1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.

According to the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary, the word pain is described as “any degree from slight uneasiness to extreme distress or torture; anxiety; grief; sorrow; etc.” Personally, my pain tolerance is very low. Several months ago, I had a dental procedure done and I told my dentist to inject me with the maximum amount of anesthesia allowed for the required dental work. I didn’t want to feel any pain whatsoever. 

As believers, we will suffer hardships in this life. The Bible tells us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Trials are not fun. If anything, they can be very painful and heart wrenching at times causing us to possibly doubt God’s sovereignty in our situations. Personally, I’ve faced some rough waters in different seasons of my life. There were moments where I didn’t trust God for what I was up against. Looking back on those times, it shows how spiritually immature I was and my faith in God was weak. The Lord has shown me that my trials are meant to draw me closer to Him, deepen my faith and trust in Him while they build up my character and transform me more and more into the image of Christ. Even though I find this molding process a bit uncomfortable and sometimes painful, the Lord is teaching me how necessary it is for my daily walk with Him. The goal is for me to become more like Christ so I can reflect His heart in everything I say and do. This is challenging, but in Him, I can do all things beacause He strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

If we don’t go through times of testing, our faith will not grow and we will not learn the true value of spiritual maturity which is to fully trust in God and depend solely on Him for all of life’s circumstances. Therefore, there is purpose in your pain. It may not make any sense now, but remember, God is the MAN with the Master-Plan. He knows what He’s doing and He’s working all your situations for your good and for His glory. Trust Him!

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

There is purpose in your pain. Behold, the Master Craftsman is doing a new thing. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b). Hold on sweet sister, that situation which has caused you grief and heartache right now is about to work in your favor because God is getting ready to turn it around and cause it to be an overflow of His rich and abundant blessings poured out into your life. He’s a Great and Mighty God! He heals, He comforts, and He makes all things new! Your pain serves a greater purpose! Trust, lean, and hold onto Him! 

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Ecclesiastes 3:11a He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Warren Wiersbe: For the believer, trials work for him and not against him. No amount of suffering can separate us from the Lord. Instead, trials bring us closer to the Lord and make us more like the Lord. Suffering builds Christian character. Faith, hope, and love all combine to give the believer patience in the trials of life.