There’s a phrase that you have probably heard, seen on a gym wall or maybe even on a shirt.. NO PAIN, NO GAIN. I’m not sure about you but when I hear that slogan I picture this massive, ripped guy at the gym tossing the biggest weights around in straight beast mode just yelling because he is so pumped up (Insert loud grunts)

We have just wrapped up the series, Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt. This series has been so helpful in many different areas such as forgiveness, learning how to deal with difficult relationships and even working through our issues or hurts we may have towards God. A few weeks ago we learned that God doesn’t waste our pain. When I first heard that phrase my first thought was “who wants pain?”. I mean for real, no one is saying ” man I sure could use some more pain in my life. But the more I thought about it the more I realized that it’s in my pain whereI have learned the most. I bet if you thought about it, you’d probably say the same thing. The situations or life circumstances that have been the most painful are the times I now can look back on and see where I have gained the most. It’s in those times where I see my faith grow because I’m digging into the Bible more, spending more time in prayer and worship and I’m putting all my focus on Him.

In Romans 8:18 (NLV) it says “  I am sure that our suffering now cannot be compared to the shining-greatness that He is going to give us.” Remember, God doesn’t waste our pain. If you feel that you are in a painful season, know that you are growing. Know you’re faith is being strengthened, know that joy comes in the morning and that He will see you through.  A “Shining-greatness” is in your future. Just like the shirt says.. No pain, No gain.