Scripture
2 Corinthians 7: 10 “For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind of sorrow that results in death.”
Observation
Pain can have a purpose. Sometimes God uses pain to cause us to grow. Pain forces us out of our comfort zone. Pain motivates us to change. We will change when we hurt enough to want to. Paul said pain can lead to repentance. We will turn from sin and seek God. You will never regret that kind of pain. It will result to your benefit. It is not easy. It will still hurt but it will produce good in you.
Application
Our natural tendency is to run from pain. We want to escape any circumstance that is uncomfortable or that hurts. Sometimes those experiences cause the greatest growth in our lives. Rather than running from pain, I can learn from it. I can grow in it. I can allow the Holy Spirit to produce Godly fruit in me. Pain is never fun but it can be beneficial.
Prayer
I want to grow and be like Jesus. If it takes painful experiences for me to grow, then I accept that. Paul said he wanted to know Christ and share in his sufferings. Paul understood that suffering produced Christlikeness in him. I want to be like Christ.
