A WORD TO THE HURTING

"Jesus wept." - John 11:35

Last week, I wrote to believers about ministering to hurting people.  This week, I want to write specifically to those who are hurting. 

Let me begin by admitting that I don't know the degree of pain you are bearing right now.  I have no intention of offering empty clichés that do little to help you with your suffering.  Furthermore, I am not offering easy solutions to your problems.  In fact, let me be very candid.  Life is not easy and life is not always fair.  That may not be the "positive" talk you wish to hear, but it is an honest statement.

I don't recommend myself as one that has suffered like Job.  In fact, my life has been rather pain-free (with a few exceptions) compared to many.  Instead, I want to lovingly share just a few thoughts with you. 

1.  GOD KNOWS YOUR PAIN

Whether you are suffering physical, emotional, mental, relational, financial or spiritual pain (or a combination), there is Someone who knows what you are going through.  Others may be oblivious to your pain, but God is not.  God knows the times you cried yourself to sleep.  He knows the cause of your pain.  Although you may not feel comfortable sharing your pain with others, God is acutely aware of your suffering.  Also, He knows the degree of your hurt.  Others may minimize the extent of your pain, but God does not. 

2.  GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR PAIN

You may not feel it at times, but God cares about your pain.  You see, God cares for you.  If you are a believer, you are His child.  He cares about the things that affect your life.  In John 11:35, the shortest verse of the Bible says, "Jesus wept."  He cared about the pain that Mary and Martha were experiencing with the death of their brother.  Do you know He cares about your pain with the same kind of compassion?

3.  PAIN HAS A PURPOSE

Many times, God supernaturally removes pain from our lives.  We should never forget these moments and we should always give Him praise for His deliverance.  Yet it really bothers us when He permits pain to enter our lives --- and the pain remains.  Have you ever asked God, "Why?"  More than likely, you have.  In fact, you may be asking Him that question right now.  There are times that God permits us to know the reason for our pain.  When Paul suffered from "a thorn in the flesh," he was permitted to know the reason for his pain.  However, there are painful situations that we endure without knowing the reason.  Many wonderful saints have lived and died without knowing the purpose for heartbreaking situations.  Yet God knows why you must suffer at times.  His refusal to inform you of the reason does not diminish the truth that God is in control.  Situations may shock you.  Painful circumstances may invade your life.  Yet God is still in control.  The situation did not surprise Him.  He is not in the dark about the reason for your pain. 

4.  YOU CAN TRUST GOD WITH YOUR PAIN

Be assured of this fact, you can trust God with your pain --- even if He never reveals the purpose for it.  You can trust God with your suffering even if He does not remove the pain from your life.  We find no Biblical record that God ever informed Job about the reason for his suffering.  However, Job finally realized that he should have trusted God more through the experience.

5.  FIND LOVING PEOPLE TO HELP YOU

No, I'm not recommending that you join a commune.  Instead, I recommend that you find a good church or Christian small group that you can relate with.  It is important to have wonderful Christian friends who care for you, support you and pray for you.

6.  OTHERS NEED YOU

You may be surprised to find that you're not suffering alone.  Others need your experience, advice and help.  By helping others, you may find yourself being helped. 

7.  NEVER GIVE UP

I want to encourage you to keep trusting God, keep praying, and keep living right.  I am not promising you physical healing, a restore marriage or a financial miracle.  Instead, I want to remind you of Paul's stirring words, "...let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."  (Galatians 6:9).  Even if your suffering is part of a terminal illness, never give up until you're taken up. 

Let me close with the words of Annie Johnson Flint: 

                        "God hath not promised skies always blue,

                        Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;

                        God hath not promised sun without rain,

                        Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

                       

                        But God hath promised strength for the day,

                        Rest for the labor, light for the way,

                        Grace for the trials, help from above,

                        Unfailing sympathy, undying love."