T H E O P H I L U S

“¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Romans 8:18-21

Many of us have encountered pain and suffering to a variety of degrees. For some, to a degree that is unimaginable. These two words – pain and suffering – are ones we wish we could avoid, both as individuals and as a collective humanity. If given the choice, most of us would opt to bypass these experiences altogether.

However, as the saying goes, “no pain, no gain.” In certain instances, this holds true. For instance, when I made my New Year’s resolution to get back in shape, I aimed to shed a few inches from my waist and build up my biceps. Any trainer would tell you that the key to muscle growth is to “tear” the muscle, not literally, but to create microscopic tears that allow for growth. With proper nutrition, the muscle heals and regenerates, becoming stronger than before.

Yet, there are times when life’s stresses feel like they are tearing our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual muscles from their ligaments, leaving us with pain that seems unending. We face torn ligaments, sprained backs, broken bones, shattered minds, wounded hearts, and sometimes, even broken souls. It is a pain we wish we could avoid. Pain, does not necessary feel like it equates to gain.

But here’s the truth: Jesus understands our pain. He experienced every form of suffering imaginable. He endured the psychological pain of rejection, gossip, and condescending judgment. He was betrayed by his own friends and disciples, abandoned, and deserted when he faced persecution. He endured ridicule, torture, and false accusations from the Sanhedrin, guards, and officials. He was traded for a murderer and thief, and he bore the physical anguish of carrying a cross he did not deserve. He wore a crown of thorns, tasted wine vinegar on his lips, was stripped of his clothes, and was nailed to the cross as his family and mother watched him die.

Jesus endured pain that most of us will never know. He did it, so that you would know – that he knows your pain and suffering.  He did it so that you would know that he has made a way for you to be with him in paradise. He did it so that one day, all the pain you experience in this life will be no more.

So today, may you hold onto that hope. Know that this is the Jesus who loves you. He invites you to walk with him, knowing where you’ve been hurt yesterday and understanding the depths of your heart today.