How can you and I create a prayer out of our pain? And even more, surrender it to God? We know Jesus surrendered Himself to God for forgiveness of our sins. But we are not Jesus. No, we are people who at times can’t even understand the reason for our suffering.
It is written in 1 Peter 3:14 “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” Christ’s pain redeemed the world and He makes our suffering redemptive. He doesn’t take away suffering, He transforms it. This transformation gives us a sliver of His cross. When we experience any kind of suffering, whether it’s small or something overwhelming, that sliver of wood takes our suffering and makes it possible so that we can be co-redeemers for the world.
The world? Yes, suffering is universal. None are exempt. Because of our need for help during our pain, we learn to trust; trust each other and the grace of God. People show compassion to each other. People reach out to take someone’s hand, “I’m here, I care.” Through suffering we become closer to God.
There’s much to learn from our pain and despite that it is very difficult to live with, it can be beneficial. Never waste your pain. When you feel you’re most weak; powerless, when there’s nothing left to give – Jesus will make you strong.
