Biblical Answer

CAN GOD USE MY PAIN FOR GOOD?

#### The Bible Teaches Us to Expect Suffering

We must not think that God's absence or seeming indifference to our pain is a sign of his lack of love or care. The Bible teaches us that we will experience pain and suffering in this life. Jesus, the Son of God, suffered greatly and was tempted in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He understands our pain and is able to sympathize with us (Hebrews 2:18). As the psalmist says, "When I am afflicted and poor, your hand upholds me" (Psalm 138:7).

#### God's Sovereignty Over Pain

God is sovereign over all creation, including pain and suffering. He desires that there should be no physical pain in his creation, but in particular instances, he decides not to realize this desire by a special act of his own. This does not mean that God takes delight in our pain or that he is aloof and distant. Rather, he uses our pain to draw us closer to him and to teach us valuable lessons. As C.S. Lewis said, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." God uses our pain to remind us of his presence and to guide us towards him.

#### The Purpose of Pain

The purpose of pain is not to punish us or to teach us a lesson in a negative sense. Rather, it is to teach us to rely on God and to trust in his goodness. As the Bible says, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). When we go through pain, we have the opportunity to fix our eyes on Jesus and to learn from him. As we do, we will come to see that our pain is not in vain, but is being used by God for our good. As the Bible says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).