Suffering Pain

Friday, April 7, 2017
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Children Of Jerusalem"1 (Lyrics)

I don't remember ever writing a devotional on pain and suffering before, but now, I am suffering pain, so I have thought and prayed about it and looked up certain verses in the Bible. There are very few verses that speak about pain — just four, actually — but then, I looked up "suffering", and God spoke to me. Are you suffering, too? Is it a normal problem with the human body? Why does God let us suffer?

Hebrews 12:13 – "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled but rather healed. (NIV)

As I have started using a walker, this verse speaks to me about all those friends who have helped me, making level paths for my feet. It is much more dangerous trying to walk through snow and ice, as we have had here this winter. As the Word says in verse 12, we have discovered that through faith we need "to strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees".

I have learned that much can be understood about enduring pain when we read of how Christ gives us inner joy. The apostle Paul states it clearly:

Romans 8:18 – I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (NIV)

We overcome pain and suffering as we experience His inner joy. Through suffering, we grow in grace as "the Spirit helps us in our weakness" (Romans 8:26 NIV). Yes, we learn more from suffering pain than we do from listening to a sermon. I know that for years, I was in my pulpit hurting greatly from pain resulting from a broken hip, but God carried me through and spoke to the congregation as I shared with them, going beyond my pain and weakness.

So, what is God saying to us as we suffer pain? He will be assuring us that help is nigh. Without His Holy Spirit strengthening us, we would be undone, unable to cope. But in our weakness, we learn that as we invite Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit is strengthening us. We get up and face each day praying for the Lord's help. Let us pray now, together.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You suffered greatly on the cross as they tore Your body apart, giving You a great amount of pain and suffering. We believe in Your resurrection and in eternal life with You. Your power can set us all free from the pain of life here on earth. We join You, O Lord, sharing Your presence today with great joy and gladness. Thank You for promising to welcome us into Your eternal home. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook

About the author:

Iris Ford
(deceased)

1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Bless you Iris. Keep going.


    Thank you Iris for tackling subjects we often avoid.


    Thanks for this message, Iris. I hope you will have pain relief soon. Blessings.


    Thanks for sharing this word of encouragement Iris, it is appreciated.
    Blessings.


    I regret the pain you are suffering. I pray you will still be able to share your Christian thoughts with us.


    Your devotional spoke to me as I am in pain almost all the time.
    This devotional sent me to God’s word and hope for the future.
    Thank you so much and blessings.


    I hear what you are saying. I too am in constant pain now. It is very wearing but when I get feeling discouraged I say let go and let God take over. I focus on what wonderful children and grandchildren I have. Remind myself to enjoy their celebrations.
    God Bless.


    Like the cartoon character Maxine says, “Old age ain’t for sissies.” That cartoon character makes me laugh, because all too often, her quips are so true. Thanks for pointing us to the Truth Scripture proclaims. I so appreciate your submissions. Keep on keeping on cuz God’s got you in His loving arms and won’t let you go. Blessings.


    I am so sorry about your suffering. Arthritis is my cross to bear and I find that God does give me the strength to get through the days and even accomplish what I set out to do. Instead of focusing on the pain, I thank God for what I am still able to achieve. It eases the pain and keeps my attitude more positive.
    Blessings.


    Good Morning Iris. Thank you for today’s devotional. I’m sorry that you are experiencing pain and suffering, though, through your devout faithfulness now, and throughout your life, you have, and are finding solace in God’s word.
    May I just make one observation, in addition to 4 references on general pain, there are 18 verses in the Bible that speak directly to the pain of childbirth.


    Good Morning Iris:
    Yes, as you have, we all suffer, both in body and spirit. It is a combination of being human, born in the flesh, and divine, born in the spirit. When things get “tough” along my road of life, God repeatedly tells me two things: “With me, God, all things are possible.” And “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Who can possibly ask or seek for more?
    Blessings.


    Thank you for your thoughts on suffering pain, Iris.
    Right from the beginning as I read it, I guessed that you were the writer! In earlier messages you have spoken of your failing eyesight and I have held you in my heart over that particular suffering. That is particularly significant for those of us who like to read.
    Your topic is particularly helpful during this season of Lent as we try to become more deeply appreciative of the depth of Jesus’ suffering.
    Your words have fed me this morning. Thank you, dear sister in Christ!


    My Dear Iris:
    I so understand what you mean about pain. For many years now, when people see what I have gone through and ask me why I still have a great big smile on my face, I tell them whatever has happened to me and no matter what the pain is, it is nothing compared to the pain that Jesus went through on the cross. He has blessed me with patience and perseverance so that even when I am home alone for days sometimes without speaking to anyone, I know that He is with me.
    May God bless you and keep you smiling too… and please keep on writing your wonderful devotionals.


    Iris
    Thank you for sharing about suffering and pain. I walk with two canes and find it extremely difficult to stand for more than a couple of minutes. However, like you I experienced the grace of God and the miracle which he performed from one Sunday to the next when I would stand up in the pulpit and proclaims God’s message for His people in the power of the Holy Spirit. I was able to stand to lead worship and proclaim His Holy Word and not be in discomfort. It was not until I got into the fellowship hall after the service that I needed to sit down and rest for a few minutes.
    Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ.


    Dear Iris: How timely your devotional is. I finally gave up tossing and turning and trying to cope with pain throughout my whole body, as well as always coping with the voices I hear continually. After much tossing about I decided I would get up and watch something on Netflix, but first check my e-mail. So glad I did, your devotional helps me realize that I am not alone in my suffering in my old age. When I start feeling sorry for myself I always bring to my mind how much Christ suffered for us, and then I feel ashamed for even complaining. Thank you for reminding that Christ is always with us, and knows exactly what we are going through, and that one day when we reach our mansion in the sky, there will be no more pain and suffering: Thank you.


    Hi Iris, yes, I know what you mean. I suffered a year with back pain and using a walker in the kitchen to sit on because I could not stand. Then, surgery and blessed relief, no pain for a whole year. Now, for a few months, again, a new problem, and pain, medication and severely restricted activity. The walker is back in the kitchen. And I have an appointment with the surgeon. It will be a wait for surgery… IF the surgeon feels it is repairable. And then months of recovery.
    It gives me cause to reflect on my usefulness to God and others and re-defines my life. I am having to back off from many cherished activities. But my worth is not affected. I am precious in God’s sight, and have time for things I neglected when I was rushing around doing. It is different. But still the sweetness of His love and grace remain. God is good. All the time. Blessings.


    Good morning Iris,
    Thank you for your inspirational story “Suffering Pain”.


    Hi Iris, read your devotional with interest this morning, I suspected it was you as soon as I started reading. Have you not moved yet?
    Blessings.

Next Post
»
 



PresbyCan is a community of faithful, Holy Spirit-filled, Christ-centred, God-honouring Christians.