THE POWER OF YOUR PAIN – DAN MALONE
Scriptures:
Romans 5:3-5
John 16: 33
Luke 22:42
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.“ Romans 5:3-5
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33
Just like you can’t have an ice cream without the ice, LIFE will come with pain.
But we can see it differently. Paul says there is a POWER to it.
THE POWER OF YOUR PAIN
“And endurance develops strength of character…”
DOKIME (TESTED CHARACTER) – pain-producing character (it cannot be produced any other way).
Like a metal/ring is tested in fire: refined to see the reflection of the goldsmith.
For we know (in this context) how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Pain is your capacity (cup) – Luke 22:42 – the greater the pain, the larger the capacity.
There is a certain love that can only be known (“for we know…”) / experienced through pain.
The greatest embrace is in the deepest place of your pain.
All you have to do is receive – LIFT the CUP and let him fill you.
GOD SAYS: You’ve persevered – now let me fill you with my LOVE. At the end of your pain there is an outpouring that you are ENTITLED to. Because you have the capacity.
Healing looks like filling. The invitation is to:
– Experience His love
– Persevere
– See Gods purpose
– Find healing
Discussion Questions
1. Reflect on a time in your life when you faced significant pain or hardship. How did you initially respond to it? Did your perspective change over time?
2. In the ice cream story analogy, how does the experience of pain relate to the concept of endurance and character development? Have you experienced growth or character refinement through challenging circumstances?
3. Discuss the Scriptures (Romans 5:3-5 and John 16:33). How do these verses provide comfort or encouragement in times of trouble?
4. What does it mean to “lift the cup” of suffering, as mentioned in Luke 22:42? How can we open ourselves to receive God’s love in the midst of pain? Consider the idea that pain expands our capacity to experience God’s love. How does this concept challenge or affirm your understanding of suffering?
5. Share examples of how you have seen God’s love manifested in the midst of pain, either in your own life or in the lives of others. How does experiencing God’s love change our perspective on suffering?
6. Discuss ways in which we can maintain hope and confidence in God’s love, even when facing challenges and trials. How does the assurance of God’s love sustain us in difficult times? What practical steps can we take to embrace pain as a pathway to experiencing God’s love more fully?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Grant us endurance and strength amidst our trials. Fill our hearts with your love as we surrender our pain to you. Help us see your hand at work in every circumstance, and give us hope in your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
THE LINC COLLECTIVE 
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