Standing Strong in the Midst of Pain

Introduction: Everyone experiences pain in some form or another throughout life

Some asked the question of why is there so much pain, so much suffering and so much disappointment all around me?

You’re looking at all the challenges of your life, trying to make sense of it without knowing what the bigger picture is suppose to look like

So you start making your own predispositions on why your life is the way that it is, then you become blind by your own natural inclination (in other words you’ve already made up your mind how you want to feel. )

So - there’s really nothing one can say that’s going to soften your heart, because what you’ve been through has taught you how to comfortable with living in pain.

You’ve developed blind certainty and it’s very difficult to convince yourself of a new idea when a contradictory idea is already anchored in your thinking.

When you understand that this blind spot is our normal state, only then can you design decision-making processes to overcome it

How to Stand Strong in the Midst of Pain

1. We are Promised to Face Trials and Tribulations

John 16:33 ESV

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.”

2. Hold on to Hope

In a world that has conditioned you to expect and demand instant gratification, this will be very difficult

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Even in the midst of pain, we can hold onto the hope that God will bring beauty from ashes

3. Share the Load

It's okay to ask for help and not face the pain alone

Galatians 6:2 ESV

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

4. Overcoming Pain = Knowledge and Application of God’s Word

The Center for Bible Engagement (40,000 Americans, age 8-80)

· Reading scripture once a week had little or no effect on their life

· Twice a week, a slight by small effect

The life of someone who engages scripture 4 or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not.

· In fact, the lives of Christians who do not engage the Bible most days of the week are statistically the same as the lives of non-believers.

Anger issues dropped 32%

Alcoholism and drug use dropped 57%

Bitterness in relationships dropped 40%

Being spiritually stagnate dropped 61%

59% less likely to view pornography

30% less likely to struggle with loneliness

407% more likely to memorize scripture

Help others grow in the faith jump 230%

228% more likely to share faith with others

We don’t think we need the good news; we think we need good advice.

Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Conclusion

Trials and tribulations are expected

Hope on to Hope

Be courageous and Share the Pain

Overcoming Pain = Knowledge and Application of God’s Word