Question: What are some of God's purposes in our pain?

Answer: Humility is the noblest virtue, while pride is the ultimate sin. Since Paul saw heaven before his death, he was given a painful thorn in his flesh to keep him from exalting himself. This thorn felt more like a shaft impaling his physical body, and Paul called it a messenger of Satan. (See 2 Cor 12.) God provided relief for Paul by declaring His grace was sufficient through
the pain.

Satan once requested to sift Peter like wheat. Within twenty four hours of this sinister request, Peter denied ever knowing Jesus. This denial shredded Peter into pieces which only God could reassemble. Jesus told Peter that once he turned back from this devastating fall, he was to strengthen his brothers. We who have suffered are most qualified to assist those who will suffer after us, just like Peter. God doesn't promise a trouble free life to Christians. He provides the way through it. (See Luke 22:31 34.)

God's power is perfected in physical weakness. His power works after we have none of our own left. As long as we continue trusting in our own strategies, money, ingenuity, ideas, cleverness, or ability to solve all problems, we remain spiritually weak. Many are too strong to be powerful, but no one is too weak to be powerful. As we come to the end of ourselves, God's power is released through our emptiness.

Humility is grown in pain. When we humble ourselves, God lifts us higher than we ever could. (See Jms 4:10.) As Paul embraced what felt like a spear rammed through his flesh, his outlook changed from sadness to joy. He declared, "Most gladly I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me," (2Cor 12:9).

Intimacy increases as some of our sweetest communion with Jesus occurs when life hurts. Pain has a very positive effect on our prayer life, and Paul sought God three times about this thorn. God uses suffering to draw us closer to Him. (See 2Cor 12:8.)

God uses suffering to put His grace on display. He gave Paul relief not by removing the problem, but by pouring His grace into Paul's life. Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He allows the storm to rage, but calms the heart of His child. When others observe our unnatural confidence, God's grace goes on display.

We may sometimes feel hammered on the anvil of God's will, but rest assured God's divine purposes will one day be unveiled and appreciated.

Deuteronomy 33:26
Reach Pastor Huck at calvarycorner.com