Pain that Works

What if you’re a sparrow — flying high in the sky enjoying your freedom, just trying to find food? Then something hits you and you fall to the ground. Would you shake the dust off right away and try to fly again? Or feel sorry for yourself?

Pain and brokenness are part of life, be it opposition, or persecution, or something else. In his book The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis explains that, “We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Do we understand why God allows a flying and singing sparrow to fall to the ground? Probably not. Yet, we know God cares and He is faithful, kind, and slow to anger (Psalm 86:15). The God who permits the sparrow to fall is the same who gives it life, wings, and the ability to fly high in the sky. No matter how many times the sparrow falls, it can tap into God's grace to fly higher.

We are much more valuable than sparrows because we are made in God’s image. So, how do we respond to pain? Don’t hold God responsible for every mess. Trust and know God loves us too much to leave us unchanged. A fall can refine our character. God is working with us, in us, and through us.

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your goodness and faithfulness. Give me a positive attitude when things don’t go my way, knowing that even in pain and dissapointment, you are there and you care. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go Deeper — If you happen to be broken at the moment, could you be feeling sorry for yourself or blaming others? Repent and forgive as necessary and pray for God’s strength; know that He is in the middle of the mess with you and trust Him.

Read Further — Why is there suffering in the world?.

If you need someone to speak with about pain, repentance, or forgiveness, one of our free and confidential mentors can help.