Don't Die in Your Pain

Don't Die in Your Pain

"Hook
Pain is proof that you are still alive.
When you feel pain, it means something in you is still responding. But while pain is inevitable, dying in your pain is a choice you must refuse to make.

Scripture

“As she was dying, the women attending her said, ‘Don’t despair; you have given birth to a son.’ But she did not respond or pay any attention.”(1 Samuel 4:20 NIV)

Explanatio
The woman in our text had every reason to be overwhelmed. She was pregnant and about to give birth when devastating news came: the Ark of God had been captured, her husband had died, and her father-in-law had also died.

The shock was so great that she went into labour and gave birth, but the joy of a new child could not penetrate her pain. The women attending her tried to encourage her: “Don’t despair; you have given birth to a son.” But she would not listen.

She had received encouragement in the middle of her pain, but she could not respond to it.

Contrast this with the young man in the Gospels who was tormented by an evil spirit. He fell into fire and water, yet he did not die. His condition was painful and destructive, but he lived until he encountered Jesus, and Jesus set him free.

Your pain may be real, but it does not have to be your end.

Application
Life comes in cycles. There will be seasons of celebration and seasons of sorrow, moments of laughter and moments when tears seem to have no end.

When pain comes, don't make permanent decisions based on temporary pain.

And more importantly, listen for the help God sends you. Sometimes the help will come through a person, a word, a conversation, a scripture, an opportunity, or simply the strength to take one more step.

The women brought encouragement to the grieving mother, but she paid no attention. Don't make the same mistake.

Don't die in your pain. Survive it. Learn from it. Pray through it. Walk through it. And trust God to bring you out of it.

Reflectio
What pain are you currently carrying that is making it difficult for you to see the reasons you still have to live, hope, and move forward?

Remember: the presence of pain does not mean the absence of God.

Prayer
Lord, give me the strength not to die in my pain. Help me to recognize and receive the help You send my way. Give me grace to keep moving until my pain becomes a testimony. Amen.

Discussion Question
What practical steps can a person take to keep from giving up when going through a painful season?

Have a fruitful day.

(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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