Take Heart
Bible: Genesis 50:20, John 16:33
Back in college I was a part of a group called the YouthCrew. It was a group of 12 college students and we would travel around to different youth groups each week and take them over as a thank you to the youth workers for all they do. It was my favorite part of college! We went on road trips, did ministry together, and had amazing life conversations with one another. These 12 people became my closest friends.
We went through a lot over our time in college, but whether it was supporting each other during stressful tests, applying to grad school, loss of loved ones, or engagements & weddings, we always had each other’s backs. We also had a phrase that our boss shared with us one day, and this phrase came to be our mantra, the thing we clung to in the hardest times… “God will not let your pain go wasted”.
I don’t know what you and your family have been through over the last couple months, if life’s beaten you down I’m so sorry, if you and your family have grown closer in this time I’m thankful, if you’ve felt all alone my heart breaks for you. Covid has brought a lot of pain to a lot of people. Its multiplied anxiety, cases of depression, loneliness, hurt, stress, and the list could go on and on. But what I’ve prayed, what I believe with everything in me is that God will not let the pain go wasted. And this isn’t blind faith, this isn’t me just trying to pick you up saying “God’s in control”, it’s me believing in the truth that is God’s Word.
Throughout the Bible we see God enter into humanity’s pain and bring about hope. Think of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and the fiery furnace, King David, the story of Job, Paul in prison, Joesph being sold into slavery, and the greatest example - Jesus. As I read the crucifixion story I cannot help but be amazed at all the pain, both physical and mental, that Jesus was willing to endure trusting that God would not let the pain go wasted.
The same is true for you and me. There is no pain that God doesn’t have purpose for. Genesis 50:22, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
God will not let your pain go wasted. It might not feel like it in the moment, you might not even have a glimpse of where God is taking you, but God is bringing about something good. Keep praying, keep relying on God, keep trusting Him and his word, God is on the move.
Prayer: Share with God your situation, your feelings, your pain. Ask for him to bring you clarity and guidance, and for him to continue working in your life.
Worship: “Times” Tenth Avenue North https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP--_OyJ1p4
-Zach