allows us insight into pain the world does not have.
There were two passage of scripture in my message Sunday that I didn’t elaborate on that I would like to address here today.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 This passage of scripture at pain in the same context as what James describes but from the perspective of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus was able to see by faith’s eyes (strengthen by his praying in the Garden) the purpose of the pain of the cross. No greater pain has anyone ever endured than the pain Jesus faced on all fronts as He was crucified on the cross. And yet the pain was the “divine opportunity” that was given to mankind to be rescued from our sin and have life everlasting in a renewed relationship with God.
So summarize in a very brief observation. God has chosen to use pain to rescue us from ourselves through His son, Jesus. Pain is, also, a part of the maturing and growth process of each of us in our walk with Him. As for myself I find it encouraging that God purposes to use pain in my life for my good and His glory! Remember….“in the world you will have trouble (pain), but take heart I have overcome the world.”
Pastor B
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