Category: When Jesus You And Pain Meet
In John 4:5-42 we find an encounter that Jesus had with a woman in pain. She was not just in pain, she had been ignoring the pain that had been in her life for years. As a result of ignoring her pain, she was living an empty and unfulfilled life. Let’s look at a few aspects of her encounter with Jesus to see what can be gleaned about Jesus, you, and pain. Why do we ignore pain? · Often, pain is what we know. It is what we are used to living with. And if we get rid of the pain, that means change. We are not always ready for the unknown of change. · We can ignore pain because we get hooked on the adrenaline of pain. It may sound odd, but our brains can get used to the feeling of pain. · We also get hooked on the vice that relieves the pain. So, we keep the pain in order to enjoy the vice. Before continuing take the time to read John 4:5-42 What are some of the inner pains that we ignore? 1. The pain of being disappointed in ourselves “You have five husbands and the man you have now is not your husband” John 4:18 We often believe the lie that there is someone or something out there that will make us feel complete (5 husbands and test driving another possibility). Complete acceptance of ourselves is only found in Christ. We often ignore the pain in life, or try to hide the pain with meaningless relationships and imitation love. Self-acceptance on our own merit is called idol worship. Acceptance of yourself through Christ is called grace, which leads to true worship of Christ. 2. The pain of not feeling understood “He told me everything I ever did”. John 4:39 She finally faced a man that knew her. He is beyond husband material - she had an encounter with God! 3. The Pain of not being valued by others “a woman of Samaria” John 4:9 Life is full of people and events that make us insecure. We have a Savior who sees us, values us, and meets with us for meaningful interaction. Why face the pain? Jesus wants to point out the pain that you are ignoring so that… -You can receive the fullness in this life that He offers. “Living water”. Abundant life. Un-surrendered pain robs us of a full life. Pain surrendered to Jesus brings meaning to life. -You may “never thirst again” You do not have to be hindered or manipulated by that pain. We often settle for substitutes instead of true healing, and fulfillment. -You can be a voice to this world that pain has a cure: Jesus! “Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony, ... and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His word. They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.’” John 4:39-42 The healing from your pain that you experience can be used by God to point others to Jesus.” Two Powerful Words. “He stayed” - Wow, what a concept! Jesus stays with us. Just two words - but they can provide such comfort. You may not always notice Him. You may not hear Him. But He stays close so that you may believe more than you did before. What is your relationship with pain? “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6, 7 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus meets us right in our pain, in the most common places of life…like at a well. What is one of the most common locations in your life? Meet Jesus there and ask him these three questions: 1. “What pain am I ignoring?” 2. “How can I be a voice in the world for You?” 3. “Will You please lead me to the person I can lead back to you?”
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMark and Sheryl Douras desire to supply you with helpful resources. Categories
All
Archives |