Painful Suffering comes to us all in this life at some time or another in this journey called life. Whether it be a broken heart, illness, fear of an unknown future, loss of a loved one, or despair. Life brings many challenges. Some are a result of our own choices, while others seem to appear out of nowhere. Yet, the painful suffering that fills our heart, mind and spirit do come as we face this journey called life on this earth. However, there is a place of peace, hope and joy that can be found, even in the worst of circumstances.
Both Pete and Mom talked about the depth of painful suffering they endured in their bipolar world. They would tell me of a pain in their head. Not a headache. But a pain that overwhelmed them. Despite all the painful suffering I have faced in my own life, I must say it never could compare to theirs. Certainly, I faced moments of doubt, shame, and even moments of sorrow, fear, loneliness, or depression. Yet, I cannot say I ever endured the depth of painful suffering as did they. Theirs, at times, spilled over engulfing my life as well. Still, in the midst of it all, God had a perfect plan of love, grace and mercy for each one of us.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those crushed by pain. (Psalm 34:18). In the midst of our painful suffering, He revealed Himself to each one of us. Therein we each found these truths. The lessons of God learned through the pain and sorrow.
5 Lessons from God About and Through Painful Suffering
One:
In this world, we will have painful suffering. Jesus said, “In this world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). When Jesus prayed for us in John 17, He prayed to the Father to protect us, to give us His Joy, His Love, and His Glory. He did not ask that we be taken out of this world; but, that He give us His strength and peace as we face the painful trials that will be ours in this journey here on earth.
Two:
Through the painful suffering we face on this earth, our hearts are prepared to know Him. Could I know the wondrous refreshment of a cold glass of water, if I never experienced thirst? If I were satisfied with the things of this world, would I hunger and thirst for Him? Like C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity.
What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could “be like gods”—could set up on their own as if they had created themselves—be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity[1]
In the midst of our suffering, we come to see that we cannot find joy without Him. Yet, in our suffering we do find His Joy, His Strength, His Love, and His Grace to be sufficient to fill our hearts to overflowing.
Three:
In our painful suffering, we become more like Jesus.
I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him. Not having a righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. That I may know Him, and the power of HIS SUFFERING, being made conformable unto His death. If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect. But I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 8-12).
Whatever it takes to transform my heart to be like Him, I will gladly face and trust His Hand of Love. After all He did for me, how could I do less?
Four:
God’s plan for me is one of Grace, Mercy and Love. That means every detail of my life, He who knows what is best for me, has ordained it. Only He knows what is necessary or needed to transform my heart so that I might experience His Love, Peace, and Joy.
Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities. For we know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit, itself, maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called. And whom He called, them He also Justified. Whom He justified, them He also Glorified (Romans 8: 26:30).
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2).
Five:
Our painful suffering grows our faith. As I have so often referred to Hebrews ll:6. Faith is knowing that God IS and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. If I know God is Sovereign, omnipotent, and loves me as He loves Jesus (John 17:23), what could I possibly fear? Furthermore, He has promised to reward those who diligently seek Him. Then, knowing His plan is good, I also know that even the painful suffering in my life are for my ultimate greater Joy. Even, when I don’t understand, I can trust Him.
Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the Glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also. Knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience, experience; and experience hope. And hope maketh not ashamed; because, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:1-5).
Concluding Thoughts Concerning our Painful Suffering
Whatever painful suffering that I, Mom, or Pete faced in this life, it has ultimately lead to God. Therein, we each have found His Abiding, Steadfast Joy in this life. Additionally it has prepared us for an eternity with Him basking in His Love, Grace, and Mercy forever more.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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For more information regarding suffering and God’s plan in it see:
Does Everything Work Together for God’s Glory and Our Joy?
Can Suffering Be for a Greater Good?
1 Of 3 Answers to the Problem of Evil
How Can Suffering Teach Obedience Resulting in True Joy?
Or for previous Lessons from God in this series see:
5 Lessons from God to Overcome Jealous Rage
7 Lessons from God Concerning My Guilt and Shame
Or for poetry look at:
Song of Praise to God, My Love, My Hope, My Joy
Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
[1] C.S.Lewis, Mere Christianity,
Photo by Marion Michele on Unsplash