During our pilgrimage through life, we will encounter pain in some measure, physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. If given the choice, most everyone would rather bypass pain, however, much like breathing, it is an inevitable part of living.
Personally, I have adopted this perspective relative to pain… if I can’t avoid it, then I will learn from it.
Much like training for a boxing match, if I am going to be thrown into the ring to face an opponent, I am going to prepare to defend myself. When pain attacks I want to be strong enough to conqueror it. Defeat is not an option! Being spiritually strong is the best preparation to guard yourself against the adversary of pain.
There was a season in my life when every day felt as though I was fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world. I struggled to find peace and serenity. I fought to maintain my sanity in the midst of turmoil. I was struggling to endure, wondering if I had what it took to make it to the final round before getting knocked out. I recall feeling weak as the assaults kept coming one after another.
It was during this time, I found my faith entwined within the pain.
My faith was actually the only constant in my life, yet I felt as though the pain was trying to swallow it up, piece by piece. I had to dig deep within and find my strength in God’s promises. I clearly remember finding courage in this scripture: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)
As I kept my heart fixed on Jesus I was able to continue to press through the pain round after round. When the battle finally ended, I was certainly battered and bruised. The wounds may not have been visible on the outside, but unquestionably I was hurting on the inside. Through this difficult ordeal, I learned the value of perseverance!
As long as we don’t throw in the white towel, we give God the opportunity to war on our behalf. While we are still breathing we can recover.
Each day we are blessed to be on this Earth, is an opportunity to grow our faith, both in the times of tranquility as well as unrest.
The greatest person to ever walk the face of the earth was Jesus, and as I study His life, He certainly endured pain. One does not have to look very far into History to discover the great distress Jesus braved.
Just reflect for a moment on the crucifixion of Jesus. To say He endured pain is certainly an understatement. Yet, He persevered. As we read in the scriptures, He overcame the world. He conquered death and rose from the grave. (Rev. 1:18)
Jesus gave us advanced notice; we would encounter difficulty in this world. He also said we can be at peace in the midst of such turmoil. (John16: 33). God’s word can be trusted. Therefore, we should consider times of pain and upheaval to be opportunities to stretch our faith to new levels.
My faith was being matured throughout this season of adversity. Along the way, I grasped the reality of spiritual warfare. I was experiencing first hand, how the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, and he doesn’t fight fair. It was in the depths of my distress where I personally experienced God’s immeasurable faithfulness.
When I was lonely I felt His presence. When I was broken hearted He comforted me with His tender love. In my hopelessness, I found the unfailing truth of His promises hidden within His word.
I used the power of worship and prayer to defeat the lies of the enemy, which continually bombarded my mind. I found gratitude in my everyday surroundings, which was living proof God, had not forsaken me.
God is constantly molding us into the image of Jesus. He desires to see us through the most difficult circumstances and He promises to constantly supply our needs. God knows what we need even before we ask anything of him. (Matthew 6:8)
Jesus was in constant communication with the Father. His intimate relationship with God supplied Him the strength to withstand what otherwise would have been overwhelming circumstances.
The same power that sustained Jesus during His mission here on Earth is available to you today!
God promises to never leave you or forsake you. “Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. (Isaiah 41:10)
By holding onto this truth you can overcome the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing in your life right now.
We are to stand strong in faith when trials and trouble cross our path.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”. (Ephesians 6: 10-12)
Often pain is the catalyst God can use to propel you higher than you ever thought you could ascend.
You got this! Dig deep, hold onto your faith even if it is entwined in your pain. You can make it to the final round and be victorious! You are loved, and you are irreplaceable.
-Lucy Ann
Challenge Question:
What painful situation in your life do you need to re-evaluate through the eyes of faith?
Be sure to “Join the Team” so we can stay connected.
dee leitch says
Loved waking up to this message. What a wonderful way to start the day!
Lucy Ann says
Dee, so glad to hear from you! Glad to be part of your day 🙂
Blessings!
Elizabeth says
These words and scripture brought encouragement .
They are confirmations from the Lord that He is in this and will see me through .
Lucy Ann says
Elizabeth,
I love it when the Lord brings us confirmation. May your faith carry you through as you wait upon the Lord.
Blessings!
Rosemary Sandarelli says
POWERFUL!!!!!!!!! Praise Jesus!!!!!
Lucy Ann says
Rosemary,
He is worthy to be praised!
Blessings!
carol says
Soo, I think you should stop blogging about my life. (Ha ha!) I feel like with every topic, you are speaking to me.
Today, I have to say, I’m exhausted by trying to keep my chin up. Staying positive. Keeping my family lifted up. Keep moving forward and looking for the graces in our lives. It’s been a long haul.
I’ve been saying that I can’t wait until we get to the other side of this, to see how it all ends up. But man,everytime I get to a place where I think I can hold it together, I get hear something else that breaks my heart. I feel like I just go through my days doing lamaze breathing, trying not to let it show that I’m freaking out, and just saying something supportive.
I, a little bit, just want to burry my head under the covers and wait till it all passes! Instead, I’m going to put my game-face on, and remember that at this moment, we’re still ok, and to keep the faith. (Faith entwined in pain)
So if this is what your message is about, it has come at a time (once again) when I needed to hear it.
Thank you for this very special message meant just for me! 😉
Lucy Ann says
Carol,
Thanks for sharing with us! It is encouraging to hear how God is speaking to you and bringing you inspiration and encouragement just when you need it!
Often it is difficult to see what lies ahead when all we can see is the difficulties, all the more why we need to look forward through the eyes of faith.
You can do this! Keep on keeping on…soon you will reach the other side!
Blessings!
Victoria Harr says
Like you, I can relate to the perseverance through pain and finally victory because in spite of the pain I learned many things and became stronger through it all.
Lucy Ann says
Vicki,
So true, God is faithful 🙂
Jordy says
What a great article Lucy Ann. In my experience, it doesn’t matter if I stand firm or tend to waiver, God always accomplishes His purpose in me. I think for me, the rock I stand on is… “I trust God”. What happens though, while I stand upon the rock of trust, I tend to freak out as I see the wind and the waves rocking my world. Jesus is always faithful to speak into my Spirit “peace be still”. When He speaks these words, He also imparts supernatural grace for me to endure the pain. I wonder if when the impartation from heaven happens, if the Lord is saying to me, “where’s your faith man?” as he also gives me a “gift” of faith because He loves me so much. I’ve said this before on your site, my favorite prayer is, “God you’ve got to help me”. It always is reduced to the simplest of simple for me, trust.
Lucy Ann says
Jordy, I love the statement you made, “He also imparts supernatural grace for me to endure the pain.” So true, we are not alone! God’s faithfulness is never ending!
I am so thankful God never gives up on us! I love to hear you are standing on the rock…”I trust God” Well said!
Kathleen says
I’m trying to dig deep in faith and grace to handle my physical pain and my grief. I’ve enjoyed your post from link up at Holley Gerth 🙂
Lucy Ann says
Kathleen, so glad you came on over… Love Holley’s site as well. 🙂 I stand in agreement with you for God to heal you physically and comfort you in your grief. Stay connected to the body of believers for strength and encouragement. Feel free to join our team, we are here for you!
Blessings over your day. You can always submit a prayer request and we will stay in touch with you in prayer as you continue your faith journey.
Serving In God’s Love 🙂