Today, as we conclude our series, A Path To Freedom
I want to speak about Recycling Your Pain.
But first let's open with prayer..
Heavenly Father,
You have led us apart from the busyness of the world into the quietness of Your presence. Calm minds and comfort of our souls.
Teach us to yield to You O Lord and let us be used to bring the good news to others, by both our example and our words.
Speak to us Your truth, that we may glorify You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray.
Amen.
Let's talk about Why God allowed my pain in the first place.
Because He has given us a spirit of free will.
"Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known."
Deuteronomy 11:26-28
God also allows our pain to get our attention:
Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways!
I know this doesn't apply to any of you, but some people are stubborn! Unless they are brought down to their knees, through their difficult situation, they won't get down on their knees to pray!
So we see that it is the positive end result that God is after.
God allows our pain to teach us to depend upon Him.
"Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter."
2 Corinthians 7:9-11
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes."
Psalm 119:71
God allows our pain to give us ministry to others:
Its much easier to talk to someone about their struggles, when we ourselves have endured the same pain and trials.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation."
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
How do I use my pain to help others?
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
1 Peter 3:14-17
Here are some helpful suggestions as we wrap this series up:
Be Humble
Be Real
Correct but don’t lecture
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load
Be Generous and Do Good.
Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches."
Galatians 6:1-6
Church, commit your life to God like never before!
Write your story out: Start a journal
Commit to your church and the ministry.
Ask God for someone to share your story with.
There is a purpose for your pain!
There is no story like your story!
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
Brian Monzon Ministries