He Walks Through the Pain for Us -- Twice

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By Stacey Pinz

Pain is an inevitable part of the human experience. Whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual, we all encounter moments of suffering that can leave us feeling lost, alone, and desperate. However, as we journey through life's trials and tribulations, there is a miraculous source of solace: God.

 In times of pain, we can find comfort in the unchanging nature of our Heavenly Father and the promise that He always goes before us into the storms of life.

One of the most reassuring attributes of God is His unchanging nature. While the people around us may change and the world is constantly shifting and evolving, our Heavenly Father remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) reminds us of this eternal truth: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." God's unchanging character means that we can rely on His love, faithfulness, and presence even when life's circumstances feel uncertain and painful.

I know that He has always been faithful, and He is always with us in our moments of pain. While we may feel lonely, that is a lie from Satan. 

I know that with God, we truly are NOT alone. He is with us, and He is comforting us through the storms; He has comforted us through each and every storm we have faced in the past as He surrounds us with His love, His mercy, and His grace. 

Often, He covers us with people who are encouraging and uplifting as well. Isn’t He so good? Along with the people He surrounds us with, He also gives us some promises in His Word: 

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." In times of pain, we can take refuge in the knowledge that God is with us, offering His strength and support.

Psalm 34:18 (NIV) - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." When we are brokenhearted and in pain, God draws near to us, providing comfort and healing.

Another verse that has really stood out for me when I am struggling is Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV): "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." 

Isn’t it really something to imagine that God has already walked through this same storm that we may be going through?

 Think about that:  whatever trials we may face, God has already prepared the way for us.Though it is so hard sometimes (trust me, I know it’s hard, and I need reminders all of the time), even in our moments of pain and distress, we can find relief and reassurance in knowing that God has already journeyed ahead of us. He has equipped us to face the challenges that lay ahead: He provides  the strength and guidance we need to navigate life's storms. 

And though he was there ahead of us, He is still right there beside us as well. So if you think about this, He walks through the pain more than once for us!

 Wow! I don’t know about you, but I would find it hard to walk through some of the storms I have faced more than one time if I didn’t have to; once was definitely enough, but God does it willingly and lovingly while cradling us when we cannot stand on our own. I believe these truths!

Unfortunately, pain is an inescapable part of our human existence, but in our moments of suffering, we are not alone. God's unchanging nature, His presence with the brokenhearted, His promise to go before us into life's storms, and His promise that He will never leave us alone as He surrounds us with people who pray for us, comfort us, and truly demonstrate the tangible goodness of God to remind us that we can find hope even in the darkest of times. 

As we turn to Him, we discover that God meets us in our pain; He offers His unchanging love and guidance. He is, He was, and He always will be good! 

Even in our pain, we can choose to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬‬:‭4‬-‭7 (NIV)‬.

While pain does not go away by believing and by rejoicing, with Christ Jesus, it becomes more bearable, and we have hope that there will be joy on the other side.