The value of pain is that it is not only a warning signal but critical to our lives and our ability to reach our full potential. Pain either destroys us or makes us stronger.

Perfection

God created a perfect man in His image, Genesis 1:26. However, God also gave man a free will, just as He gave angels a free will. The most beautiful angel of all allowed the pride of sin to enter his heart, Ezekiel 28:17. Cast out of heaven Satan used half truths to tempt the perfect man into becoming a sinner, Genesis 3, for he is a liar, murderer and thief, John 8:44.

Instead of casting man aside, God continued the plan that was formed in eternity, Revelation 13:8. God lives outside time so where He is, is always now, Hebrews 13:8, therefore He knows the end from the beginning, Isaiah 46:10. He knew what Adam would do before He created him.

Mankind would go through its own kind of hell because of sin, but those who could rise up above it all would become diamonds in God’s economy. They would have a great relationship with I Am That I Am, Exodus 3:14. Better than what the perfect man Adam had in the Garden of Eden. Redeemed man would stand in the perfection God had eternally planned, for what Satan designed for evil, God turned to good, Genesis 50:20.

Cup of Agony

There is no greater Cup of Agony than the agony our Lord and Saviour endured at the Cross, when He died in our place. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, despising the shame, Hebrews 12:2.

God’s Way is paved with pain and agony. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes on Him shall not perish but have eternal life, John 3:15.

God gave man the law, Exodus 20, but it became a burden rather than a way. If the Son had not drank the Cup of Agony, Matthew 26:29, fallen man would not have been given the Way, John 14:6, to eternal fellowship with the Creator. We do not enter the presence of God through works, but by God’s grace and God’s grace alone, Titus 3:5.

Chastise

Pain has a unique purpose and a value. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, Revelation 3:19. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful but sorrowful. Yet, to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness, Hebrews 12:11.

No woman enjoys the pain of childbirth, Genesis 3:16, yet she forgets what went before in the amazing result of that pain. No horse enjoys being forced from a wild free state to becoming a beloved animal that is of great value to its owner. If a piece of carbon had a mind it would loudly object to being placed under extreme pressure and temperature. Yet, the resulting perfect diamond is highly prized and eagerly sought after.

Any who have attained to be great saints of God have undergone pressure that would have crushed lesser people. It is not that they set out to be heroes but have submitted their life under the mighty hand of God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight, Proverbs 3:5,6.

Pain of Fiery Trials

Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, 1 Peter 4:12. Steel only gains its strength and value through the extensive tempering process.

However, we do not go through the fiery trials on our own. When you pass through the waters I will be with you. And through the rivers they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you, Isaiah 43:2. For the battle belongs to the Lord, 2 Chronicles 20:15 and the victory is His, 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Without faith it is impossible to please God, Hebrews 11:6. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1. When the way gets rough we need to keep our eyes on Christ, Colossians 3:1,2, for He alone guarantees our victory.

Full Potential and Value of Pain

Fiery trials are a stamp of ownership, for God desires us to reach our full potential, Isaiah 43:1. Pain deepens empathy, builds resilience, changes your perspective and is designed to lead to personal growth. We are to mature to the measure, or standard, of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ, Ephesians 4:13, so that His will done on earth as it is in heaven, Matthew 6:10.

Nothing comes to us that does not first go through the hand of God, Job 1. All things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purposes, Romans 8:28.

Result of Pain

All truly great hymns or stories are inspired through deep pain. Amazing Grace and Blessed Assurance are just two such hymns that were birthed from intense pain.

They offer comfort and hope that lasted long after they were created. They inspire, edify and spur others to be overcomers. There are eight special promises that are given to overcomers. Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26. 3:5, 12, 21 and 21:7. You cannot attain to these promises unless you are an overcomer.

Value of Pain

The value of pain has an important role for it is a teacher. It is also a warning system that you have an injury or illness that needs dealing with, both naturally and spiritually. If we do not recognize that we are a sinner, how can we be healed? We cannot imagine the depth of Job’s pain as he lost everything he held dear, apart from his wife. That included his family, his wealth and his health.

However, it took a long nine months to alter his perspective. Finally, he said, Therefore, I have declared that which I did not understand. Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You, Job 42:3 ,5.

Job did not carry offence or resentment towards God for what God had permitted, but accepted his new relationship. Oh, that we would all arrive at the place Job finally arrived at. Do not be overwhelmed by pain for God has a perfect and eternal plan.

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Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a freelance writer who enjoys researching a topic and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God.

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