I never have been much of a pain person or one who could take a lot of pain. I guess most of us are like that too. How about you? The Bible talks about pain. “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” (Philippians 1:29). “though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;” (Hebrews 5:8). Think of the pain that Jesus endured for us to be saved and healed by his stripes or whippings. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). We don’t suffer pain to get Salvation, we do suffer paint to get closer to Jesus Christ. If we can’t handel the daily pain and suffering we have to deal with now. Then how are we going to make it when things really get bad? “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” (Jeremiah 12:5). “confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). The Lord gives us grace for the trial at the time it is needed, not before or after. Even though it may seem unberable just cry out to Jesus with all your heart and he will help you. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13). Jesus suffered and died for us, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” (Luke 9:23-24). Remember they that bare the Cross shall receive the Crown, no Testimony without a Test. No Triumph without a Trial, no Victory without a Battle. God created feelings of pain to help get us to repent and turn to him through Jesus Christ his Only Begotten Son. Sometimes fear of pain will help us to do the right things that are good for us and keep us in line on the straight and narrow for our own good. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28). If you have children you know what I mean. My Dad used to tell me: “You Better Straighten up and Fly Right.”

Many of the people of God through out time have had to endure sufferings and persecutions and pains. Isaiah was sawn in half. READ Hebrews Chapter 11. God’s Hall of Fame Chapter for people of God who endured pain and suffering for the Lord. All the disciples were killed and tortured except John who the Romans tried to boil in oil, but he wouldn’t boil. So they stuck him on the island Patmos in prison where Jesus came to him and gave him the Book of Revelations. Even Peter was crucified up side down when he told the Romans that he was not worthy to die like his Lord Jesus did.

NOW I’M NOT TRYING TO START A SELFRIGHTOUS WORKS DOCTRINE TO BE SAVED BY SUFFERINGS, BUT TO GIVE YOU ENCOURAGEMENT THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT THRU FAITH BY GOD’S GRACE AND HELP. IT WILL BE WORTH IT ALL WHEN WE SEE JESUS. “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. “ (Acts 5:41). I would rather suffer from preaching the Gospel then suffer for my sins.

Say this prayer if you want to be saved: Jesus, I want to know you, and to live forever in Heaven, I know I have made mistakes and done bad things- and I am sorry. Please forgive me. I know I don’t deserve it, but I accept your love and I accept you as my Saviour. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. Please come into my heart and life and fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me peace. Amen.