Pain handled in God’s way produces a turning from sin to God which leads to salvation, and there is nothing to regret in that! But pain handled in the world’s way produces only death. (2 Corinthians 7:10 CJB) 

There is no one on this earth who hasn’t felt, caused, or incited pain. No one is immune to it. Pain comes in many ways and, if handled the wrong way, it can be detrimental to our lives. The pain of losing a loved one, of failing a test, of failing someone you love, of the body, of emotion, of mental pain, of separation – the list can go on and on. In fact, you already know which pains you’re dealing with right now. If pain is so inevitable, then are we destined to live life under constant dejection and sadness? When we approach our pain incorrectly, this can certainly be the case. But, if we handle pain in God’s way we can and will overcome the hurt.  

How are you handling your pain?  

As we see in the verse above, there are two ways to handle pain: God’s way, and the world’s way. The world’s way involves anything that does not begin and end with God. The world offers so many “solutions” to handle pain by offering substitutes. We see people struggle with substitutes such as drugs, food, TV, sex, the internet, shopping, drinking, toxic relationships, etc. In short, the world will tell you that whatever “works” for you is right for you. However, death lies behind these deceptive suggestions. A life devoid of trust in Jesus, replaced with our own coping mechanisms and strength, can only lead to death. 

God’s way of handling pain completely rejects the world’s strategies for dealing with pain. God’s way calls us to turn away from sin (an independent life lacking trust in Jesus) and trust God for deliverance through and from the pain. The source, origin, or meaning of the pain is not the focus here, the focus is the relief from the pain. The only true and pure relief is Jesus Christ. When we look to God in all things, we can agree with the words of the verse below as we shout for victory: 

“Furthermore, we (“I”) know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose;” (Romans 8:28 CJB) 

As we are going through pain, we can pray with confidence knowing that “in all these things” we are super conquerors, (more than conquerors) through the one who has loved us” (Romans 8:37 CJB). This, my friend, is our new reality. Those of us who are a New Creation in Jesus have a new way of dealing with pain. It is seeing God in and through all things. The pain becomes a reason for me to rest more in the fact that I am His and He is mine and that God will give me the strength to handle anything through Jesus.  

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ)!” 1 Corinthians 15:57 CJB 

How are you handling your pain?