Transforming Pain into Purpose: Embracing God's Plan

Summary

Life brings pain—sometimes from persecution, sometimes from disappointment, sometimes from circumstances we can’t even explain. But pain is not meant to be an idol or a distraction that keeps us from God. Too often, we focus so much on our suffering that we lose sight of the One who holds our future. The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 shows us that even when pain is overwhelming, God is still present, and His purpose is at work behind the scenes. Hannah’s barrenness was not a sign of God’s absence, but rather a setup for a greater purpose. God Himself had closed her womb, not to punish her, but to prepare her for something extraordinary.

Hannah’s breakthrough didn’t come from routine or religious activity—she had been going to the temple for years without change. Her transformation came when she shifted her approach, moving from self-pity and anger to humility and surrender. She poured out her heart before God, not demanding, but yielding, making a covenant that what God gave her, she would give back. This posture of humility and brokenness moved the heart of God. It wasn’t about impressing others or proving herself; it was about aligning her desire with God’s purpose.

There is a price to pay for birthing greatness. Pain, betrayal, and disappointment are often part of the process. Even Jesus had to push past the agony of Gethsemane to fulfill His purpose on the cross. Sometimes God allows us to walk through seasons where we can only depend on Him, stripping away every other support so that when the breakthrough comes, only He gets the glory. The deeper we go with God, the more we realize it’s not about us—it’s about Him, His power, His grace, and His purpose.

God is looking for people who are hungry for more, who refuse to settle for comfort or complacency. The pain you’re experiencing is not wasted; it’s preparing you to carry something significant for the kingdom. There are people waiting for your obedience, for your testimony, for your breakthrough. Don’t let pain paralyze you—push past it, step into your purpose, and let God birth something new and powerful through your life.

Key Takeaways

- Pain is Not an Obstacle, but a Pathway to Purpose
Pain can easily become an idol if we focus on it more than on God. Yet, every trial, every disappointment, and every moment of suffering is under God’s sovereign hand, working together for our good. When we shift our focus from the pain to the purpose God is working out, we find hope and strength to persevere. The pain you endure is often the very thing God uses to position you for your destiny. [33:28]

- Breakthrough Requires a Change in Approach and Heart
Routine and religious activity alone do not guarantee transformation. Like Hannah, we must move beyond simply showing up and instead come before God with humility, brokenness, and surrender. When we stop relying on our own strength and truly yield our desires to God, He is moved to act on our behalf. The key is not just what we ask, but how we approach the King—with reverence, humility, and a willingness to give back what He gives us. [50:08]

- There is a Price for Greatness—Embrace the Process
Every anointing, every calling, every breakthrough comes with a cost. The process may involve pain, isolation, and even misunderstanding from others, but it is necessary for refining and preparation. Even Jesus had to endure the agony of the cross to fulfill His purpose. Don’t despise the process; recognize that the price you pay is producing something of eternal value in you and through you. [01:05:59]

- True Hunger for God Releases More of His Presence
Many lose their passion and hunger for God because they become comfortable with what they have already experienced. God desires to pour out more, but He responds to those who are truly hungry and desperate for Him. When we become dissatisfied with complacency and earnestly seek more of God, He meets us with fresh anointing, revelation, and breakthrough. Revival begins with a personal hunger and a willingness to be used by God. [01:15:02]

- Your Breakthrough is Connected to Others’ Deliverance
The pain and process you endure are not just about you; they are about the people God has called you to impact. Someone’s deliverance, encouragement, or salvation may be waiting on your obedience and perseverance. When you push past your pain and step into your purpose, you become a vessel through which God brings freedom and blessing to others. Don’t underestimate the ripple effect of your breakthrough. [01:18:41]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:28] - The Reality and Weight of Pain
[40:28] - Hannah’s Barrenness and Persecution
[41:16] - God’s Sovereignty in Our Suffering
[42:41] - The Breaking Point: When Enough is Enough
[45:25] - Presence Over Routine: Tapping Into God
[50:08] - The Power of Humility and Surrender
[55:16] - Approaching God as King, Not as Peer
[56:27] - Faith That Moves the Heart of God
[57:51] - Hannah’s Covenant and Changed Motive
[59:10] - Praying Until Something Happens
[01:00:39] - The Price of Purpose and the Cost of Oil
[01:05:59] - Jesus’ Pain and the Necessity of Process
[01:11:35] - God Strips Us to Depend on Him
[01:15:02] - Rekindling Hunger for More of God
[01:17:07] - Pushing Past Pain Into Purpose
[01:18:41] - You Are Chosen to Birth Greatness
[01:19:45] - Refusing Complacency and Embracing Destiny
[01:20:43] - The Call to Rise Up and Shift
[01:22:19] - Breaking Chains and Releasing Destiny
[01:24:12] - Prophetic Declarations and Release
[01:26:34] - Stirring Up Gifts and Final Prayer
[01:29:43] - Closing and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Pass the Pain"

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### Bible Reading

- 1 Samuel 1:1-20 (The story of Hannah’s pain, prayer, and breakthrough)
- Romans 8:28 (“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”)
- Matthew 26:36-46 (Jesus in Gethsemane, pushing past pain to fulfill God’s purpose)

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### Observation Questions

1. In 1 Samuel 1, what were the main sources of Hannah’s pain and disappointment? How did others around her respond to her situation? ([40:28])
2. According to the sermon, what was different about Hannah’s approach to God the time her prayer was answered? ([50:08])
3. What does Romans 8:28 say about the purpose behind our suffering and pain?
4. In Matthew 26, how did Jesus respond to the overwhelming pain He faced in Gethsemane? What did He pray? ([01:05:59])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that pain can become an idol or a distraction if we focus on it more than on God. What does it mean for pain to become an idol in someone’s life? ([33:28])
2. Why do you think God allowed Hannah to go through years of barrenness and pain before answering her prayer? What might God have been doing in her heart during that time? ([41:16])
3. The pastor said that breakthrough requires a change in approach and heart, not just routine or religious activity. What does it look like to “shift your approach” with God? ([50:08])
4. How does Jesus’ experience in Gethsemane help us understand the necessity of enduring pain as part of God’s process? ([01:05:59])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us not to let pain become a distraction or idol. Is there a specific pain or disappointment in your life right now that you find yourself focusing on more than God? What would it look like to shift your focus? ([33:28])
2. Hannah’s breakthrough came when she surrendered her desires to God and made a covenant to give back what He gave her. Is there something you’ve been asking God for that you need to surrender or offer back to Him? What would that look like in your life? ([57:51])
3. The pastor said, “Routine and religious activity alone do not guarantee transformation.” Are there areas in your spiritual life where you’ve been “going through the motions”? What is one practical way you can seek God’s presence more intentionally this week? ([45:25])
4. The sermon talked about the “price for greatness”—that pain, isolation, and misunderstanding are often part of the process. Can you think of a time when you went through a difficult season that later produced something good or meaningful in your life? How did you see God at work? ([01:05:59])
5. The pastor said, “True hunger for God releases more of His presence.” Have you become comfortable or complacent in your walk with God? What is one step you can take to rekindle your hunger for Him? ([01:15:02])
6. The sermon reminded us that our breakthrough is connected to others’ deliverance. Who in your life might be impacted if you push past your pain and step into your purpose? How can you be intentional about sharing your testimony or encouraging someone else this week? ([01:18:41])
7. The pastor asked, “What is your approach to God? How are you coming before your King?” Take a moment to reflect: When you pray, do you come with humility and surrender, or with demands and frustration? How can you change your posture before God this week? ([01:22:19])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, asking God to help each person push past pain, surrender their desires, and step into the purpose He has for them. Pray for renewed hunger for God and for breakthroughs that will bless others.

Devotional

Day 1: Pushing Past the Pain to Find Purpose
Pain and suffering are often unavoidable, but God calls us to push past our pain because there is purpose and victory waiting on the other side. When we focus too much on our pain, it can become an obstacle or even an idol, distracting us from God’s presence and His plans for us. Instead of letting pain define us or keep us stagnant, we are invited to trust that God is working through every circumstance—even the ones we don’t understand. The pain you are experiencing is not wasted; it is part of the process God uses to bring you into your destiny and to birth something greater in your life. [33:28]

1 Samuel 1:1-20 (ESV)
There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”

Reflection: What pain or disappointment in your life have you allowed to become an obstacle to your faith or purpose? How can you surrender it to God today and trust Him to bring purpose out of it?


Day 2: The Power of Humble, Persistent Prayer
Breakthrough comes not just from being present in God’s house, but from coming before Him with a humble, surrendered heart. Like Hannah, we may go through the motions for years without seeing change, but when we pour out our hearts honestly and humbly before God, refusing to let our emotions or pride get in the way, God is moved. True transformation happens when we stop relying on our own strength and approach God as King, with reverence and brokenness, ready to receive what He has already prepared for us. [50:08]

Matthew 8:5-13 (ESV)
When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to shift from self-reliance or pride to humble, persistent prayer before God? What would it look like to approach Him as your King today?


Day 3: Sealing Your Breakthrough with Worship and Surrender
When God answers our prayers, it is vital to seal our breakthrough with worship and a heart of surrender. Hannah’s story shows that true breakthrough is not just about receiving what we desire, but about dedicating it back to God and worshipping Him for who He is. The process of surrender—giving God our desires, our pain, and our victories—opens the door for Him to birth something of lasting value through us. Worship is the seal that acknowledges God’s sovereignty and keeps our hearts aligned with His purpose. [01:00:39]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: What is one answered prayer or area of your life that you need to intentionally surrender back to God in worship today?


Day 4: There is a Price for Purpose—Embracing the Process
Every calling and every anointing comes with a price, and that price often involves pain, pressing, and perseverance. Just as Hannah’s pain led to the birth of Samuel, and Jesus’ suffering led to our salvation, your process is preparing you for something greater. The journey may involve loneliness, misunderstanding, or even betrayal, but God uses these seasons to refine you, strip away self-reliance, and draw you closer to Him. The deeper you go with God, the more you realize it is not about your strength, but about His power working through you. [01:05:59]

James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Reflection: What is one area where you are feeling the “price” of your calling? How can you choose to embrace the process and trust God’s refining work in you today?


Day 5: Stepping Into Your Purpose—Refusing to Settle
God has placed greatness inside of you, and there are people and destinies waiting on the other side of your obedience. Refuse to be comfortable or complacent; instead, rise up and push past whatever is holding you back. Your breakthrough is not just for you—it is for the generation and the people God has called you to impact. The change you desire begins with you, and as you step into your purpose, God will release what has been held back and use you to bring revival and transformation. [01:19:45]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
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 step can you take today to move out of complacency and actively pursue the purpose God has placed in you? Who might be waiting on the other side of your obedience?

Quotes