The Purpose behind the Pain

The Purpose behind the Pain

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10 KJV

Today's generation has been fed on the wrong doctrine. We are being taught that God does not allow pain and trouble, because he is a good God. He has taken away all our issues, paid the price for our sins, and guaranteed us a life of ease and peace. Whilst the above is very true, that is not the whole picture.  The legitimate punishment for our sins has been taken up by Christ when he died, so that we do not bear the punishment again. He became a curse for us, so we could enjoy the fullness of the blessings that only God can give. He is our peace, the One who has broken down every wall of hostility and separation between us and God. These are just a few of what we have in Him.

What has not been talked about much is the effect of all that Christ has done. Did he do all that so we could live carelessly and without purpose or direction? Did he do all that so we could simply sit down, watch the world go to pieces, and then take up our rewards at the end of our lives? I am sure, just as the Bible points out, that life is more than eating, drinking, sleeping and dying. What is the proof that what I have received is genuine? How do I prove the worth of my faith if it is not tested? How do I appreciate the value of what I have received if it is never tested? That is the message that the world also needs to hear.

While I wait for redemption, there is a need for trials! While I wait for glory, there is room for gore. While I await the crown, the cross must be borne. While I await this riches of heaven, I must endure the rigours of the earth. Eternal glory is the end of our race, but our race will require trials and tribulations. God does not entrust mighty things into the hands of those he has not tested. How then would you measure your growth, development and experience of God if you have never been tried? How would you appreciate the settling, perfection, establishment and strengthening promised by God if you do not endure his lessons?

God is faithful; his strength is available. His power is made perfect in weakness, and his grace is sufficient. Take hold of him today; he will see you to the end and guarantee that you end well. His time of favour is here.