Purpose in the Pain

*This devo goes along with our sermon series Faith - A Journey through Doubt, which can be watched here

Scripture:

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus… who for the joy set before him endured the cross…” — Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Reflection:

Pain and purpose don’t seem to go together—until you look at the cross. Jesus didn’t go to the cross for the pain of it. He endured it because of the joy on the other side. He could see beyond the suffering, to the redemption that would come through it.

Your suffering may feel pointless now. But with God, no pain is wasted. He can take the very thing that hurt you and use it to heal others. Sometimes you see it in hindsight. Other times, not until eternity.

Still, don’t judge the whole story by one painful chapter. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. If He endured the cross for the joy ahead, then He will walk with you through your valley, until your joy returns too.

God isn’t just getting you through the pain—He’s doing something with it.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for enduring the cross for me. Help me trust that my pain has purpose in Your plan. Give me endurance to press forward, knowing that joy is still ahead. Amen.