The purpose of pain.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Have you ever wondered along with me why bad things happen to good people and vice versa? There seems to be an unbalanced scale sometimes when it comes to the pain that we experience in this life, and when we find ourselves dealing with what we presume is undeserved pain, we ask God why. Even if we aren’t among those who demand that God give us reason for our pain, we all probably find ourselves desperately confused, simply not understanding what the purpose of our pain could be.

This is why I love God’s Word. Did you know that the Bible speaks to this very issue? Did you know that Scripture is relevant for our modern day crises just as much as it was the day it was written? God informs us numerous times throughout His Word why He allows us to experience pain in this life. Other passages in Scripture get more specific in detail as to why we experience trial and hardship. James tells us that it produces perseverance in us that leads us to maturity in Christ. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 12 that when we’re weak, Christ power and strength is made known in and through us. Our verse from Romans 8 today informs us further of the purpose of pain:

All things work together for good for those who love God.

Notice in Romans 8:28 that there is a disclaimer included as to whom is the recipient of God’s goodness here. Not all things for all people, but rather all things for those who love Him. If you are in Christ, if you’ve given your life to Jesus by faith and accepted the free gift of salvation by His grace, you fall among those who are recipients of this promise. It’s a selective group of people. What God is telling us here is that if you love Him, He promises to work all things out for your good.

We can find tremendous comfort within this one verse because it speaks to the character of our God. He never haphazardly drops a handful of problems from the sky allowing them to fall randomly into people’s lives. He is purposeful in His love for us. He is intentional, even in our trials. There is no pain without a purpose if you are in Christ. Every trial, every difficulty, every pain first went through the loving hands of God before it ever touched your life. He appoints seasons of adversity for His children because He knows that as He works it out for the good, it will result in being for our good. That is how God works. There is always purpose in our pain, and that purpose is to make us more like Jesus Christ, which results in bringing Him glory. Our good, and His glory. There is purpose in pain. Find yours in Christ.