Purpose in Your Pain 12.4.24

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”

James 1:2-4

I can’t think of a single time where I have enjoyed going through trials and painful times while they were happening. It can be hard to see the good when we’re in the midst of a storm, as we’re solely focused on trying to stay standing while the gusty blows of life hit us from every angle. We begin to wonder if the rain will ever cease. But in the midst of these life storms is when God works on building and molding us and our character into who He has called us to be.

God will never allow our pain to be wasted.

He turns our pain into our purpose and our trials into our testimonies.

If it weren’t for the storms of life we’d never get to enjoy the rainbows life has to offer.

Everyone’s storms and rainbows look vastly different - some are harder than others and some may have outcomes that were not anticipated. I’m going to share a couple of mine that I feel have impacted me the most. Perhaps they resonate with you or maybe they don’t. As you read today’s devotional take a moment to reflect back on a storm you’ve gone through and the rainbow that came after. If you find yourself in the midst of a storm, I am praying diligently for you (yes, you!) 

*The Storm: Going through a divorce taught me that when life seems so uncertain and when the things we thought were supposed to work out a specific way, don’t…that it's okay. There were times I felt like I was navigating this world completely alone, without a life partner to lean on. Thinking back I remember how alone and worried I felt. Many nights crying myself to sleep praying that God would send us someone who would love us as the package deal Berkli and I were. In all the uncertainties throughout this season I realized I wasn't ever truly alone. We can wholeheartedly put our faith and trust in Jesus to guide us and lead us through life, no matter what. When I hit rock bottom during this season of my life, that's when I realized that God is my rock at the bottom and there is no better foundation to build my life upon.

*The Rainbow: Nine years later, God has blessed me with my wonderful husband, Nick, who loves me for me and loves my daughter, Berkli, like his own! Sometimes I have to stop and take a step back and simply realize that I am living the life I once prayed so hard for. 

The Storm: Finishing college as a single mom while working taught me to lean on Jesus for strength when I had none.*Celine Dion’s song “Because You Loved Me” came to mind, and yes, I am currently listening to it as I type - give it a listen but from the aspect that it’s God instead of a man.* So many days I wanted to quit school and just work because I was missing out on so much of my daughter's childhood. I felt absolutely robbed of that precious time in her life. I wasn’t able to be home at night to tuck her in and read her a bedtime story. I was at work before she was up and getting ready for school. My parents were such a tremendous help! They helped her with her homework and got to spend the mornings and afternoons with her. For that I’m forever grateful, but so very sad that I missed out on so many of those moments.

*The Rainbow: In 2018 I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree and now have the opportunity to homeschool my daughter, who is now 14. I work full time in Real Estate and have a more flexible schedule…which means I get to spend every day with her. She even comes along with me for work related activities! I will forever cherish these days that I get to spend this time with her!

We can either weather our storms and let God have the glory…or we can allow these storms to harden our hearts. I pray for peace and a sense of calm over you today so that when you look back at your own storms, you may see how God was working in and through your life, even if the outcome may not have been what you had anticipated.

Through the midst of all of our storms, trials and sufferings, the Bible reminds us that we are not alone. Jesus, too, suffered and experienced pain and trials of all sorts. When we bring our hurts to Him, He knows and oh, does He understand! So whatever the storm you’re facing or whatever storm is coming, know you can weather it with Jesus as your rock.  

Reflect

Write down the storm you’ve weathered and the rainbow you’ve experienced.

The Storm:

The Rainbow:

Or, if you’re currently weathering a storm, take an extra moment to mediate and spend time in prayer with God. He hears you and He cares about YOU! No storm is too big for Him.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father…You already know my heart and my thoughts, so I’ll be honest. I don’t love the storms of life. But I am so grateful that they serve a higher purpose that exceeds my understanding and that you stand in the midst of them with me.

Thank You for not allowing me to experience these seasons alone.

Please help me to know that these storms help mold me into the Woman of God You are calling me to be and that my rainbow is coming. Thank you for weathering these storms with me. Please help cover my sad, broken, overwhelmed and anxious heart and mind with only a peace and calmness that You can give. Thank you for being my rock and firm foundation no matter what storm may come. 

In Jesus Mighty Name I pray.

Amen. 

Key Bible Verses

1 Peter 1:6-7 | 1 Peter 2:19 | 1 Peter 4:12-14

James 1:12

Hebrews 2:18 | Hebrews 4:15-16 | Hebrews 6:14 | Hebrews 6:19

2 Corinthians 1:3-8 | 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Romans 8:18 | Romans 8:26