Finding Hope and Healing in Our Pain

Devotional

Day 1: God Is Aware and Concerned About Our Pain

Even when we cannot understand the reasons behind our suffering, God is not distant or unmoved; He is deeply aware of our pain and remains present with us through every trial. In the story of Job, we see that God acknowledges Job’s suffering and affirms his integrity, even as Job is tested beyond what seems bearable. Though we may never receive all the answers we seek, we can trust that God’s heart is compassionate and attentive to our struggles, and that His presence is with us even when life feels unbearable. [56:25]

Job 2:3 (ESV)
And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to be reminded that God is truly aware and concerned about your pain, even if you don’t understand why it’s happening?

Day 2: We Cannot Shortcut Healing

True healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—cannot be rushed or bypassed; it is a process that often requires perseverance, patience, and allowing God to work in His timing. Like Job’s wife, we may long for our pain to end quickly, but genuine restoration comes as we walk through the process, not around it. Sometimes healing means learning to tell our story rather than letting our pain dictate our story, and trusting that God is at work even when progress feels slow. [01:11:59]

Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Reflection: Is there a pain or wound in your life that you have tried to rush past or ignore? What would it look like to invite God into the process of healing, even if it takes time?

Day 3: The Power of Listening in Pain

Listening deeply—to our own pain and to the pain of others—creates sacred space for healing and hope, far more than quick fixes or easy answers ever could. When we listen not to respond but to understand, we reflect the heart of Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to work in ways we cannot. In moments of suffering, both our own and others’, silence and presence often speak louder than words, and careful listening can be a profound act of love. [54:17]

James 1:19 (ESV)
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Reflection: Who in your life needs you to simply listen to their pain today, without offering advice or solutions? How can you make space for them to be heard?

Day 4: Our Pain Is Not the Whole Story

Though pain and loss can feel overwhelming, they do not define the entirety of our lives; God’s story for us is bigger than our suffering, and there is always hope beyond what we can see. The book of Job reminds us that while we may not understand the reasons for our trials, our pain is not the end—there is a greater purpose and a future that God is weaving, even through our darkest moments. We are invited to trust that God is writing a story of redemption and restoration that is larger than our present circumstances. [01:16:35]

Romans 8:18 (ESV)
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Reflection: What is one way you can remind yourself today that your pain is not the whole story, and that God’s purposes for you are greater than your current circumstances?

Day 5: Jesus Is Willing and Able to Heal and Set Us Free

Jesus came to proclaim good news, to heal the broken, and to set the oppressed free—not just in the past, but here and now. He invites us to trust Him with our pain, even when healing is a process and not immediate, and to believe that He can bring wholeness where there has been brokenness. Sometimes, like the blind man who saw only partially at first, we may need to return to Jesus again and again, trusting that He is not finished with us and that His work in us is always good. [01:19:18]

Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Reflection: Where do you need to trust Jesus for healing or freedom in your life today, even if you have to come to Him more than once? What step of faith can you take to invite Him into that place?

Sermon Summary

Life is often unpredictable, filled with both joy and pain, and sometimes the reality we face is stranger and more difficult than anything we could have imagined. In these moments, it’s easy to wonder where God is, or if He even cares. Yet, we are reminded that God is not distant or aloof; He is deeply aware of our struggles and walks with us through every trial. The story of Job illustrates this truth powerfully. Job endured unimaginable suffering—loss of family, health, and status—without ever understanding the reasons behind his pain. Even so, he maintained his integrity and faith, showing us that faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting God when answers are absent.

Listening is a sacred act, both to our own pain and to the pain of others. True listening is not about fixing or responding, but about being present, holding space, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in ways we cannot. When we listen well, we become instruments of healing and hope. Sometimes, pain is so raw that words fail, and that’s okay. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, bringing our groans before God, especially when we don’t have the words ourselves.

We also learn that pain is not the whole story. Our suffering, as real and overwhelming as it may be, does not define the entirety of our lives. There is always something greater at work—God’s redemptive purpose, His sustaining grace, and the promise of a future where all things are made new. Healing is often a process, not an event. We cannot shortcut it, nor can we always understand it. But we can trust that Jesus is both willing and able to heal, to set us free, and to walk with us through every valley.

In our pain, we must be careful with our words, both to ourselves and to others. Silence, presence, and compassion often speak louder than advice or explanations. As we walk with others in their suffering, let us be slow to speak and quick to listen, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see it. Ultimately, our hope is anchored in Christ, who proclaims freedom, healing, and the favor of God to all who are broken and burdened.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Awareness and Concern in Our Pain God is not removed from our suffering; He is intimately aware and concerned about every detail of our lives. Even when we cannot see His hand or understand His ways, He is present, sustaining us and working in ways beyond our comprehension. The story of Job reminds us that sometimes, not knowing the reasons behind our pain is itself a form of God’s grace, protecting us from burdens we are not meant to carry. [56:25]
2. The Sacred Work of Listening Listening deeply—to our own pain and to the pain of others—is hard but holy work. It is not about offering quick fixes or easy answers, but about creating space for healing and hope. When we listen without judgment or agenda, we allow the Holy Spirit to minister in ways that words cannot, and we become vessels of God’s comfort and presence. [54:17]
3. The Danger of Short-Circuiting Healing True healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, cannot be rushed. Like Job’s wife, we may long for the pain to end quickly, but shortcuts often leave wounds unhealed. Healing is a process that sometimes requires us to let the pain become part of our story, rather than letting it dictate our story. Perseverance and patience are essential, and God’s timing is always for our ultimate good. [71:59]
4. The Power and Caution of Words in Suffering In times of pain, both our own and others’, words can either wound or heal. When pain is fresh, silence and presence are often more powerful than speech. We must be careful not to offer explanations or advice too quickly, but instead allow space for grief, lament, and the slow work of God’s Spirit. [74:45]
5. Pain Is Not the Whole Story—Christ Brings Hope Our suffering, as real as it is, does not define us or have the final word. There is always a greater story unfolding—God’s story of redemption, healing, and hope. Jesus came to proclaim freedom, healing, and the favor of God, and He invites us to trust Him even when we see only in part. In Christ, there is always the promise of newness, restoration, and a future where all things are made whole. [76:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:02] - Announcements and Community Updates
[24:42] - Worship: Singing in the Storms
[30:53] - Prayer Requests and Intercessions
[32:25] - Updates on Health and Family Needs
[33:46] - Additional Prayer Concerns
[35:58] - Praying for Travelers and Special Needs
[38:34] - God’s Care in Our Suffering
[40:13] - The Holy Spirit’s Role in Our Prayers
[41:56] - Praying for Spiritual Needs and Global Church
[43:33] - Trusting God in Unbearable Times
[52:22] - Listening to Pain: Ours and Others’
[54:17] - The Story of Job: Suffering Without Answers
[56:25] - God’s Awareness and the Mystery of Suffering
[63:00] - Personal Story: Trusting God in Family Crisis
[68:43] - Job’s Physical and Relational Suffering
[69:37] - The Pain of Job’s Wife and the Limits of Words
[71:59] - The Process of Healing and Not Short-Circuiting
[74:45] - The Power of Silence and Presence
[76:35] - Pain Is Not the Whole Story
[79:18] - Jesus Heals and Sets Free
[88:21] - Sending Off Our Teens to Camp and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Job 2:1-10, what are the specific losses and pains that Job experiences, and how does his wife respond to his suffering?
According to Proverbs 18:13, what is the danger of answering before listening?
In Luke 4:18-19, what does Jesus say He has been anointed to do for those who are suffering or oppressed?
The sermon mentions that Job never learns the reason for his suffering. How does Job respond to his pain and confusion? [[56:25]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon suggests that not knowing the reasons behind our pain can be a form of God’s grace. Why might it be better for us not to know all the answers? [[56:25]]
How does the act of listening—both to our own pain and to others’ pain—create space for healing, according to the sermon and Proverbs 18:13? [[54:17]]
The sermon warns against trying to shortcut the process of healing, using Job’s wife as an example. What are some dangers of seeking quick fixes in times of suffering? [[01:11:59]]
Jesus’ words in Luke 4:18-19 are described as a promise of hope and restoration. How does this promise change the way we view our pain and the pain of others? [[01:19:18]]

Application Questions

The sermon says that God is not distant or aloof, but deeply aware of our struggles. When have you felt God’s presence in a difficult time, even if you didn’t understand what He was doing? [[56:25]]
Listening is described as “sacred work.” Think of a recent conversation where someone shared their pain with you. Did you listen to understand, or were you quick to offer advice? How might you approach it differently next time? [[54:17]]
The sermon warns against rushing the healing process. Is there an area of your life where you are tempted to seek a shortcut to healing or resolution? What would it look like to trust God’s timing instead? [[01:11:59]]
Words can either wound or heal in times of suffering. Recall a time when someone’s words helped or hurt you during a painful season. What did you learn from that experience about how to speak (or not speak) to others in pain? [[01:14:45]]
The story of Job shows that faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting God when answers are absent. Are there questions or doubts you are carrying right now? How can you bring them honestly before God? [[56:25]]
The sermon says, “Pain is not the whole story—Christ brings hope.” What is one practical way you can remind yourself or someone else of this greater hope this week? [[01:16:35]]
Jesus proclaims freedom and healing in Luke 4:18-19. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to experience Christ’s freedom or healing? What step could you take to invite Him into that area? [[01:19:18]]

Sermon Clips

Anytime we can get away from the distractions of life and into an environment that helps us to focus more intently on Christ, he shows up and shows off. [00:13:31]

When the storms of life come, can I share that if we can keep on singing, that's when people start to see how great our God really is. [00:24:19]

It's not a matter of whether we have a perfect life. We don't have a perfect life. But we have a perfect God who gives us life. [00:24:28]

Sometimes in the midst of this life, we need to keep our eyes on that there is something greater than even ourselves. [00:29:17]

We as your people are not immune to the troubles of this world. And so, Lord, I just ask that you would help us to be reminded of who you are. [00:39:32]

Though these, at times, seem like isolated names, that one doesn't go through any of life truly alone. [00:40:02]

I've always taken comfort knowing that the Holy Spirit takes my moanings and groanings and brings them to you in prayer. [00:40:29]

We don't always have to have words, let alone the right words, when we come to you. But that the Spirit does what the Spirit alone can do. [00:40:55]

We, your people, can say, ah, there he is. For you always have a witness in this world. [00:41:59]

If we could figure out why God was doing what God could do we would be God and you all would be in trouble if I was God because guess what I can be a little finicky I can not do things right if you and I can fully understand God he is not God. [00:59:23]

We need a God that we can't understand as frustrating as that is we need a God who is not understandable in every ways and that's why the writer of Hebrews says that we live by faith and not by sight not because we are blind to the reality of this world but because if we understand everything about God we do not need faith but we don't understand everything and we never will. [00:59:46]

There are many things in your life and my life we just don't understand, and it's hard to keep moving forward. But what makes it easier when someone's willing to walk with you in that time? When you can start to just be present with others? [01:06:55]

Job, the book of Job, is giving us one case study of someone who lived out their faith in God without understanding everything. [01:07:55]

We cannot shortcut healing. I think that's what Job's wife wanted to do. I get it. I absolutely get it. When life hurts, I want it to be over as quick as possible. But you can't shortchange and shortcut healing. [01:11:39]

Healing may be when you talk about this pain, when you get to tell the pain it's part of your story, instead of the pain telling you when it's a part of your story. We can't undo trauma. We can't undo pain. But we can allow it to not be the driver of our story. [01:12:22]

In our pain, be careful what you say. People who are hurting will hurt others. And sometimes we need to let that out. And we have to have somebody who will listen. But in our pain, be careful at the words you speak. [01:13:49]

When pain is the freshest, words should be the fewest. If you want to be the healing presence of Jesus in our world, then when someone you're walking with is in pain, keep your mouth shut. And when you think it's time to respond, keep your mouth shut a little longer. [01:14:29]

Our pain is not the whole story. Life is bigger than what happens to us. Life is bigger than what happens to our friends and to our families. [01:16:08]

Why do we, as the people who read Scripture, get to see what is behind so that we will realize that in life, the pain that we experience isn't the full story. There is something greater, someone greater than that. [01:18:17]

Jesus is willing, and I probably should have put able, though I assume that, to heal us and set us free from our pain. [01:18:36]

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed him. Next, this is the place free to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor he's quoting from the prophets he would roll up the scroll that day and says this has been fulfilled in your midst and he would go on to heal to set the oppressed free to give us freedom from the sin the prison of sin but I also believe that he is here today saying I want to do this work again I want to heal you again not so that you get to just go look at me in order for the year of the Lord to be proclaimed the goodness of God to be proclaimed is that easy no in fact I would submit to you there were many times in the Gospels when Jesus would heal the the other person had to have enough faith that he really didn't know what he was going to do because it sounded odd. [01:19:18]

You and I sometimes we get content seeing the world a little fuzzy like trees walking around when Jesus says wait come back I have more will you trust him is that scary absolutely does that mean something will happen maybe but I can tell you when God does it work it's always a good work when you can trust him when you're willing to say okay I'm not sure I know where you're going but I'm willing to follow you will always be on the path of healing and wholeness and that's why we as people of God can always remind ourselves there is a future to come a future when everything will be made new. [01:21:47]

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