Embracing the Pain
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
I want to start off by asking you to think about your experiences. Have you ever been hurt, disappointed, or let down by someone in your life? Take the time to ask those around you, and you will see it’s clear that just about all of us have at some point been hurt, mistreated, neglected, misused, or mishandled by someone.
Maybe it was someone who shared your secrets, stole your money, or violated your trust, but whatever it was, we all know what it's like to be hurt. J.K. Rowling said, “To hurt is as human as to breathe.”
The worst kind of hurt isn’t the kind people can see—tears running down your face or the tearing of your clothes. The worst kind happens when your soul weeps and no matter what you do, there’s no way to comfort it. Some people have been hurt so badly that they have scar tissue on their souls.
It seems that being hurt is almost a rite of passage for living in this world. Naturally, we avoid situations, people, and circumstances that might cause us pain. None of us volunteers to be let down, messed over, or treated like trash. So, we run away from it. We run in the opposite direction.
Which makes the story of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus that much more interesting. Have you ever thought about the fact that the events leading up to the death and resurrection of our Lord would not have happened if Jesus hadn’t been hurt on that Thursday of that week? Jesus knew Judas would betray Him. He could have avoided it, but He didn’t. Instead, He embraced the pain, knowing it was part of God's greater plan.
What if we, like Jesus, faced our hurts head-on? What if we trusted that God could use our deepest pains for His purposes? It’s not easy, but in Romans 8:28, we're reminded that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. This includes our hurts and disappointments.
Next time you feel the sting of betrayal or the ache of disappointment, remember Jesus’ example. Embrace the pain, knowing that God can and will use it for the greater good. Your hurt is not the end of the story; it’s a chapter in a much bigger narrative that God is weaving together for your life.
I want to start off by asking you to think about your experiences. Have you ever been hurt, disappointed, or let down by someone in your life? Take the time to ask those around you, and you will see it’s clear that just about all of us have at some point been hurt, mistreated, neglected, misused, or mishandled by someone.
Maybe it was someone who shared your secrets, stole your money, or violated your trust, but whatever it was, we all know what it's like to be hurt. J.K. Rowling said, “To hurt is as human as to breathe.”
The worst kind of hurt isn’t the kind people can see—tears running down your face or the tearing of your clothes. The worst kind happens when your soul weeps and no matter what you do, there’s no way to comfort it. Some people have been hurt so badly that they have scar tissue on their souls.
It seems that being hurt is almost a rite of passage for living in this world. Naturally, we avoid situations, people, and circumstances that might cause us pain. None of us volunteers to be let down, messed over, or treated like trash. So, we run away from it. We run in the opposite direction.
Which makes the story of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus that much more interesting. Have you ever thought about the fact that the events leading up to the death and resurrection of our Lord would not have happened if Jesus hadn’t been hurt on that Thursday of that week? Jesus knew Judas would betray Him. He could have avoided it, but He didn’t. Instead, He embraced the pain, knowing it was part of God's greater plan.
What if we, like Jesus, faced our hurts head-on? What if we trusted that God could use our deepest pains for His purposes? It’s not easy, but in Romans 8:28, we're reminded that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. This includes our hurts and disappointments.
Next time you feel the sting of betrayal or the ache of disappointment, remember Jesus’ example. Embrace the pain, knowing that God can and will use it for the greater good. Your hurt is not the end of the story; it’s a chapter in a much bigger narrative that God is weaving together for your life.
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1 Comment
Oh my, the hurt and pain one feels after 23 years of physical and mental abuse is immeasurable. The love of your husband that was felt is disgust, anger, and confusion. After attending a conference for ladies from my Church, I made my decision to leave. Our youngest was going into his Senior year in high school, and that was impeding my move. His encouragement to leave helped. The message from the guest minister spoke words from Jesus and that was it. I could go on but I won't. Romans 8:28 spoke to my heart 33 years ago and it still does.