As I sit here on the bed reminiscing on a dear friend (who was like a brother) recently transitioned, I find myself soaked in the pain of life (betrayal, mistreated, agony, lied on, loss of love ones, etc.). The pain that is never desired. In fact, the pain gets so overwhelming at times, I feel like throwing in the towel.
So much pain surrounds me. I feel trapped and there is no escape. The instruments of pain constantly play a rhythm I do not crave to hear. The soundtrack is undesirable. And yet, I find myself confined to a painful concert and I’m the only one in attendance. LORD HAVE MERCY!
I guess you may say, “Suck it up!” or inquire, “Where is your faith?” The fact is, I do believe. However, there are times my faith is delicate and not at a standard it should be. The reality of life has a way of dictating our demeanor. Honestly, we are humans; therefore, reality states a strong case for our behavior one way or another. The pain of life is an emotional roller coaster ride with twists, turns, high and low points.
Consider this, even Jesus at one point hit an emotional moment. Yes! When the time had come for Him to turn Himself over to the enemy to fulfill His mission for our sins. The Word states, “And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:39-44 KJV). Jesus conveyed His emotions to God. Jesus disclosed His dread of the coming trial. However, He also reaffirmed His commitment to do what His Father wanted. The cup He spoke of meant the extreme agony He knew He would encounter – not only the terror of the crucifixion but, even worse, the separation from God. This He would have to experience. Jesus knew the mission had to be fulfilled. Furthermore, He knew the outcome. He wins. He didn’t give up or give in.
The pain of life exists; however, I continue to remind myself, the great news is, God can remove the pain if we turn it over to Him. We are weak but with God, we are strong. The Word states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). Psalms is stating to put our confidence in God to deliver, not-self. Therefore, when the pain of life appears to be immobile, remember, God is present and He is ready to assist in a MIGHTY way. He is not merely a temporary fix; He is our eternal refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance. Ultimate victory is certain if we only put our trust in God.
When pain arrives, I have learned to turn it over to God. I have a right to turn my pain over to God and allow Him to bring peace. Let go and let God!
Pastor McCurdy and Sis. Isabella thank you both for your comments. I concur with you both. I’ve witnessed a lot and I’ve gone through a lot and I’m certain there are more challenges in position to test my walk with Christ. However, I/we can do all things through Christ who will supply us strength to do so. Blessings!!!
Amen to that!!! Pain is real. But it is never useless, it is an opportunity to cry out to God and to restore His Peace in us. We just need to change our focus.We have to choose not to wallow in our pain and shift our focus on God. He understands our pain and wants to heal us and give us peace!
Well written. An actual experience from someone who knows God. Who has been there before. Life. And who again is able, above all the noise, to declare, that he has the child’s right to call on Him and to have an answer. An answer. The answer.
Thank you Pastor McCurdy for your response. Yes, I’ve seen a lot and I’ve gone through some challenges in life. And I’m certain there are more challenges in position. But yet, I hold on… “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). What I have discovered is that the road may get bumpy but God will level it out. Blessings, Bro!
Min. Dawson