Pain and suffering have become a reality no one escapes, as sad result of living in a fallen world. We all experience it in many forms. It manifests differently for each person. Many try to compare pain and list it hierarchically in terms of worst levels of suffering, but when it comes down to it, pain is pain, mo matter its face, and Jesus died for our sins and suffering, and he doesnt differentiate between types of pain. He is here to comfort us all.



I was raised in a middle class household. I wasnt physically abused or sexually molested, but were all broken, and my parents werent perfect, and I suffered tremendous emotional abuse as a result of their brokenness. I didnt feel entitled to feel this pain because I hadnt been badly beaten, etc. But, then I started hearing people say that emotional abuse can be the most damaging. I didnt quite believe it as I had heard stories of women who had been raped, others whom were victims of incest, and other horror stories. I didnt feel that I had a right to feel my pain  that it didnt seem to compare to some others sufferings, so I stuffed my hurts deep inside. Despite all efforts, however, pain comes out in other forms. Its like a disease  it infects every relationship and action. One wise person told me  pain is pain. The Lord doesnt differentiate between hurts, and only help those dealing with certain types of pain. Were all in need of healing from our brokenness, whatever form it takes. Sometimes, I still dont feel entitled or worthy of healing when I look at the poor and impoverished, the oppressed in third world countries. I keep thinking, I should be able to cope, as I have not suffered those atrocities, but I still have my own pain that must be healed, and masking it only keeps me in the same state of brokenness, and I have lived with the curse of bad relationships stemming from stuffed pain.



We all have our Goliaths in our lives to face. They may be different for each person, the same for some. But no one is immune from the trials of life. We all dream of living in the Garden of Eden. Its the life we were designed for, but cannot have, until the Lords second coming. There is, however, healing available to all of us, and help in those fiery trials. Each victory demonstrates how real Jesus is in our life, and that living in the promise land can happen in each of our lives. The Israelites had to fight to live in the promise land. It wasnt just handed to them on a silver platter. We all have to bring our problems to the foot of the cross. All healing starts there. We need forgiveness for sins, and to forgive ourselves and our human failings and brokenness, and we need to forgive others for what theyve done to us. Theres freedom in forgiveness. Prayer and community can help us with this process. When were in pain and really suffering, our faith can waiver under all the pressures. Sometimes, we need to have others to have faith for us during these times, to see us through. Sometimes we just need to be carried, til we can walk ourselves.



Like Job, we all need an unwavering perseverance. The only way to deal with the pain and suffering is to go through it, not around it, or away from it. One must remember, however, that we need not go through it alone. Jesus is with us, and we also need to reach out to our church community. We need prayers, assistance and lots of hugs from other prayer warriors, who have likewise, have met their Goliaths. Trials strengthens and stretches all of us. If life was always easy, wed be weak and superficial. Im a single mother of two children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, rarely get child support on a regular basis, and suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Raynauds Disease. My pain is as real as the next persons, and Im just as deserving of the Lords comfort and help, and I now can embrace it for myself, and receive His help. God doesnt differentiate between types of pain. His love and healin doubtless come again

With rejoicing

Bringing his sheaves with him (Psalm 126:5-6)

About the Author

At age 41, I am trying to reinvent myself and follow my passion to write. For years, I've had the responsible job to pay the bills, discounting the possibility that I could make money at something I love. Now I'm hoping for a new life and a new career.