Purpose out of Pain

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

 

 

We have no problem recognizing our triumphs as tools in the hands of God, but what about the trauma’s, disappointments, and failures? How does God use pain to help us find his purpose?

 

I recently stumbled across a wonderfully written article in Christianity Today, which provided real-life accounts of refugee Ukrainians affected by the Eastern-European conflict.  Specifically Christian families that fled Ukraine for safety and had sadly discovered that “Ukraine followed”. Meaning, though they were no longer in war territory, the heartache and despair associated with their experience had never left them.  

 

Instead of drowning in their misery, they began to search for ways they can be a hand to their fellow countrymen who have also taken the journey to safety.  One such happen to be part of a global anti-human trafficking organization by profession.  Though a victim herself, she quickly recognized the danger signs and vulnerability of the fleeing refugees.  Instead of solely focusing on preserving herself and her children, she immersed herself to a cause she strongly recognized has been divinely appointed for her.  I was born “For such a time as this!”, she delightedly exclaimed. 

 

It was here, in the mist of something so tragic that she had discovered her purpose.  

 

I am convinced that the distresses we encounter on our journey here on earth are often divinely designed vehicles, that transport us to our God ordained purpose and destiny.  

 

Finding purpose is what the human soul craves.  

 

…an idle soul shall suffer hunger. (Pr. 19:15 KJV)

 

The Oxford definition of idle is “without purpose or effect”.  Now obviously the word hunger used here is not a food-kind of hunger.  Biblically, hunger is often used to describe: lack of satisfaction of the soul.  

 

Oftentimes it takes perplexity and pain for us to recognize his greater purpose over our own. 

Job 33:14 states that…

For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. (NLT)

 

so that…

he may withdraw man from his purpose…(KJV)

 

Therefore…

is also disciplined with pain on his bed, And with unceasing complaint in his bones,…(AB)

 

So that man will discover God’s purpose for him.  

 

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

-C. S. Lewis

 

 

"I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do."

-Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom

 

 

 

 

Supporting Texts

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,… (Je 29:11 BSB)