Your Pain? Your Response?

Your Pain_ Your Response_

4:11

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV)

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (ESV)

Have you ever heard someone say now that you are a Christian, everything in your life is perfect and you will not have seasons of discomfort or pain? I have had acquaintances, friends, and even family members, say this to me and believe that once someone becomes a Christian, everything in life is easier and there are no problems or pain. Not sure where this thought originated but the Bible clearly does not teach this concept. We all will go through seasons of emotional and physical pain that can come from various sources, whether you are a Christian or not. There are those who have lost loved ones through death and still others who have lost life partners through divorce. Some have suffered financial destruction, harsh medical diagnoses, emotional and spiritual battles, and the list can go on and on. So, the question is not just what pain/discomfort you are experiencing but how are you going to respond to what life brings to your doorstep?

Many will choose to deal with their pain with worldly solutions:  being promiscuous, drugs/alcohol, gambling, online adult sites, and the list can go on and on of the various vices people will use in an attempt to soothe their pain. Then there are others who choose God’s way that involves going to a Bible-believing church, prayer, and daily reading/studying of the Bible. We are given free will/free choice to choose how to deal with the pain we encounter in our lives. The first choice will definitely lead to further pain and destruction of one’s mental, emotional, and physical body, and the second choice, will lead to the uplifting and upbuilding of one's mental, emotional, and physical body.

We may not understand now nor during our lifetime why God allows pain and discomfort to come into our lives. We just have to trust and believe that He has a reason and a purpose for what we go through in life. We may never know how our lives/our testimony, can impact others and give them the strength to move forward in life when they come across various challenges and problems. They may have been watching us and how we maneuver life with God's grace and because of this, they will choose to pattern their response to pain in the same manner. Also, our pain does not just strengthen others, but it also strengthens us for whatever may lie ahead in our future. May we never forget the life of Jesus Christ and how He came here to endure pain so that we may have access to Heaven and eternal life. Jesus did not want to be tortured and put to death however, He stayed with God's plan for the salvation of His children.

My prayer is that once we have come through pain and hardships, may we share our testimonies and seek to uplift God's mission to reach others and encourage them on their life’s journey. I pray that after we have gone through our fiery trials of affliction, we will come through stronger and determined, to spread the good news of the gospel to this dying world.

Blessings,

Angélique

To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com