Finding Wholeness Through Pain and God's Presence
Summary
Pain is a universal experience, touching every life in different ways—sometimes through our own choices, sometimes through circumstances beyond our control, and sometimes simply as a part of living in a broken world. Pain itself is not inherently good or bad; it is a signal, a messenger that something needs attention. Whether it’s the physical pain of a broken bone, the lingering ache of an old injury, or the chronic suffering that some endure daily, pain invites us to respond. It can be a catalyst for change, a prompt to seek help, or a reminder that something in our lives needs healing.
God did not design us for pain, but for wholeness and communion with Him and each other. Yet, because of the choices humanity has made, pain entered the world. Even so, God does not leave us alone in our suffering. Jesus models for us a life of love, grace, and presence—He meets us in our pain, just as He met Mary outside the empty tomb. In those moments when we are overwhelmed, when we don’t even have words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, expressing our deepest groans to the Father.
Pain, while difficult, has a purpose. It moves us from complacency, urging us to grow, to heal, and to become more like Christ. If we only numb or ignore our pain, we miss the opportunity for transformation. Instead, we are called to face our pain, to seek Jesus in the midst of it, and to allow our community to support us. Through this process, we not only find healing for ourselves but are equipped to help others who walk similar paths.
Ultimately, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus—not pain, not suffering, not even our own failures. God’s promise is that, though we share in Christ’s suffering now, we will also share in His glory. Our hope is not in a pain-free life, but in the assurance that God is with us, working all things together for our good, and leading us toward wholeness. The invitation is to take the next right step, to reach for Jesus’ outstretched hand, and to trust that He is making us whole, one step at a time.
Key Takeaways
- Pain as a Messenger, Not an Enemy
Pain is not inherently good or bad; it is a signal that something in our lives needs attention. Ignoring or numbing pain may provide temporary relief, but it prevents true healing and growth. When we listen to what our pain is telling us, we can discern the changes God is inviting us to make, moving us toward greater wholeness. [01:31]
- God’s Presence in Our Suffering
In moments of deep pain and confusion, Jesus meets us right where we are, just as He did with Mary outside the tomb. Even when we don’t recognize Him or understand our circumstances, He is present, offering comfort, love, and companionship. Turning to Jesus in our pain opens us to His healing presence and reminds us that we are never alone. [11:59]
- The Purpose of Pain: Transformation and Growth
Pain often serves as a catalyst for transformation, urging us to move from where we are to where God wants us to be. If life were always easy, we might never change or grow. God uses our suffering to shape us, to draw us closer to Him, and to make us more like Christ, preparing us for the glory that is to come. [16:29]
- Community and Shared Experience
Our experiences of pain are not wasted; they become sources of empathy and support for others. As we walk through suffering and see God’s faithfulness, we are equipped to come alongside others in their pain, offering presence, understanding, and hope. The community of believers is a vital part of God’s plan for healing and wholeness. [09:50]
- Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
No matter what pain or hardship we face, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This assurance gives us hope and courage to endure, knowing that God is for us, with us, and working all things together for our good. Our ultimate wholeness is found in Him, and His love is the foundation that sustains us through every trial. [21:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - Is Pain Good or Bad?
[01:31] - Personal Stories of Pain and Ignoring It
[04:33] - Responding to Pain: Danger, Choices, and Circumstance
[06:05] - Pain as a Catalyst for Change
[06:49] - God’s Design vs. Human Choices
[07:47] - How We Respond to Pain
[08:40] - Subduing vs. Working Through Pain
[09:50] - Community and Shared Experiences
[10:39] - Mary at the Tomb: Jesus Meets Us in Pain
[12:47] - Romans 8: Suffering and Glory
[14:45] - Hope in the Midst of Suffering
[16:29] - The Purpose of Pain and Endurance
[17:50] - The Promise of Eternal Wholeness
[18:31] - Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
[21:50] - Assurance in Christ’s Love
[23:37] - Choosing Our Response to Pain
[24:23] - Taking the Next Right Step
[25:53] - Living Whole Lives in Christ
[26:47] - Prayer for Healing and Wholeness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Pain, Presence, and Wholeness”
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### Bible Reading
- John 20:11-18 (Mary meets Jesus outside the empty tomb)
- Romans 8:15-39 (Suffering, hope, and the assurance of God’s love)
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 20, how does Mary respond when she finds the tomb empty and encounters Jesus, even though she doesn’t recognize Him at first?
2. According to Romans 8, what does Paul say about the relationship between suffering and glory for those who follow Christ?
3. The sermon described pain as a “messenger” rather than an enemy. What examples did the pastor give from his own life to illustrate this idea? [[01:31]]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our moments of pain and weakness, according to Romans 8?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Jesus choose to meet Mary in her pain and confusion outside the tomb, rather than reveal Himself in a more obvious way? What does this say about how God meets us in our pain? [[11:59]]
2. The sermon says that pain can be a catalyst for change and growth. In what ways does Romans 8 suggest that God uses suffering to shape us? [[16:29]]
3. The pastor mentioned that numbing or ignoring pain can prevent true healing. Why do you think people are tempted to avoid pain, and what might be the long-term effects of doing so? [[08:40]]
4. Romans 8:38-39 says nothing can separate us from God’s love. How does this assurance affect the way we view our pain and suffering?
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared stories about ignoring pain (like his knee injury) and the consequences that followed. Is there a pain—physical, emotional, or spiritual—that you have been ignoring? What might it look like to pay attention to it this week? [[01:31]]
2. When you are in pain, do you tend to isolate yourself or reach out for help? What would it look like to invite Jesus and your community into your pain, as Mary did at the tomb? [[09:50]]
3. The sermon talked about the temptation to numb pain with things like busyness, substances, or distractions. Are there ways you have tried to “numb” your pain instead of facing it? What is one small step you could take to address it honestly? [[08:40]]
4. Romans 8 says the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t have words to pray. Have you ever experienced a time when you couldn’t pray, but sensed God’s presence anyway? What helped you in that season? [[15:28]]
5. The pastor emphasized that our pain can equip us to help others. Is there someone in your life who is going through a similar struggle you’ve faced? How could you come alongside them this week? [[09:50]]
6. The sermon ended with the invitation to “take the next right step” toward healing and wholeness. What is one practical next step you sense God inviting you to take in response to your pain? [[24:23]]
7. How does knowing that nothing can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39) give you hope or courage in your current struggles? [[21:50]]
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Close in prayer, asking God for courage to face pain, for the presence of Jesus in suffering, and for the Spirit’s help to take the next right step toward wholeness.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Meets Us in Our Pain
In the midst of our deepest pain and confusion, Jesus is present with us, just as He was with Mary outside the empty tomb. When Mary was overwhelmed by grief and uncertainty, Jesus gently called her by name and revealed Himself to her, offering comfort and hope. Even when we do not recognize Him at first, Jesus draws near, ready to sit with us, hold our hand, and be the love we need in our darkest moments. He invites us to turn to Him, to let Him be our companion and source of peace when life feels unbearable. [11:59]
John 20:11-18 (ESV)
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
Reflection: In a current area of pain or confusion, how might you intentionally turn to Jesus today and invite Him to be present with you, even if you don’t fully understand what’s happening?
Day 2: Suffering and Hope as God’s Children
As children of God, we are promised both the reality of suffering and the hope of future glory. The pain we experience now is not a sign of God’s absence, but a part of our journey as heirs with Christ. All creation groans with us, longing for the day when God will make all things new and free us from sin and suffering. In our weakness, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God works all things together for our good, shaping us to be more like His Son. Our present struggles are temporary compared to the eternal hope we have in Christ. [15:28]
Romans 8:15-28 (ESV)
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Reflection: What is one area of suffering in your life where you need to ask the Holy Spirit to help you wait with hope and trust that God is working for your good?
Day 3: Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
No matter what pain, hardship, or fear we face, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Our circumstances—whether trouble, loss, or uncertainty—do not diminish God’s love or His presence with us. Even when we feel weak or unable to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. God’s love is steadfast and unbreakable, holding us through every trial and promising us overwhelming victory in Christ. We are never alone, and God’s love is the anchor that sustains us through every season of life. [21:50]
Romans 8:31-39 (ESV)
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection: When you feel distant from God or overwhelmed by pain, what is one practical way you can remind yourself today that nothing can separate you from His love?
Day 4: Pain Has Purpose—Don’t Just Bury It
Pain is not something to simply numb or ignore; it is often a signal that something needs attention or change in our lives. Whether pain comes from our own choices, from circumstances beyond our control, or from the brokenness of the world, it can move us toward growth, healing, and deeper dependence on God. If we only try to subdue pain through distractions or unhealthy habits, we miss the opportunity to become more whole and to help others with our experiences. God invites us to face our pain honestly, seek support, and take the next right step toward healing. [08:40]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Reflection: Is there a pain in your life you’ve been trying to bury or numb? What is one small, healthy step you can take today to begin working through it instead?
Day 5: Take the Next Right Step Toward Wholeness
God desires for us to be made whole, reflecting His character and love in our lives, even as we walk through pain. We have the choice to move forward, to reach out for help, and to allow God to use our pain for growth and transformation. Wholeness may come through community, professional support, or simply taking one small step at a time. God is with us in every moment, offering hope, healing, and the strength to keep going. Each day, we are invited to trust Him and take the next right step toward the life He has for us. [25:53]
Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What is one “next right step” you sense God inviting you to take today toward healing or wholeness, and how can you act on it?
Quotes
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