Pain - the Gate to Personal Development and Growth
Pain serves a vital purpose in our personal growth. It is the very indicator that tells us something is grossly wrong. Pain, handled correctly, reveals a holy discontent with the brokenness of ourselves and the world around us. Despite its value, many of us will do anything and everything to avoid dealing with pain. We will distract ourselves with busy-ness, fill our lives with shallowness, turn to addictions, and even stay in destructive relationships, all in an effort to avoid dealing with the pain deep inside. Unfortunately, by choosing to run from our pain, we actually miss opportunities to grow and move forward in our purpose.
The gate to transformation is called "Pain"
The abundant life found in Christ Jesus requires us to to walk through our painful experiences in order to encounter Truth. It is on the other side of the pain where we grow in our ability to live life to the fullest.
Consider Phillipians 3:10-11: [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body] (Amplified Bible). If we want resurrection power, we must recognize suffering and "death" come first. Jesus was a man acquainted with sorrow (Is. 53:3). Yet he possessed a determination to love, forgive, serve others, and obey God in the midst of rejection, betrayal, and broken humanity. He did not avoid pain. He brought it to His Father in prayer and intercession. He sought God's redemptive work in the midst of the pain, remaining obedient to the point of death. Likewise, we need to respond to painful situations by fixing our eyes on Jesus. We need to approach God with child like trust that He will indeed work all things out for the good of those who love Him. We must come to know God as our ultimate Comforter. Pain, handled properly, becomes a great teacher, motivator and connector. As a teacher, pain tells us "what not to do". It can show us areas of life that are not working for us, leading us to repentance in our thoughts and changes in behavior. Pain also makes us aware of the consequences of living in a fallen world - revealing a holy discontent that should call us to intercede and oftentimes, to forgive. Ironically, our areas of greatest pain can become the soil for our deepest ministry. Consider 2 Cor. 1:3-4 "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us" (NLT). Pain is a great motivator for change. In fact, it is said that we won't change until it becomes too painful to stay the same. If you are experiencing the same difficulties repeatedly, it is a good indicator that something within your belief system and corresponding behavior is in need of change. Finally, common pain connects us to others. We feel and carry one another's burdens. Pain can join whole communities. It can bring multitudes of people from various walks of life together to promote a similar cause. It is in this context of relationships that many move forward in the healing process. |
Positive Responses to Pain
Instead of denying it, stuffing it or avoiding it - face pain head on. Discover how you feel. Process what is causing that feeling and identify the underlying belief. Repent of any belief that does not line up with biblical truth. Seek God for healing and do not be ashamed to seek additional help in the healing process. Forgive those who have wounded you. Choose to walk in love even though it hurts. Apply the wisdom of giving thanks and praise, even during difficult seasons. Finally, look for ways to serve others even in the midst of your brokenness. |
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The key to growth is to learn how to benefit from pain. We only benefit when we respond to it in a healthy manner. If we choose to blame others, live in offense, wallow in self-pity, or build walls of self-protection, we will fail to use the "fertilizer" to our advantage.
Give yourself permission to hurt, but learn not to stay there. We can help you if you feel stuck. Contact us today. |
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