“… rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41)
“No pain, no gain” says the old cliché about the gym or exercise program you start in hopes of reaping the benefits. In a world of pain and suffering, is there a type of pain we should actually foster and encourage in our lives? Physically and culturally, we want to manage or move away from pain as quickly as possible to restore a sense of comfort. Does God want us comfortable? Does He permit pain in a sinful world so that we can intentionally not become comfortable? Are some types of pain purposed to mature us? How do we know what pain may be worth having?
Some of the best experiences come from embracing pain — “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience…” (James 1:2–4) Consider it joy?! Like the disciples rejoicing that “… they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41) Are our youth prepared to find joy when this kind of pain comes? Consider young Joseph when he spoke to his brothers, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good …” (Genesis 50:20) How and at what point did Joseph discover that what was meant for evil, God meant for good, and worth the pain? What attitude did he need to see evil pain as worthy pain?
Pain did not control Joseph. Evil’s pain could not harden his heart when he wept in front of his brothers. Years did not erase the pain, but it did not rule his heart with hate, revenge or even anger. God was given rulership to keep it forgiving and soft.
The greatest of all worthy pain is demonstrated at the cross of Jesus Christ to an unworthy world. His sacrifice showed love that was much stronger than the most brutal pain.i Hebrews 12:2 says that it was joy that held Him successfully on the cross (“… who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross …”). Jesus’ love was stronger than His hurt. Jesus’ joy endured because He experienced 1) The joy of just doing His Father’s will. Even when the Father did not take the cup away, “… nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” — joy! (Matthew 26:39); 2) The joy of participating with His Father, who gave Him the bitter cup to drink — even to the last drop — in saving the world. This joy, by faith in God, we should cultivate in a culture wanting to be comfortable in a world of sin.
When our hearts connect with our Heavenly Father’s breaking heart, who, with enduring love, still so loves this world when He permanently gives His Son to us, then, and maybe only then, we will understand how to endure worthy pain with an untouchable joy.
Darrel le Roux, pastor of the Grand Rapids and Lowell Fellowship churches, also serves as prayer ministries coordinator for the Michigan Conference.