Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)
Have you ever prayed for pain? I doubt that any of us have, and yet over and over, we are told about it and called to understand that there are great benefits to it. For instance, most of us have heard the saying “No pain, no gain.” It is true in spiritual circles as well.
Consider Paul’s words in Romans. Notice that Paul says the pathway to hope, that confident, forward-looking expectation of eternal salvation, is laid by trial and tribulation. To put it another way, you cannot find hope until you have seen it through the eyes of pain and suffering.
This is often why those who are hurting or suffering can have a clearer picture of spiritual matters. That is why the near-death experience can so radically change a person’s worldview. It is the “how” behind the change we see from time to time in people who go from purposeless and meaningless existences to full and meaningful lives that embrace the everyday in every way. They have lived, loved, been hurt, lost loved ones, and their eyes have been opened.
So, again, let me ask, “Do you ever pray for pain?” You may not realize it, but you do. When asking for God’s wisdom, patience, correction or guidance, then you ask for pain, since it is one of the tools in the toolbox of God to open your eyes, get you back on track, and make your life meaningful and hopeful. You may not pray for it directly, but embrace it when it comes because of the hope that it can bring.
