“Life is pain… Anyone who says differently is selling something.” – Dread Pirate Roberts
The masked Wesley bringing the truth! Life happens. And because we live in a fallen, broken world, sin happens with it. Because of sin, there is pain. A lot of it. Even for Christians; especially the pain of persecution for Christians who live in step with and remain faithful to God’s Word. Anyone who says you are supposed to have an easy, prosperous, always healthy, ” blessed” life is selling something; no matter how large their church may be or how winsome the personality.
Yes, we are blessed in Christ (infinitely more than we actually know – Eph. 1:3-10); and there are definitely seasons of life which seem easier than other times. Praise God for it all! I’m not promoting some doom and gloom theology. Life isn’t all pain and struggle all the time. I’m just stating what Scripture says plainly. “In this world you will have troubles…” So instead of spending time seeking a life without pain and suffering, we can focus on learning to live in and work through the pain… while enjoying the “good times” – accepting life on life’s terms.
Sin and pain happen. The question now is: how do we deal with it? How do we walk in forgiveness when (not if) others sin against us or hurt us by their choices? How can we move beyond the shame of our own sin, our own poor choices, and the pain we have caused others? How can we still have joy in the midst of chronic illness which hasn’t been healed?
John 16:33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – The Lord Jesus Christ
Jesus has overcome the world. He owns it. He rules it. He controls it. His sovereignty and goodness bring us peace. Run to Him. Seek Him and His will. Trust in His perfect work on our behalf. He was crushed for our iniquities (sin, mistakes, rebellion). And He bore our shame on His cross. He loves. He forgives. He adopts us into His family. He gives us His righteousness.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
He has also given us trusted leaders and good friends to talk to. They help us bare our burdens, weep with us, rejoice with us, and give us guidance when we feel lost. We are part of His body on earth, working together to fulfill His mission. Through our brokenness and pain the Holy Spirit breaks the chains of self-reliance, makes us more like Christ, and works through us to minister to others.