Purpose in the Pain

By Pastor Bob Rasmussen

Good morning and welcome to you and those watching online – Facebook, YouTube, CWM, our website, and Roku. 

I would like to thank my wife, Diana, for all the work she does to get our videos and sermon texts online for people to see. We try to share it with whoever will listen, amen? She is also looking at Rumble, a more conservative video platform, because, at some point, I would not be surprised if we are booted from some of the other platforms. 

We believe and teach the whole Word of God, amen. And unsurprisingly, it does not conform to the world – we are to conform to the Word of God. So that is what we will keep doing!

I also wanted to thank all of you for the very generous gift, personally. I appreciate it very much. Thank you!

And also Lucas, for this beautiful piece of craftsmanship. I know it was a lot of work – thank you, brother!

I wanted to talk about pain this morning. I am not just talking about physical pain. Sister Carmen had surgery a couple of weeks ago, and when she walked, she was in pain. We saw it. We see the physical manifestation of pain in people and how they cope with it.

My own physical pain journey has been going on for a while now as well. Some days, it is self-evident that I am in pain. I clutch my side, or maybe I apply heat or cold to address that pain. I may complain about it as well if I am honest.

Diana has been having more bad than good days as of late. She has a procedure this Wednesday that we are hopeful for after getting an MRI to assist the doctor. But when I see her using a cane, she is doing that to be able to move because the pain makes it difficult to walk.

I remember Mike had some surgeries, and he was in a sling to help alleviate that pain by removing the stress on the surgical area.

Brother Kim recently struggled with an issue with his foot, and he was definitely in pain when he walked and had a sort of limp, trying to keep that weight off his foot. Brother Aaron has a shoulder injury that has been a long journey.

I know many here today have struggled with pain. Sister Betty with her back. Sister Cindy, with all of the complications of her surgery and her knees. I could go on, but we only have so much time, amen? There is a lot of pain in this room.

But that is not all the pain that people carry. That is all physical pain, but that is not the only pain that some of us carry. And the Bible tells us things will happen.

• 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

There can be relationship pain in our marriages. There can be pain with our children. We don’t always see that pain, do we? I can honestly say Diana and I have never had a tense moment on a Sunday before church. 

At least for the last couple of weeks. But let’s be honest: sometimes in our relationships and marriages, things can get tense and stressful. And that is painful.

But when we walk into church, we say good morning and wear a fake smile to cover the pain that we are enduring. People ask how you are doing, and sometimes we automatically say, “Oh, you know, blessed and highly favored!” when in all honesty, that is not how we really feel.

Again, the Word lets us know what to expect.

• John 16:33 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.

Not too long ago, we had a therapist from Redeemed Christian Counseling. I love that our church understands that mental health issues are a very real thing. That we see people for who they are and know that the Lord has put people and medicines in their path to help address it. Personally, I attended Redeemed virtually due to COVID, and it helped me tremendously. Did I tell anybody I was doing that, not at first? I was struggling with my father’s death, yet I wore that mask of I am OK week after week; maybe some here have done or are doing the very same thing.

All of us were created in the image of God.

• Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

As we read through the Word of God, we can see His characteristics, the things that make Him who He is. We see Him revealed through Himself in the life of Jesus. And we can discern that He has emotions, just like we have emotions. 

• Anger. 
  • Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
• Compassion. 
  • NKJV Psalm 135:14 For the Lord will judge His people, And He will have compassion on His servants.
• Grief.
  •  Genesis 6:6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
• Love. 
  • 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
• Hate.
  • Psalm 11:5 The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
• Jealousy. 
  • Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
• And joy. 
  • Jeremiah 32:41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

I think that we have experienced all of those emotions in our lives. The problem is, we are not God, we are not perfect. And sometimes things get complicated. Which is why I often say, “People are messy.”

And the thing about emotions is that we cannot change someone else’s feelings. Whatever they are feeling, no matter what we say, it is their truth. We need to appreciate that, we need to empathize with their truth.

Again, I am sure that many of us have been experiencing some very emotional moments, but when we walk in that door, when asked, “How are you doing?” We may say “Praise Jesus, hallelujah” even when a heavy storm of emotions swirls in our hearts. Knowing full well that these things might happen.

• Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Financial issues can be a burden. Some may lose a job. We may have substantial medical expenses. Maybe you’re like me, and there can be times when there aren’t as many opportunities in a season, so things get tight. Perhaps you are or were a single mother and have all the burden of providing for your children with no support.

All of what I discussed is just the tip of the iceberg when we discuss the things in this life.

Now, when I first became a follower of Jesus, I even heard the warnings that this life would not be easy, that there would be challenges, and that the road would not be easy. I thought it would be different for me. 

But when I got baptized, I was so full of fire. I thought it would be different for me somehow. 

And you know, the first big challenge that came my way – I’m being honest here, I was devastated. I was like, Lord, I love you, and I’m serving in the chair ministry at this big, popular church, and this is what you do to me! How can this be?

And just like that, I pulled away from Him, blaming Him for the situation. It was a downward spiral from there for me, and the only one I could blame was myself.

Over time, with His grace and mercy, I made my way back to Him.  I love this scripture, we read it on Friday at soak.

• 2 Chronicles 30:9 For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.

If you are here this morning, or if you are watching online, He is waiting for you just to come home. We are not promised tomorrow, so before it is too late, return to Him. It doesn’t matter what you have done, if you will only return, amen?

So as I thought about all of this, what in the world is the purpose of all this pain?

I believe undoubtedly that God is good. We live in a world where evil exists, and it seems to me that it is growing darker right now. Where evil is celebrated. Where evil has now become so normal that the world is becoming unaware and anesthetized, running rampant.

But what is the purpose of the pain, right now?

I think that perhaps one of the biggest reasons is that he can bring good out of anything, even the most intense pain in our life.

• Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

“All things” of that scripture doesn’t mean that everything that happens to us is going to be good. That evil in the world can be seen in things like cancer (I hate cancer), war, racism, disease, and more.

It also does not mean that everything will have a happy ending.

Let’s break that scripture down.

• “And we know” that is a statement that we can be sure of, that there is no doubt.
• “That in all things” for me this is saying that every single thing. It includes our hurts and it includes our pain, things that have happened to us, others who have sinned against us, and even our own sin. All things!
• “Work together for good”. I love this, that God can make good out of evil. God can make good out of sorrow. God can make good out of loss. God can make good out of abuse. God can make good out of whatever we go through in our lives. God can make good out of death. Only God can do that.
• “to them that love God”.  That promise is not for everyone. If you choose not to be in a relationship with Jesus, things probably will not turn out for the best.
• Proverbs 18:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
• The path of this life without Christ is eternal death.
• “to them who are the called according to his purpose.” He works the good for those who love Him.

So the purpose of our pain, the hope of our pain, is that God can bring good out of anything, amen? And that can give us purpose in this life. That even when we are suffering, we have a mission, we have a goal, we have a purpose.

What purposes, you ask? I am glad you asked. I think one of the primary purposes is to draw us closer to Jesus. When there is pain in our life, we can either run to Him or away from Him. We can choose to worship Him in the pain.

I think as we mature in Christ, the quicker we run to Him, amen? And there is beautiful honesty as we pray and praise Him in our pain. Some of my most honest conversations with God are when I am struggling.

There is a reason that almost half, 65 of 150 Psalms, are what are called lamentations. What does it mean to lament? It is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow.

• Psalm 130:1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. 2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

• Psalm 6:3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?

It helps to remember God is here, and He’s ready to help carry our burdens, our suffering, and our distress. God understands and sees you in the center of your pain, and He’s always available for you, listening as you pray, whether it is a whimper or a shout. He is ready as you cry out your heartache, anger, or sadness, no matter what it is!

The first time you raise your hands in the storm, it may not be I love You, Lord. Instead, it might be why Lord? Why? Why did my mom get cancer? Why did my father have dementia? Why did my son or daughter die? Why is my child addicted to drugs or alcohol? Lord, how could You let this happen?

These are the types of honest conversations we can have with God, and He can use them to mold our hearts and minds. And as He ministers to our hearts and strengthens our relationship with Him, we raise our hands a little higher as we pursue Him. Over and over again, until we can say thank You, Lord!

The apostles did not have an easy path, and in this scripture, Paul is writing the Corinthian church and says this:

• 2 Corinthians 8:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

That is not an easy path, which leads me to another purpose for the pain and that discipleship.

In our goal to be more Christ-like, we need to ask the question, What was Jesus like? He was a healer, full of grace and compassion. He had love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – these are the fruits of the spirit, amen?

So how will the Lord help us to be more like Him? By going through the same painful moments that Jesus did. Some of us want to turn water into wine in one hand and hold a serpent in the other – which is a horrible image – but we want powerful moments of healing and things like that.

What Jesus did that was more powerful than changing water to wine, more powerful than healing the sick, more important than His teaching, and even more important than the feeding of the 5000 was that He suffered. His most significant demonstration of Love was that He suffered on that cross, amen?

• Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 

Amen. Ministering to others is another purpose in our lives. We can use many things, including our talents. About a month ago, our worship team went to another church, Songs of Joy Church, and we led praise and worship for about an hour. It was very joyful and encouraging. Brother Doug is lending his skills in sound engineering to help make their sound system a little better.

All of that is great and good. But God can use our painful moments in life to minister to others. He can take every painful moment we have experienced to be an encouragement to others.

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

There is nothing more powerful than when someone is going through something than when we have empathy. That we can honestly say, I have been there or I am going through that as well.

When someone is in so much pain, and we can say I know, I lost a child as well. It did not make sense to me, but this is how He helped me get through it.

• I understand your pain. I lost my mother or father, too. But have faith, He was close to me and He’ll be close to you as well.
• Yes, divorce is painful, but here is what I can tell you: what it looks like on the other side. How God restored things.
• Your child is addicted to crack cocaine? This is how He got me through and freed me to be who He wants me to be, Hallelujah.
• There is purpose in the pain!

Finally, I think that all this pain we have endured or are enduring is an opportunity for evangelism. I want to be part of a ministry that shares the trials and tribulations that we all go through. There is honesty in that. And many times, we get a praise report after a prayer request. But sometimes, we do not. Yet we still join together and praise Him, amen.

I think it is a refreshing approach to ministry when we, as believers, share the whole truth with people. There is humility in that. I don’t want to pretend that once I found Jesus, everything is great. There are too many fake Christians who have no authenticity.

The truth is, pain and painful events in people’s lives are the great equalizer. You can be famous, rich, and influential, but in a moment, it can come from anywhere. And when it does, I would rather talk with someone who has been through it, amen. How we got through things is our most remarkable testimony to share the gospel.

• Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, [a]believers, that what has happened to me [this imprisonment that was meant to stop me] has actually served to advance [the spread of] the good news [regarding salvation]. 13 My imprisonment in [the cause of] Christ has become common knowledge throughout the whole [b]praetorian (imperial) guard and to everyone else. 14 Because of my chains [seeing that I am doing well and that God is accomplishing great things], most of the [c]brothers have renewed confidence in the Lord, and have far more courage to speak the word of God [concerning salvation] without fear [of the consequences, seeing that God can work His good in all circumstances].

No matter what has been done to us, no matter how painful, no matter how awful, He can make it work together for His Good and His purpose, amen.

I looked at the calendar this morning, it has been 1013 days since I fell and have suffered significant nerve pain. Multiple procedures, thousands of dollars, and I can tell you as of yesterday, the pain was just as bad as the beginning.

I don’t tell you this to say look at poor me, not at all. I share this to let you know that I love the Lord even more. In the midst of suffering, I have called on Him so often, and He has constantly shown up and gotten me through the worst days. It has made me closer to Him.

And maybe you’re going through something painful, not physically, and you don’t understand why. There are days when it is getting harder and harder to get through. Maybe you are close to believing you can’t make it.

We live in a fallen world; things happen. But when they do, run to Him, not away from Him, and let Him turn whatever you are going through for His good. Just lay it before Him and watch what He can do! He is the God of the impossible.

The altar is open.