Fair exchange? What’s the difference between experiencing pain and going through suffering? Pain typically leads to suffering and suffering often extends pain, are they not the same thing? Although it is true these are linked, it isn’t universally true that they need be.
Think about it. Suffering may be typical, but is it unavoidable? Must we always go through suffering after pain, or is there another place to go far better?
God’s Word tells us: “‘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.’” (John 16:33).
Rather than reflecting on the end of pain it is far better to cast our eyes upward in hope, as pain might be nothing more that a pathway to glory and a way of understanding how God builds Christian character. Jesus has overcome suffering and he has done it by conquering the pain and replacing it with the hope of heaven; a fair exchange for those willing to fight on through.
We pray. “Heavenly Father, In You I have peace. In the world I will have tribulation; but I must be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome the world. Praise You for overcoming the world! Allow this to penetrate my heart and encourage my faith. May my hope always be of heaven and not here. In Jesus name. Amen.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34)