Purpose in Our Pain

We are God’s witnesses, and during times of crisis we are being watched. People wonder if we will walk our talk. Even the simple act of clinging to Jesus during painful moments of our lives has eternal impact on those around us. When we see God’s faithfulness to others, we trust that He will also be there in our times of sorrow and suffering.

Jesus gives the key to our life purpose in the two greatest commandments. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22: 37-39) Times of crisis are intense times that often stop the flurry of life’s activity and make us focus on what is really important – the eternal bond of love. Each morning we ask God to lead our day in love, and each night we reflect. Did I bless someone else today despite my own pain? Was there purpose in this day other than survival? Did I walk closer with my God? Did I offer a cup of water to anyone in the name of Jesus? How might my current condition be of use to the kingdom? How might I best glorify God even in this difficult situation? God has a purpose for us in every hardship we face, and we want to fulfill that purpose. Instead of focusing on our pain, we focus on God’s purpose in our pain.

Leaping the Wall