Finding Purpose in Your Pain
If you have ever had an EKG (electrocardiogram) done on your heart, you know that the end result is a graph should look something like this.
In essence, the EKG shows you how well your heart is beating. If you see a regular rhythm of ups and downs on the graph, it means that your heart is beating the way God designed it to beat. It’s a great sign that you are growing and maturing as a human.
If the EKG flatlines, it sadly means that our life is over.
The EKG is also a good representation of our faith journey. As much as we would like to coast and for life to be easy, we need a regular rhythm of ups and downs in life to become who God designed us to be. The minute we find ourselves wanting to coast, or flatline in our faith, that’s when we have lost our God given purpose.
This is what James is trying to tell us in his letter to the church in Jerusalem. He is writing to a group of Jewish Christians who have been scattered throughout the Roman empire. They are being heavily persecuted for their faith and many of them aren’t sure if they will see tomorrow morning.
With that context, James would tell them this…
James 1:2-4
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Are you kidding?! James wants them to consider it joy because they are being persecuted?! While that may feel insensitive, James is reminding them about how to the “Jesus way” of life. Jesus suffered and died because he had an eternal purpose in mind for all of us. If Jesus had to suffer, who are we to think that we are immune to experiencing circumstances that are less than ideal?
James is not saying that you have to be happy during a difficult season. The joy he is referring to is an unnatural reaction of contentment and deep trust that God is in control.
We don’t rejoice because of the trial, but because of what God can produce in us as we navigate through the trial. (vs. 4)
He wants to show us that just like Jesus, if we are going to go through it, might as well grow through it. What if the trial you are going through right now is the very thing God needs you to go through because He knows that on the other side of it all, you will be the best version of yourself? The best husband. The best wife. The best friend. The best parent. The best son. The best daughter. The best Christ follower.
My Prayer for You
Don't get stuck asking God, “Why am I going through this difficult season?” Instead let’s start to ask God, “How do you want me to go through this difficult season?” His answer may just be the very thing you need to experience the full depth of His love.
Written by Jared Johnson
Jared Johnson is the Campus Pastor and main teaching pastor at Newbreak Church Scripps Ranch. Along with his wife, Julie, and three kids, they have a heart to connect with people and make them feel like family. He's been at Newbreak for 23 years and on staff for the last 12 years. He loves getting to know people over a cup of coffee, is excited for our shared future, and believes that the best is yet to come at Newbreak!