Purpose in the pain

James 1:2–4 LEB

Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you encounter various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

What is the origin of pain and suffering? Genesis 3

We can blame ourselves (Adam and Eve).

God created us as “free will creatures”

Can there be some use, value, or benefit to suffering?

   Satan wants to use suffering to tear us down, but God can use suffering to build us up and equip us to serve him better. However, keep in mind that suffering does not automatically equip the saint. Sad to say, some Christians have gone through trials and have come out of the fiery furnace burned and bitter instead of purified and perfected. It is only when we depend on the grace of “the God of all grace” that the furnace does its equipping work.

Warren Wiersbe

Romans 5:3–4 LEB

And not only this, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces patient endurance, and patient endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope,

If there is a God, why would he allow pain and suffering?

The internet

New paramedics/New resident physicians

Sully-Fighter pilot, airline pilot US Airways flight 1549 Jan 5th 2009

“One way of looking at this might be that for 42 years, I’ve been making small, regular deposits in this bank of experience, education and training. And on January 15th, the balance was sufficient so that I could make a very large withdrawal. “

Sully Sullenberger

Atheletes-No pain/No gain.

Pain and suffering form us and shape us

Dallas Willard, USC philosophy professor and devout Christian

“It’s ONLY in the heat of pain and suffering, both mental and physical that the REAL human character or Christian faith is forged.”

Smooth seas do not make skilled sailors

Because God loves us, he knows its’s necessary to allow us to go through pain.

Children and IV’s

The Bible tells us that Jesus wrote himself into the drama of pain and suffering. Born into a peasant family that suffered. He was abandoned, Betrayed, Mocked, Ridiculed, Bullied, Suffered injustice, Despair, and Rejection. He was beaten, whipped and was crucified, illegally executed for a crime he didn’t commit.

Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; the punishment for our peace was upon him, and by his wounds we were healed.”

Look at Christ on the cross during your pain and suffering. He is there with you

James 1:12 “Blessed is the person who endures trials, because when he is approved he will receive the crown of life that he has promised to those who love him.”

We will not always understand it. We are like babies

Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on you r own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

There is a God ordained reason behind the struggles and trials that we face in this life.

1 Peter 5:10–11 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered for a short time, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”