Carol Swenson
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The Handbook of Bible Application
PAIN (Agony, Hurt, Suffering)
Can pain serve any purpose in this world?
BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 5:1-12
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Then the Lord began to destroy the people of Ashdod and the nearby villages with bubonic plague. When the people realized what was happening, they exclaimed, “We can’t keep the Ark of the God of Israel here any longer. We will all perish along with our god Dagon.” (1 Samuel 5:6-7, tlb)
Sometimes pain is necessary to get our attention.
Although the Philistines had just witnessed a great victory by Israel’s God over their god, Dagon, they didn’t act upon that insight until they were afflicted with bubonic plague. Similarly, today many people don’t respond to biblical truth until they experience pain. Are you willing to listen to God for truth’s sake, or do you turn to him only when you are hurting?
BIBLE READING: Matthew 16:21-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: For anyone who keeps his life for himself shall lose it; and anyone who loses his life for me shall find it again. (Matthew 16:25, tlb)
Sometimes pain tests our commitment.
The possibility of losing their life was very real for the disciples as well as for Jesus. Real discipleship implies real commitment—pledging our whole existence to his service. If we try to save our physical life from death, pain, or discomfort, we may risk losing eternal life. If we protect ourself from pain, we begin to die spiritually and emotionally. Our life turns inward, and we lose our intended purpose. When we give our life in service to Christ, however, we discover the real purpose of living.
BIBLE READING: Hebrews 12:1-13
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2, niv)
Pain is often necessary for growth.
When we face hardship and discouragement, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. But we’re not alone; there is help. Many have already made it through life, enduring far more difficult circumstances than we have experienced. Suffering is the training ground for Christian maturity. It develops our patience and makes our final victory sweet.
BIBLE READING: Matthew 8:14-17
KEY BIBLE VERSE: When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” (Matthew 8:16-17, niv)
Through pain we experience God’s power and grace.
Matthew repeatedly shows Jesus’ kingly nature. Through a single touch, Jesus healed (8:3, 15); when he spoke a single word, evil spirits fled his presence (8:16). Jesus has authority over all evil powers and all earthly disease. He also has power and authority to conquer sin. Sickness and evil are consequences of living in a fallen world. But in the future, when God removes all sin, there will be no more sickness, pain, or death. Jesus’ healing miracles were a taste of what the whole world will one day experience in God’s kingdom.
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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