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There Is Purpose in Your Pain Sent From a God Who Is Only Good
Despite our unanswered questions
Young children ask a lot of “why” questions. Most of the time, they are sincerely interested in how and why something works the way it does.
While parents often get frustrated answering all of those questions, they serve a good purpose as long as the child learns something from the question.
We all still ask God that question, whether verbally or silently. Because life seems to be unfair, we question God’s goodness. We know He is good and Sovereign, but we cannot match our circumstances with those truths.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28, NLT)
An Apostle in prison
Paul knew this feeling well. Though he faithfully served God, he ended up in chains — arrested for the very Gospel he preached. As he sat imprisoned, Paul had a decision to make. Would he despair at the unfairness of it all, or would he still praise God despite his painful predicament?
Paul did not see his chains as a barrier to serving Christ but an opportunity. Though he faced unfair circumstances, he praised God for opening new doors to spread the Gospel. Paul helps us see that even in life’s difficulties, God can work powerfully through us.
God knows what He is doing
As Paul thought about his horrible circumstances, he told his friends that he wanted them to understand something that they were struggling with. Why didn’t God prevent the Romans from arresting Paul since he was one of the most faithful Christians alive?
He explained in Philippians 1:12 that “the things that happened unto me” have fallen out to the furtherance of the Gospel. He said that though the believers at Philippi could not see it, God planned to use Paul’s imprisonment to do greater good than He could have done without it.
“God permits what He hates, to accomplish that which He loves.” — Joni Eareckson Tada
Many of us look at Joseph’s response to the trials in his life and are amazed by his testimony. He…
