How Pain and Suffering Shape Us Spiritually and Reveal the Power of the Holy Spirit Within
“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
-Hebrews 12:4 (KJV)
Pain and suffering bring beautiful results in many circumstances. For instance, going to the gym can bring many painful and difficult days, but it yields the results you desired—even before you ever stepped foot in the gym. You may imagine what you would look like if you lost twenty pounds or gained ten pounds of muscle. If you want dynamic results, achieving your vision will require dedication, pain, and suffering—both physically and mentally. But over time, you begin to see results in the mirror. That joy you feel when you notice your progress makes the pain and suffering worth it—it outweighs the hardship.
Much like our walk with the Lord on our journey through this world, we endure hardship and trials. In the book of Hebrews, it tells us that we have not had to resist sin to the point of death, as Jesus did.
“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
-Hebrews 12:4 (KJV)
Jesus suffered and died to achieve the desired result God wanted for us—to deliver us from our sins and bring us into a new life by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. With our new life comes a new way of living, and the Holy Spirit teaches us how to walk in righteousness. Some of these changes may be mentally and physically painful.
However, this was never God’s original plan for us. When sin entered the world through disobedience, it brought pain, suffering, and death with it. But God—who loves us more than we can comprehend—sent His only Son to die for us.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” –-John 3:16 (KJV)
Through Christ’s death, we have been given the opportunity to live a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit. We should rejoice in our moments of pain and suffering—not because they feel good—but because Christ died for us so that we don’t have to perish in our brokenness. Instead, we get to experience the dynamic transformation the Holy Spirit brings to our lives.
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
-Romans 8:18 (KJV)
The Holy Spirit gives us an advantage. It’s like going to the gym with superhuman strength—you still have to show up and put in the work, but you have a divine advantage. Just like our walk through this world, the Holy Spirit is a supernatural (super-powerful) force inside of you—a place that He calls home.
“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. -John 14:17 (KJV)
No matter what we face in this world and the pain and suffering that may come with it, let us remember our Redeemer’s words:
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
–John 16:33 (KJV)
Reflective Questions:
1. In what ways has God used pain and suffering to produce growth in your life?
2. Are you relying on your own strength or leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit during difficult times?
3. How can you shift your perspective to see trials as part of God’s refining process?
4. What does victory in Christ look like in your current season?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to redeem me through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Help me to see beyond my pain and suffering and recognize the work You are doing in me. Fill me with the strength of the Holy Spirit so I can endure trials with joy and hope. Teach me to trust Your plan and walk in the power You’ve placed within me. I rejoice in the victory I have in Christ and surrender every hardship into Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for reading. God bless you!
No matter what we face, we have victory in Christ
All Scripture in Steps Towards Eternity Daily Devotional is from the King James Bible. (KJV)
Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION (KJV): KING JAMES VERSION, public domain in The United States. Pathway365 is based in the United States and is governed by its laws. Outside of the United States, you’ll need to check the copyright laws in your country before use.
Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press