Pain is Never Pointless

 

Trials are part of life. Whether it's work, health, relationships, finances, or something else, we all have unresolved problems. The answer to thriving through them is knowing that there is a purpose in them that you can seize.  While there are many aspects we could explore here (sharing in Jesus’ suffering, empathy, learning a needed lesson, discipline, natural consequences of poor judgement, etc.), let’s look at how we grow stronger and more hopeful as a result of trials.

Romans 5:3-5 - we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

 

Things to think about:

·       The only way to learn patience is to be around people and situations that drive you crazy

o   Similarly, character development is only forged in the fires of trouble

·       Scar tissue is tougher than untouched skin.  Callouses are harder than unworked hands.

o   A weak man is easily bruised and injured.  

·       Unlike Bible stories where we already know the end, when we are in the midst of a difficult situation, we don’t know if it is going to end today, tomorrow, next year, or never.

o   But what we do know is that it’s not for nothing

o   Romans 8:28

·       Perseverance is a quality anyone can develop.  It is simply saying, “Today, I won’t quit.” And then saying it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day…

·       You may have heard it said that “Character is the sum total of your habits.”

o   We judge a man not by what he says but by what he does consistently over time.

·       Why does Character lead to Hope?

o   Because we see that God always provides what we need if we don’t give up

o   And when we can recall times past when He has delivered us, it gives us a real reason to believe (Hope) that He will do it again

·       Hope is the greatest gift you can give yourself and others. As you develop it in yourself, you can share it with others.

o   A lack of hope is the greatest poverty one can experience.  We can endure almost anything, but without hope, we are totally and utterly lost.

o   Proverbs 13:12 - Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

·       Let's do more than grit our teeth, let's grip our faith.