We have all experienced pain within our lives, some perhaps more than others but nevertheless we’ve all experienced it, be it physical or emotional. But what if we can see the wood through the trees, so to speak, and use that pain for a purpose?
We know that Good Friday is coming up this week. But why was it called “good” when Jesus went through all that pain?
Matthew 27:29-30 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head.
Matthew 27: 41-2 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
It sounds absolutely horrific the whole image of Jesus’ death! All the pain and suffering he went through. Yes, He is the son of God, but He is also a human as well.
Can you imagine how that whole ordeal would have felt?
No wonder, for a second there He thought God had forsaken Him! But it didn’t last long and Jesus knew exactly why he went through it all.
The purpose:
- Because we sinned.
- To save us from death.
- To fulfil prophecy.
- It was part of Gods plan.
- Because God loved us first.
Thats quite some “From pain to purpose” image!!
But it’s one for us all to be eternally thankful for (and thats putting it lightly!)
But through this- what Jesus went through for you and the pain you’ve been through or are going through, you can discover your purpose for it.
You really can!
How though?
Firstly lets start by praying…
No 1: Pray
No 2: Brainstorm
Next, have a think about how your pain and experiences can be used for a purpose, then write them down and offer these thoughts up to God.
My story might help encourage you. Will keep it brief as have written about it before and is in the prologue of ‘Christian based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’.
Through physical illness, life’s trials and particular circumstances I experienced a few doses of poor mental health, depression, in my life. The physical illness prevents me from driving, has lost me jobs over the years and prevents me from leaving the house on my own. None of which were part of my plan! But God had another plan or purpose; blogging, writing a book, or maybe more and now with Him each day am expanding this ministry (am currently doing a coaching course) according to His purpose, to help and encourage others but for His glory.
No 3: Push
Set some goals, try new things, knock and gently push at those “doors” and see what comes of them. Remembering the prayer- if the doors don’t open, leave then, it’s not part of Gods purpose for you. If they open then step through and enjoy the beginning of the journey God has for you. He can make your paths straight. Just look to Him first.
No 4: Repeat or Proceed
If the doors don’t open, repeat steps 1-3. If they do, then amazing, it’s exciting turning from pain to purpose and doing what God has planned for you. Keep going forward, submitting your whole self and each day to Him. Turning to Him for everything, got a question, ask Him, got ideas, ask Him, got pain there, ask Him what purpose it has in your life.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Paul went thru pain when He was in prison (and the rest of it!) But he submitted to God and Paul saw God’s purpose and experienced Joy through it. Continue reading here.
Otherwise, please do let us know, in the comments below, how you get on or your thoughts on this.
Blessing x
English
What a testimony of turning pain to purpose. Also a great reminder for us all with Good Friday on the horizon, His sacrifice is our salvation. Thank you Jesus 🙌
Thank u. Amen! X
In some countries it’s called Big Friday…Yes, everything happens for a reason, there is a silver lining…Happy Easter!
Oh, interesting did not know that. Thank u for ur comment! Blessings x
Don’t waste your pain!
Beautifully written. Thank you 🙂
Thank u for ur comment. Blessings x
Love this. Thank you for reminding us of the trials our Lord went through and for sharing a bit about your own personal struggles. I also have a physical illness (a neurological disease) that prevents me from driving so just hearing your story gave me a sense of feeling less like the only one. May God bless you on your journey from pain to purpose!
Bless u, thank u so much! Xx
Jesus’ suffering had a purpose and it was this purpose that sustained Him. That’s why its important for all of us to have a grasp on what our purpose might be. ❤
Amen! X