1.11.12 "The Pain and the Promise"

"The Pain and the Promise"

Genesis 24:52-26:16
Matthew 8:18-34
Psalm 10:1-15
Proverbs 3:7-8

What is the most precious "human" event in life? I would think that most would answer: the birth of a child. What is the most painful "human" event in life? I would think that most [women, at least!] would answer: the birth of a child.

"Isaac pleaded with Jehovah to give Rebekah a child, for even after many years of marriage she had no children. Then at last she became pregnant. And it seemed as though children were fighting each other inside her! "I can't endure this," she exclaimed, so she asked the Lord about it."

As you look throughout scripture there seems to a connection to pain and promise. It seems that the greater the pain, the greater the promise. Abraham is promised that he will be the father of many nations. Look at the pain of barrenness that Sarah has for so many years. This is repeated in Rebekah.

God's people are in Egypt for 400 years. They are led out by Moses toward the promised land, but there's 40 years of desert.

A sacrifice is necessary to pay the price for our sins, so God gave his only Son who suffered and died... the intense pain bringing so great a promise.

One may think "well that's kind of sadistic. To receive the promise you must have pain?" As a slave to comfort the whole concept of pain can be easily misunderstood. The reality is that for us to be trusted with the promise, we must experience being refined. The refining process is rarely comfortable. In fact, comfort works against refining. The "wilderness" events in our lives are there for the purpose of securing Godly character in difficult times. Remember James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

What is the application of this message? There are marriages that are going through rocky times. God is there. He sees it. It's worth it to stick it out. The greater the pain the greater the promise. The marriage that weathers the storm comes together with intense strength and promise. So many can't see this. They feel like "Hey, I want the Promised Land, not the wilderness!" And their heart begins to run away. What a tragedy to realize that running from the pain is running from the promise.

This applies to work situations. Some individuals live a life as a "victim" to their surroundings. Because of a difficult boss, or unfair treatment they look for another job based on the uncomfortable circumstances rather than on the voice of God. It may very well be that they are in that position for the very purpose of developing Godly character.

What happens when people "bail" from the painful situations? More often than not, the test is repeated. Remember that Jesus "for the joy set before him endured the cross." Such great pain, such enduring promise.

God is not a God of pain for the sake of pain. He created us for having an intimate relationship with Him. If you've ever gone through difficulty or tragedy, or trial, you know that these are the times that you learn to trust God as never before. This is where you rely on HIS strength, and not your own.

Whatever pain you are going through right now, understand that you are in the "gestation period" of promise. God is faithful to His Word. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will carry you if you trust Him.




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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