Bible Study

Title: Using Your Pain
Date: May 12, 2006
Topic(s): Pain/Suffering
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, 1 Peter 4:12-13

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Sometimes life hurts. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. Whatever kind of pain you experience, it's never fun when it hits you--but it should never be a surprise. God's Word says that we will experience difficult times, we will suffer--and that pain will be a very real and guaranteed part of life.

But when you're in the middle of it all, when you're dealing with stuff that hurts so bad you don't have enough tears to cry, what gets you through it? What helps you survive?

Sometimes it's knowing that hard times shape our character and mold us to be more like Christ. Sometimes it's understanding that God disciplines His children for their own good.

But have you ever thought about this--that maybe God can use your pain to comfort others in their pain? That your hardships can transform into an ability to comfort other people in a very unique and authentic way? Knowing that your pain can eventually turn into a ministry opportunity may help give you a different perspective when you're suffering.

What Does God Say?

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows" (2 Corinthians 1:3-5, NIV).

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-13, NIV).

• When life hurts, physically or emotionally, how can you allow God to comfort you?
• What pain has God allowed you to experience that can help you minister to others?
• Why does the apostle Peter tell us not to be surprised by pain?
• What can pain accomplish in your life? How can your pain be used to help others?

My Thoughts

• What hurts right now? Are you struggling with a physical illness or injury? An emotional wound? How have you been dealing with your pain?
• What can you do, just for today, to take the focus off your pain and on to someone you can minister to? For example, if you're struggling with the pain of a broken relationship, maybe you know someone else experiencing the same the thing. How can you comfort others with the comfort you've received from God?

My Part

Spend time thinking about who you can minister to this week. Whatever hurts in your life right now pinpoint it, and turn it into an opportunity to get "outside yourself" and focus on someone else. Struggling with physical pain? Maybe you know someone else who is too--how can you comfort that person? Gone through a tough time emotionally? You probably know someone who's struggling emotionally right now--this week, send a card, an email, make a phone call, just to say, "I'm sorry. I can relate."

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