30 Possible Purposes of Your Pain

Why Lord?

In last week’s newsletter, I said that suffering is “The Most Common Reason People Reject Christianity (Probably).” We rest on the promise of Scripture “that for those who love God all things work together for good” (Ro. 8:28), but let’s face it. Most of the time it’s hard to see what possible good could come of the pain we are currently experiencing.

A few years ago I preached a series on the book of Job, and in the process produced a list of Thirty Possible Purposes of Your Pain. A friend of mine recently asked me for that list and I thought you might benefit from it as well.

But let me be clear. God never promises specific answers to our hard questions about pain. But he does promise his presence. He will never leave you in your pain alone. Still, God is not obligated to explain himself to us. Yet in kindness, throughout Scripture he pulls back the curtain to show us what he is doing behind the scenes. It’s dangerous to examine the pain of other people and think you know the reason behind it. To do so is presumptuous. But God is most likely doing a lot of redemptive things in your pain you can’t understand now. The pain may be physical, relational, financial, or emotional, but these are just a few examples of what the purposes might be. The list is not exhaustive. You might think of 30 more Biblical purposes of pain besides the ones listed here.

1. Pain warns us that something is wrong, and we must act, instead of seeking false comfort in the illusion that all is well. If you’re not aware of a problem, you won’t seek a solution. The problem is sin, the solution is Jesus.

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come…(John 16:21).

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies. He says to himself, “Nothing will shake me; I’ll always be happy and never have trouble” (Psalm 10:2-6).

Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again (Psalm 78:34).

2. Pain can purge us of sin in ways that result in God’s glory and our good. The refining process is unpleasant.

See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another (Isa. 48:10–11).

3. Pain reminds us that there is no injustice with God, that no pain is undeserved, and that every pleasure is a gift. Instead of asking, “Why do so many bad things happen to me?”, we should be asking, “Why do so many good things happen to me?”

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

“None is righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10)

4. Pain as the consequence of sin can lead us to hate sin in ways we would not otherwise.

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)

And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! (Luke 15:16–17).

5. Pain can provide the occasion for God to display his power and glory.

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life (John 9:3).

6. Pain compels us to contemplate the uncertainty and brevity of life in view of future judgment.

Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:2-5).

7. Pain can be God’s loving discipline to help us by hurting us.

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in (Proverbs 3:11–12).

“When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray towards this place and confess your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land …(2 Chronicles 6:26–27).

8. Pain is sometimes the just punishment of egregious sinners by a holy God.

They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died (Acts 12:22–23).

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness… (Romans 1:18)

9. Pain is the only way to become like Christ.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21).

10. Pain is sometimes used as corrective discipline of a child of God for specific sin. It is designed to lead you to repentance.

You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways (Revelation 2:20).

For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died (1 Corinthians 11:29–30).

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while--yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death (2 Cor. 7:8–10).

11. Pain is sometimes used as formative discipline of a child of God to build endurance. It is designed to form you into a spiritual athlete.

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. … No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees! (Heb. 12:5–12).

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2–4).

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3–4).

12. Pain is sometimes used as preventative discipline of a child of God. It is designed to prevent you from becoming proud and more likely to fall to temptation in the future.

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me (2 Corinthians 12:7).

13. Pain can keep us humble and aware of our dependence on God. Constant success can nurture a dangerous independence.

When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me (Hosea 13:6).

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead (1 Cor. 1:9).

I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ (Luke 15:19).

14. Pain motivates us to pray more. The less we feel our dependence on God, the less we seek his help.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD; I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him (Psalm 142:1–2).

15. Pain brings believers closer together in fellowship. The closest friendships are forged in the fire of adversity.

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God (1 Tim. 1:8).

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 5:2).

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it (1 Cor. 12:26).

16. Pain can motivate us to move to another physical location where God wants to use us in ways we don’t yet understand.

And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria… Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went (Acts 8:1,4).

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20).

17. Pain can open new fields for the Great Commission.

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord (Acts 11:19–21).

18. Pain can unite Christians in different parts of the world in a ways that break down national, ethnic, and cultural barriers.

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints (2 Corinthians 8:1-4).

19. Pain can purify our motives in seeking God. If we only follow Christ when it’s easy, are we really following him?

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23).

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good (1 Peter 4:19).

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit (1 Th.1:6).

20. Pain increases the credibility of our testimony for Christ. Would you believe in the resurrection of Jesus if the eyewitnesses had not maintained their testimony in the face of unspeakable suffering?

And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am (2 Timothy 1:11–12).

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:8-1-).

“…unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’” (Acts 24:21).

We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition (1 Thess. 2:2).

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked (2 Cor. 11:24–27).

Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering (2 Thess. 1:4–5).

21. Pain equips us to be more effective, understanding, and compassionate as we minister to people in pain.

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18).

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Cor. 1:3–4).

22. Pain often prepares us for a specific ministry in the future. Your unique suffering equips you for unique service.

If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer (2 Cor. 1:6).

23. Pain can take us to a level of intimacy with God that could not be otherwise experienced.

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death (Philippians 3:8-10).

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name…So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good (1 Peter 4:16,19)

24. Pain reminds us that this world is not our home and makes us homesick for heaven.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there…(Philippians 3:20).

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently (Romans 8:23–25).

25. Pain now is probably sparing us from greater pain later. Ten thousand years from now, we will still be thankful for the lesser pain.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Cor. 4:17)

26. The pain of losing what we once had makes us more grateful for what we now have. Our gratitude for God’s gifts grows after recently being deprived of them.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever…They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (Psalm 107:1,5,6).

27. Pain born of sin exposes the worthless idols in our heart. Our idols always overpromise and underdeliver.

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water…. Have you not brought this on yourselves by forsaking the Lord your God when he led you in the way? (Jeremiah 2:13,17).

28. Pain reminds us that God is in control, and we are not. He gives and takes without consulting us, and he is still worthy of my worship.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21).

Though he slay me, I will hope in him (Job 13:15).

29. Because pain can alter our itinerary and change our plans so we can bear witness to people who have not heard the gospel.

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ (Philippians 1:12–14).

No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize (1 Cor. 9:27).

After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta…. Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. (Acts 28:1,7).

30. Because pain provides an opportunity to follow Christ’s example and bear witness to those who inflict pain on us.

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments (Luke 23:34).

And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God! (Mark 15:39).

“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. (Luke 21:12–13)

[It’s August, which means it’s time to check on tree stands and start preparing for the fall hunting season. Last week I found that the spring tornadoes left the tree and my stand in a twisted wreck. It’s a small setback and I’ll quickly recover from this minor pain, but it's symbolic of the unwanted, unwelcome, unpleasant, unplanned circumstances that often come into our lives that prompt us to ask, Why Lord? A parent may explain to a pre-schooler the medical reason for a shot, but the preschooler wouldn’t understand and it doesn’t stop the tears. Likewise, even if God explained the purpose of your pain to you, you probably wouldn’t understand. However, just as the child eventually matures and comprehends the bigger picture, someday for us, it will all make sense.]