Sometimes…pain is all we can see.
Then, its memory passes as we enjoy the blessings of God. But it’s only for a moment. Before we know it, our lives come in contact with more pain – stronger, more intense than before.
The goodness of God never changes, but our life is often a series of changing circumstances.
Sickness. Death. Accidents. Disappointments. Crushed expectations.
If we’re honest, sometimes trusting God is the last thing on our mind. We want answers…fast answers.
My Present Pain
Just a few days ago, one of my pastors was on vacation, swimming in the ocean when he was hit by a wave and knocked unconscious. He was found shortly after without a pulse. After CPR, his pulse revived and he was life flighted to a local hospital.
After a week and a half, Pastor Bruce went to be with Jesus.
Such shocking news.
This is the sort of thing you’re never prepared for.
It hurts. It doesn’t feel right.
It’s difficult to go about life as usual.
Your Present Pain
Maybe your pain isn’t this severe. But you experience pain, nonetheless.
It’s tempting to stop trusting God in times like this. You wonder why. You’re confused, disillusioned, angry.
It creates a holy hush over your life as you stop and consider what this life is really all about.
I don’t know about you, but I stop coddling my toys for a moment and am carried back to the place where life has its fullest meaning – the cross of Jesus.
At the cross, God showed He was with us.
At the cross, God showed His true love.
At the cross, God carried our sin.
At the cross, God bore our pain.
At the cross, God gave us His Son.
Oh the wonderful, glorious, cross.
Pastor Bruce Edwards is a man who has encountered the cross. It’s rare for a few minutes to pass without Him speaking a prophetic word over your life. It’s rare for a moment to pass without Him shouting God’s praise. Literally.
If Bruce could speak right now, that’s what he’d tell us to do. To praise God. To never stop trusting, believing, hoping, and worshiping.
Today, I want you to know that God is present. Your pain doesn’t signify His abandonment. It only signifies that you qualify for deeper revelation. And a greater opportunity for God to show His greatness, His power, His healing.
Never stop trusting. Know that He is near.
And if you would, please pray for Pastor Bruce Edwards.
Question: What present pain are you experiencing and what are you learning about God through it? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Wow that is shocking. Praying for him. Thanks for sharing Dave, good perspective.
Thanks for praying, Rob. Bruce passed away but we are trusting Jesus through this.
I have already prayed for Pastor Bruce and for you. Your last paragraph is true and better than anything I could say.. May Bruce receive God’s healing and may you receive God’s comfort. May God give you what you need to minister to Bruce and his family and friends.
Thank you, Don!
Thanks David, praise the Father for the insight He has given you, and thank you for your commitment to share.
Phil – Philippians 4:7
New Living Translation (©2007)
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Fantastic verse. Thanks so much for sharing, Phil!
pain of unemployment but through it all i have learnt that God is my sustainer. you know am able to feed to dress modest even better than people that are working through His grace. Isnt He a wonderful God? stay blessed
2 Cor 12:9 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is
made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the
power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Ps62 esp vs 11-12 “One thing God has spoken, two things have I hear: that you, O God, are strong and that You, O Lord, are loving. Surely You will reward each person according to what he has done.”
…that He is strong and loving were my anchor in this time, where I’ve never felt so weak physically. I just moved to my new home for this season and leave all that’s familiar to me for the last 5yrs & 9mos. I’ve been having such pain in my lower back and right shoulder so I have to cancel all networking and meetings with the people, and just rest. Again to rest and trust in His love; to rest in the fact that I can’t do anything but rest in His arms of love. This is my encouragement to you all as a family and the Body of Christ. That’s coming from one like who’s left her own country, and have no idea when to go home to see my mom. When you’re in pain, you think of home, your family. I can only think of where my trust is – His unfailing love!
Present pains are the recent death of my sister by suicide, growing older with health issues, job issues, trying to find good fits on the worship team with younger musicians.
God doesn’t change, but circumstances and we sure do.
Often, we have to be like a weaned child. God is going to nourish us and get us through; but things are changing from what we have known. There’s no going back to what we had –or who we had — before. This is how life is here. What we do get through all the changes is Him. And He will get us home.
Alleluia.
Tragoudi, sounds like you’ve been through a lot. Though I know it’s been difficult, I’m glad to see you’re finding your strength in God.