Pain and Suffering, Part 2
Isaiah 30:26 - "The LORD binds up the bruises of His people and heals the wounds He inflicted." This is a hard verse for many to swallow. It’s one thing to believe that the Lord heals our wounds and binds up our broken hearts (Psalm 147:3) but it’s yet another thing to trust that these wounds were inflicted upon us as part of God’s perfect plan.
How many times are we tempted to say 'it’s not fair' or 'I don’t deserve this?' How often do we falter in our belief that “God’s got the whole world in His hands?” Its times like these that we need to go straight to God’s Word and shower ourselves in His priceless promises. Promises like:
- Job 36:15 – But those who suffer He delivers in their suffering; He speaks to them in their affliction.
- Isaiah 63:9 - In all their suffering He also suffered, and He personally rescued them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.
- Psalm 22:24 - He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help.
- Isaiah 48:10 – [God speaking] I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.
- Psalm 119:71 - My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
- Isaiah 61:8 - I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them.
- Job 19:25 - But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.
Yes, on this very day, your Redeemer lives and stands upon the earth. And no matter what you face; no matter what’s been allowed, God can and will work it together for good as part of His perfect plan for your life and for this world.
Hang in there!