Tag Doing the will of God

Responding to PAIN

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Responding to Pain with Faith: A Biblical Perspective

Pain is an inevitable part of the human experience, whether it stems from physical suffering, emotional turmoil, or spiritual trials. The Bible offers timeless guidance on how to navigate pain with faith, resilience, and trust in God. Four key principles emerge from Scripture to guide believers in responding to pain: never forsaking God, maintaining integrity, acting on God’s will, and praying without ceasing. These principles, rooted in the Word, provide a framework for enduring suffering while remaining anchored in faith.

First, irrespective of our trials, we ought never forsake God, trusting that He never forsakes His people. Deuteronomy 31:6 declares, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” This promise assures us that God’s presence is constant, even in our darkest moments. Similarly, Hebrews 13:5 reinforces this truth: “…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” When pain threatens to overwhelm, these verses remind us that God is our refuge. Clinging to Him, rather than turning away in bitterness, strengthens our faith and provides hope. Pain may obscure our view of God, but His faithfulness remains unwavering, a steady anchor through life’s storms. God is not the source of our pain, but He can use it for our growth (Rom 8:28).

Second, maintaining integrity in the face of pain is essential. Persecution, betrayal, or injustice can tempt us to retaliate or compromise our values, but Scripture teaches us to maintain a higher standard. Romans 12:17-19 instructs, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.” Likewise, 1 Peter 3:9 urges, “Do not repay evil with evil… but with blessing.” Integrity means reflecting God’s character, even when wronged. By refusing to curse our enemies or seek vengeance, we demonstrate trust in God’s justice and exemplify His love. Proverbs 20:22 echoes this: “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.” Integrity in pain glorifies God and guards our hearts against resentment. Christ could have called 12 legions of angels (Matt 26:53; 1Pet 2:23)

Third, acting on God’s will by doing good is a powerful response to suffering. Pain can lead to self-focus, but Scripture calls us to persevere in righteousness. Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” James 4:17 adds, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Doing good (whether through kindness, service, or forgiveness) aligns us with God’s purposes and transforms pain into opportunities for service. By acting in obedience, we reflect Christ’s example, who endured suffering to accomplish God’s redemptive plan.

Finally, prayer is the lifeline of a believer in pain. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands, “Pray continually.” Philippians 4:6 further instructs, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Colossians 4:2 adds, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Prayer connects us to God’s strength, aligns our hearts with His will, and brings peace that surpasses understanding. In pain, persistent prayer becomes a conduit for God’s comfort.

Responding to pain with faith involves trusting God’s presence, upholding integrity, doing good, and praying without ceasing. These biblical principles anchor us in God’s truth, enabling us to endure suffering with hope and purpose. By clinging to Scripture, we find the strength to navigate pain while glorifying God.

agape

Seventh of Seven Musts of Salvation: ENDURE

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The seventh of Seven Musts of Salvation: ENDURE

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you.” [1Peter 4:12]

Life as a Christian is not overly difficult in practice [1John 5:3], but it can be incredibly hard due to the world’s hatred of the teachings of Christ. You know, the stuff about love, kindness, and honesty.

We don’t often talk about it as one of the parts of going to heaven, but the scriptures do. It makes sense. The Christian needs endurance (patience in the KJV) lest they turn away from walking in Christ. [Mark 4:17]

Let us examine how to ENDURE.

#7, we must ENDURE until the end:

All quotations are from the ASV or KJV

1] “Mt 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

2] “Mt 24:13 But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13

3] Mr 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” Mark 13:13

4] “Heb 3:6 but Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end.” Hebrews 3:6

5] “for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:” Hebrews 3:14

6] “And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end: 12 that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11

7] “And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations:” Revelations 2:26

The above verses are just seven of several about endurance. There are examples of endurance [Job] and passages about developing endurance. Then there are passages warning about failing to endure.

The conclusion; we must endure, hardships, persecutions, hatred, unfairness, etc. etc. The good new is this, when we endure God will reward us and it will be worth it!  “He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.” [Rev 3:21]

6 Lessons to help us to…

ENDURE? 2Peter 1:6

The best… EXAMPLE of endurance is JOB.

James 5:11 Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful. [Read Job chapters 1 & 2]

The scriptures are teaching us to… NEVER give up during difficult times.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. [Php 3:13-14; 2Cor 11:22-33]

When going through tough times keep… DOING the Will of God.

Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Endurance is built when we… UNDERGO trials or temptations.

James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. [cr. 1Cor 10:13]

Since there are so many examples of endurance in Hebrews 11, let us… RUN with patience.

Hebrews 12:1-2 lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

IF we will ENDURE unto the end… ETERNAL LIFE awaits us.

Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

Spencer