Pain and Suffering Are Universal

God did not create his children for pain, but to walk in a relationship with him. Yet since the wayward behavior of Adam and Eve, pain has been a universal experience. The suffering of some may be more intense or require greater perseverance, but all will experience pain of some kind in their life. God uses affliction, pain, and suffering in our lives to refine us, and mature us to better reflect him, like a loving father does with his beloved children.

“And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.’

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Heb. 12:5-8 NIV).

The writer of Hebrews, in fact, indicates to not have afflictions or pain and suffering in our life is to not have the admonition of God, meaning that we are not his child. I’ve had friends and acquaintances who I think of as “pre-believers” because they have not yet discovered their need for a saving relationship with Jesus, and I’ve considered that their life has appeared easy, without any major trials, hurts, or pain. Considering this passage in Hebrews, I would rather have my pain than their ease.

During my most painful trials, I’ve grown impatient and discouraged, at times despising the pain and longing for its end. Yet, God’s Word encourages us not to despise it or become discouraged by it. This is a tall order, but God never commands anything he won’t help us accomplish if we seek him. He encourages us “…be patient, suffering is for our benefit, there is a “harvest of righteousness & peace” to those who endure” (Heb. 12:9-11 NIV).

Friend, if you are in pain’s fiery furnace, please take comfort knowing that you aren’t alone. We will all experience painful trials, but God is with you in the fire.

Friend, if you are experiencing physical, emotional, relational, financial, or spiritual pain, grief or loss, can I encourage you to pick up a copy of my book The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms. I wrote it in the crucible of pain, with you in mind. In it, I address the common thoughts and questions of pain sufferers, I openly and authentically share about my own painful journey, and I encourage you to hold on to your trust in God while waiting for your healing.

Adapted from The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Copyright 2023. Used by permission.

The Hem of His Garment

Now Available!

We all experience pain from time to time, and not just physical pain, but also emotional pain, relational pain, spiritual pain, grief and loss.

I’ve been there. I’ve experienced each one of those types of pain. I’ve asked the hard questions. I’ve searched the scriptures for biblical examples and lessons learned through pain and suffering. And I’m sharing a fresh perspective in my new book “The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms.”

Here’s what Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, Physician, bestselling author, and host of the I Choose My Best Life podcast, had to say about The Hem of His Garment: “Honest and transparent. Dr. Michelle Bengtson gives the reader permission to ask hard questions and practical guidance on how to seek God during times when you feel the most wounded. A beautiful gift for every person living with pain.”

The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook.com, Books-A-Million, and other fine book retailers.

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