Early 2015, the Washington Post published an article that reinforced this notion: it is human nature to believe that our difficulties carry extra meaning, that they are not in vain.The article went on to say that we want our pain to make sense, to somehow be edifying. The French philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, has been noted to have said "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". But let's be honest, pain hurts! In reality, the strength that you could gain as the result of pain only comes if you make a decision to see your pain as a journey instead of a destination.
Don't get me wrong, there are people that are living with pain that is beyond their control, but that’s not what we are talking about. What I’m referencing is the pain that comes from trauma or a catastrophic event that is life changing, but yet healing is possible.
So, let's go back to the decision that I mentioned earlier. Your survival during difficult or challenging times is the first clue that God has a purpose and plan for your life that is bigger than you. His plan is not contained to what we see. Your purpose was etched into the footprint of your life before conception. He knows what you were made for, and He knows how your life can be a testimony for others. So live. Live in such a way that others see a difference. Love unconditionally. Laugh often.
And believe me I know it's not easy, but no one promised it would be easy. Allow God to come into your deepest pain. Get up off the pavement and position yourself for the blessing. We are blessed to be a blessing. There is a purpose in your pain. Get up and walk.
Father God, thank You for how You have wonderfully knit us together, and planted a purpose that is greater than us and deeper than our imagination. Allow us not to be stuck in our own minds, and surrender to Your Will. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Let our eyes see Your Glory. And, may the Holy Spirit be the small, still voice that guides us. In Your Name we pray. Amen.
