Finding purpose in our pain

Since the beginning of time, no one’s been immune to unexpected tragedy, heartache, fear, loss and pain.  No one. 

The children of Israel were forced to escape into a dry, lonely, scary, unknown wilderness. 

Job lost his family, home, business and possessions – all he held dear – in a single day.  

Mary and Martha suffered heartbreaking pain losing their brother Lazarus to illness.

Christ endured a tragic, inhumane, unfathomable crucifixion and death.

Yet is here in their suffering we witness a startling, powerful truth.  

Without these moments there would be no miracle.  

The children of Israel had to wander into the wilderness before rejoicing in the Promised Land.  

Job had to experience loss of all before God showered him with a “latter blessing.”   Job 41:12

Lazarus had to endure three days in death before Christ could speak life into him again and set him free for all to see.  

Christ had to suffer crucifixion before He could be resurrected and usher in the precious gift of eternal life.  

Seasons of loss, loneliness, and discouragement are inevitable. 

But without them how would we ever experience the power and love of God?  

How would we recognize and appreciate miracles if we never experience them? 

Troubling times are front row seats to witness our amazing God show up and show off on our behalf.    

Wilderness travels are opportunities for Him to empower us with His strength and remind us of our daily reliance and dependence on Him.  

The woman in adultery, the woman suffering with a blood issue, the woman who has lost her only son, the woman at the well – each a daughter of God walking different roads not realizing then her pain would be the platform for her miracle.   

I don’t know where you are in your life, what season you are in, what storms you are walking through or what pain you are enduring.  

But I do know God knows.  

And as I am often reminded, our setbacks are set ups for Him to showcase His miracle working powers, His compassion, grace, mercy and love!  

It turns out those moments of our misery are actually critical to our miracle. 

Sandra Hubbard

“For the eyes of the Lord behold all the earth, and give strength to those who with a perfect heart trust in Him. . . ” 2 Chron 16:9 DRA