Have you ever been through something so devastating in life that you feel like you just want to give up? Give up emotionally, on life, on people, on ever giving yourself to anything again because the hurt was so deep that you could not bear the weight of those feelings ever again? Of course you have, you are human and every human being will experience emotional challenges while here on this earth. Some experiences will impact us more than others, to the point we can’t see how we could ever move on from it but the truth is in every tragedy there is triumph. What do I mean? If we are patient enough while in what feels like a tragedy, we can then learn from it and come out with more knowledge, wisdom and confidence next time we are presented with a pressure situation.
So what is a pressure situation? A pressure situation is any influence, intimidation or persuasion situation that encourages uncomfortable, worrisome feelings in you. This may look like the loss of job, a divorce, a toxic work environment, a bankruptcy, a chronic medical condition, the loss of a loved one, financial stress, family stress and etc. These are unfortunate circumstances for anyone and compounded with the issues of everyday life can add even more stress. I am careful not to minimize any of those experiences, but for the purpose of this post, I want to focus on the benefits of painful experiences. Earlier I mentioned how we can learn from it. I know some will think how can pain be beneficial are you crazy?! I was that person too, I avoided feeling pain at all cost. I get it, no one wants to experience pain, but unfortunately there is no workaround pain is inevitable, how we respond to pain is on us.
So how can we benefit from painful experiences? Use them as leverage. In my experience working as a therapist with inmates in the correctional system, a question I always asked was “what did you learn from being incarcerated that you can use when you get out?” Of course the response was always something about not doing this again or not doing that again which is still a win. But there were some who would reflect and insightfully say “I’m going to spend more time with my children” “I’m going to tell my mother I love her more” or “I’m going to go back to school.” These individuals were able to realize the value of time. They gained more knowledge on how to utilize and appreciate their time more and the time that was lost therefore reinforcing an decrease in recidivism.
Another great example is myself. If you have read any of my previous post you will know I have shared many personal triumphs of my own. I have endured a lot, but…the growth, confidence and joy I experience today far outweighs the pain. Why? The person that was constructed as a result of my discomfort. What I mean is who I am today because I what I went through could never have been born had I not went through it. And guess what else, it was not only for me it was for you. I could never be used by God effectively if I don’t have triumph to tell to you. Lets think about it, are you more encouraged when someone tells you about a triumph story when you are going through yours? Of course you are. Are you even more encouraged when you see yourself on the other side of pain, then realize I got through it and I am stronger now than I was before.
I’m not saying it isn’t going to hurt, it will. A broken toe hurts, then it heals. Pain doesn’t last forever. Affliction is part of living in this world. We will all suffer heartaches, injuries, disappointments, lack, rejection, and sickness. We must remember Paul’s encouragement in 2 Corinthians 4:16–17: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Afflictions remind the Christian that this world is not our home. First Corinthians 2:9 reminds us that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” When we keep our focus on that truth, we can endure any affliction.
So the next time you are presented with pain, struggle and uncomfortable circumstances, consider asking what it is you can learn from the situation. “What is this experience trying to teach me?” “How can I use this to help someone else?” Because of our feelings at that time, it is easy to only focus on ourselves naturally, but when that focus is shifted off our 5 senses, it is easier to get a different point of view.
The Jolt in Your Veins 