Pain is of the world, not of God. These are the words I have to remind myself when I’m burdened by guilt or heartache, when it seems like everything around me is falling apart, when I give myself to someone, to love, and in the end I’m empty. Things won’t always go my way. Love will not always bloom or build the way I want it to. People will not always be what I want them to be. Life will be painful.
But this is not because my God does not exist, does not care, or does not listen.
Pain is of the world, not of God. As a woman of faith, I am often asked this question – Why does the God who loves you allow such terrible things to happen to you, to the people you love, in the world it is said to be made? And to be honest, I think even the strongest Christians struggle with this question. Believing in God who is almighty, but does not release us from our burdens, doesn’t that seem trivial?
But I always remind myself of those words, about His promise. That the life beyond is where we can be—with him, in perfection—not here. This world is corrupted. None of us, even those created in his image, will always say and do what is right because we are sinful, living in a place full of sins. But that is not where our future lies.
This earthly life is temporary—that’s why He gave us new life, eternal life through His son. To take us away from pain and bring us hope and joy. Giving us the existence he intended for us: simple and unburdened.
Pain is of the world, not of God. I repeat this to myself over and over again. I remind myself that I don’t have to have all the answers, or know, without a doubt, where to go. I remind myself that people will fail, that I will fail, but that there is still a lot of beauty around me. And that my God is still there, He is near.
Pain is of the world, not of God. I shout this when I am full of doubts. It is the truth that takes me forward, that in this life I the will they face bad things but it is not the Father’s will. And in every low moment, You will stand by my side, in every battle, You will fight.
God does not make bad things happen to you. He does not allow them or you intend to break them, you watch as they chip away at your soul. In fact, it’s the opposite. He begs you to turn to him, to trust him, to give him every part of you to take away the pain and take the sword from you.
There will be days when it seems like you are facing your demons alone, but you are not. Not always. Because he is with you all your days, maybe answering prayers you didn’t know you asked for, maybe showing you a great life on the road, maybe taking you away from things that could destroy you, maybe making a plan you might not understand. Or maybe to bring the people you love closer to Him, for whatever purpose, whatever reason He has.
As humans, we don’t know the answers. But what about us do know that He is here. What are we do know that he has promised us eternal life. What are we do knowing that He sent His son to die for us—the ultimate sacrifice, the greatest blessing so that in any situation we know that we are loved, saved, and strengthened.
So please trust that you are not alone in this sad time. No, you may not understand the ‘why’ or the reason. No, you may not experience God’s existence directly, or know what His intentions are. No, you might not be able to put a smile on your face right now.
But remind yourself that you are serving a loving Father.
Remind yourself that you will bring purpose to your pain.
You will not be permanently injured. You won’t always be in pain. Even in your darkness, you will learn to find the light, you will take steps forward, you will move forward and be strong and leave your shadow past behind. You will honor the memory of your loved ones. You will let your kindness rise through your heartache, and finally let someone in. You’ll find your pieces in unexpected places, and create new masterpieces.
And through all of this, you will be loved, deeply, by your God.
