The Pain is Producing
June 14, 2026
Is there any purpose in the pain?
“18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed.” Romans 8:18-19 (CSB)
Pain is not the end of the story.
“20For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope 21that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.” Romans 8:20-25 (CSB)
“26In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. 27And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 (CSB)
The Spirit prays when you can’t.
“28We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. 29For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30 (CSB)
Not all things are good, but God works all things for good.
God doesn’t work all things together to make life easier. He works all things together to make us look more like Jesus.
What Are “All Things”?
#1 TESTS → Suffering and circumstances that forge us into who we are becoming.
“11I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:11-12 (CSB)
You can’t spell learned without earned. - Ryan Holiday
#2 THORNS → Pains that drive us to the feet of Jesus in desperation.
“7Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. 8Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. 9But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’”
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (CSB)
If God can use your thorn for you, He can use your thorn through you.
#3 TRIUMPHS → Victories that remind us Christ is our strength.
“8We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; 9we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (CSB)
It really is hard to believe all things work together until we’re standing on the other side of ALL.
God is too wise to waste your pain and too good to abandon your purpose.
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