As a race, we tend to be pain adverse. I’ve never heard anyone exclaim, “I can’t wait to suffer!” On the contrary, we often attempt to ignore our pain and lock it up in the recesses of our heart, hoping it’ll never again see the light of day. Unfortunately, all that does is prolong the pain AND the healing process. The truth is, we must feel the pain in order to heal it.
Friend, I don’t know what painful trial you currently face or what you’ve previously walked through, but my prayer is that you will feel the pain in order to heal it. I pray that you will take your pain to God and let him be your Advocate, Defender, Healer, and Comforter. Sometimes for healing to begin, it looks like letting go, surrendering the pain for the healing on the other side.
Let me encourage you:
Let it go . . . the offense.
Let it go . . . the pain.
Let it go . . . the right to be right.
Let it go . . . the argument.
Let it go . . . the dream of what should have been.
Let it go . . . the bitterness.
Let it go . . . the resentment.
Let it go . . . the unforgiveness.
Let it go . . . the desire for revenge.
Let it go . . . the vindication.
Let it go . . . the shame.
Let it go . . . the guilt.
Let it go . . . the regret.
Jesus already paid the price for you to live in freedom. Don’t let the pain hold you hostage anymore. In exchange for your pain, God wants to give you good things because he loves you (see James 1:17), and he has a plan for you filled with hope and a future (see Jer. 29:11). Will you hold his hand and allow yourself to feel it so you can heal it?
Jesus already paid the price for you to live in freedom. Don’t let the pain hold you hostage anymore.
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Heb. 7:25)
Can I pray for you?
A Prayer when Pain and Suffering Seem Too Much To Bear
Father, at times our pain and suffering seem too much to bear. This was never intended to be your way, and yet you always make a way for us to endure. Would you help the one reading these words now carry their pain to you for you to take from them? Help them to acknowledge the pain and then trust in you to heal every wound. Let their scars be a testimony of the healing you provided that will strengthen their fortitude and faith before the next trial descends on the landscape of their life. In Jesus’s name, amen.
*The above is an excerpt from Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson ©2024 Revell Publishers, used with permission.
Most of us try to bury our pain deep inside, but did you know that avoiding it only delays healing? Feeling the pain can lead to true freedom and peace. Read more for how God turns pain into #sacredscars. Share on X Are you holding onto pain, anger, or regret? It’s time to let it go and live in the freedom God promised. Find out how surrendering your hurt can lead to the healing you’ve been waiting for. #sacredscars Share on X
Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise that Your Pain is Not Wasted
Now Available!
We all endure trials, pain, and hardship in this life. Too often we believe these experiences disqualify us from being useful to God. But the truth is, your past pain and brokenness serve as preparation for what God wants to do in and through you – if you will surrender to and trust him.
Just as Jesus’s scars didn’t disappear after his resurrection, our emotional or physical scars tell our story and lend credence to our testimony of God’s love and power. If you are ready to turn your past pain into present comfort and future hope, let Dr. Bengtson be your compassionate guide.
Find out more and order here: Sacred Scars
This is so good! I was sharing with a friend today who lost her pet cat and is going through grief as this cat was very special to her and her family. I told her not to stop the grief but to let the tears flow and to feel the sadness but just also go on and remember the good times and fun times you had with him. She was feeling shame for still grieving and I told her that that is just the enemy wanting to cause shame. We all grieve differently but we must as you so wonderfully put, we must feel it to heal it. Yes, I am going through that on my grief journey so feel the pain, it is real. You have given such precious testimonies of the pain you endure and always give to the Lord for you must feel it whether the physical, emotional, mental or spiritual pain so that healing will come. God loves us so much that He has made a way for us to heal and be free. Thank you for your encouragement, love, compassion and the testimonies you give from your own pain. You have helped me so much!