BEARING PAIN

SUNDAY SERVICE

 SERMON:

                

                     BEARING PAIN

 Intro: Life's journey is often marked by suffering and pain. Sometimes, this pain can be so profound that it becomes a central part of our existence, especially as we approach the end of our earthly lives. Today, I want to speak to you about how we can bear this pain with grace and faith, even at the moment of death.

 Prob : You feel you alone face what you face and that there is no helper to aid you through.

 Purp : To give us hope that we can and can overcome all pain that presents itself before us.

>>> Even Christ himself had nothing to help him when he called out for help in his agony. He wanted God to help but God didn't help. Not because God was not able to but because the formalities of his life were destined to the shedding of blood. Mere fact that he was in the human body was the fact that he was supposed to suffer and face pain like anyone else. But when God didn't answer him when he called upon Him, did Christ give up. He didn't give up . Christ had different ways of bearing with pain which we all need to embrace.

 UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF SUFFERING

*1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed

Suffering is an intrinsic part of the human experience. Jesus Himself was no stranger to pain and sorrow. In _Isaiah 53:3_ , He is described as "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." Our Savior endured the ultimate suffering on the cross, bearing the weight of the world's sins. When we experience pain, we are sharing in a small part of His suffering. This can bring us closer to Him and deepen our faith.

As human beings, we are under the curse of suffering. Adam and Eve committed a sin that has bound all their descendants in pains and suffering. But when it is the case of Christian, the suffering of Christ is also to be shared among all that are descendants of Christ... those that bear his name. "The Christian". Each of us has a place we are into where we suffer being their. We all have to understand where we are. It is obvious that even being in certain clans gives you certain pain which is not in another. We are different. Understand the nature of your pains.

 YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

* Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Jesus had taken a long time moving with his disciples. He had done much of the work that he was supposed to do on earth. It came his time to leave the world. His disciples were worried. They wondered how they would move alone in this world. But Christ told them that he would send a helper in the name of the holy Spirit to be their guide...to be their protector...to be their mediator...to be their comforter in the times of pains. 

That clearly shows that we are not alone. There is a Divine power that is there to comfort all of us in whatever trouble we go through.

Moses knew this fact clearly. He was given a big gang of people to lead . He , as a human being was overwhelmed by the numbers. But that aside, the people he led were so stubborn and gave him hard time most of the time during the journey. But Moses would not go up against them and say why they are bothering him. He only went to God- his helper for the answers he wanted. He knew his helper well.

Can you try getting a connection with your helper today. Try to know how near he is. Speak to him all the time.

 RISE FAITH IN PRAYER

In times of severe pain, prayer becomes our solace. Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed earnestly to His Father as He faced the cross. Prayer helps us to align our will with God's and draws us into His comforting presence. Faith assures us that God is with us in our suffering. To help you bear pain, pray pray and pray. You alone can't go through this noisy world. You alone can't be run the race. You need a Divine being to fight the wars you never see. You need to pray with faith.

 MAKE YOUR PAINS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD COURAGE.

* 2 Timothy 4:6-8 "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

The Example of Paul shows how, Paul reflects on his life as he nears his death. Despite the hardships he endured, he views his suffering as a testament to his faith and dedication to God's mission. Paul’s words in 2 _Timothy_ are not of despair but of triumph and fulfillment. He shows us that it is possible to face the end with courage and hope, seeing it as the completion of our earthly journey and the beginning of our eternal reward.

 UNDERSTAND THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE.

Jesus assures us in

* John 14:1-3 (NIV), "Do not let your hearts be troubled_ . You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"

 This promise gives us hope and strength to endure, knowing that the pain we face now is temporary and that we have an eternal home awaiting us where there will be no more pain or suffering.

 CONCLUSION

⚫ As we bear our pain, even at the moment of death, let us do so with the knowledge that we are never alone. Jesus has walked this path before us and walks it with us now. Our suffering, though intense, is not the end but a passage to our eternal home. Let us face it with the same faith and hope that Paul did, confident in the crown of righteousness that awaits us.

                  GOD BLESS YOU.

By Simon Kutosi.

Sunday 23rd june, 2024

                            99th msg