He is Present in the Pain

Years ago, a pastor friend gave me an exercise regimen to help me lose weight. I remember his words: “Your body is going to rebel. You have to learn to overcome your pain.” The next morning, I walked my first mile. My ankles were throbbing, and my knees were killing me. Though it was exactly what I needed, it was painful.

While my flesh was rebelling, to my spirit, it was familiar ground. King Jesus was reminding me that sometimes, the walk gets painful. Jesus himself walked in ultimate victory daily, but that doesn’t mean it was painless. The next time you start thinking your walk with God is supposed to be pain-free, consider these verses concerning the life and times of our Lord…

…And He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” – Matthew 26:37-38 

…He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” – John 13:21

…He groans in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. – John 11:34-35

Did Jesus walk in victory? YES! Did Jesus walk free of pain? NO! Remember, these verses were part of His earthly life – not His crucifixion. He experienced every aspect of life on earth — loneliness, betrayal, fear, sorrow, hunger, thirst, sickness, exhaustion – He knows how you feel. He’s been there. We don’t have a God who is only capable of sympathy.

Jesus can empathize, which explains His deep compassion for us in our suffering. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that “in this world you will have trouble.” He did, and if we’re following Him, we will too. However, that is not where this verse ends. Jesus also tells us, “But, take heart! I have overcome the world.” His victory brings us lasting peace and hope.