How do you handle pain? Exploring faith, resilience, and the power of perspective

How do you handle pain?

One thing we all have in common is that we suffer during our lives.

Everyone deals with the death of loved ones, sickness, uncertainty, fear, and pain.

It is an unfortunate part of the world we live in. You can’t always stop the pain from occurring, but you can determine how you will react to it.

God gives us a lot of examples and instructions on this topic.

Job, who experienced horrible suffering, remained faithful through it.

Joseph realized the tragedy of his life was all part of the plan of God and that it led to his family prospering.

James tells us we are to be joyful when we have trials come our way because they are tests of our faith.

Even Jesus proved to us that the goal shouldn’t be to avoid pain if it serves the will of God the Father.

I heard a quote from Alex Hormozi who said that “heroes and villains share a common backstory of pain, but what they do with that pain is what sets them apart.”

He’s talking about the perspective you choose to take. Perspective is important in any situation because it impacts your emotions, reactions, and future.

So, the question is, how do you handle pain?

I was always raised to, “Suck it up!” and I’m sure you were raised in a similar way.

Still, I’ve noticed I’m better at doing that when it comes to some things better than others.

I can handle physical pain pretty well and will push through soreness or even injuries.

But I struggle with emotional pain, such as when I feel like I’ve been disrespected or my child has been mistreated. In those circumstances, I tend to want to lash out or get someone back.

But as a Christian, I know I have to have more self-control.

Thankfully, self-control is something that I don’t have to develop on my own, but it's something the Holy Spirit can provide.

It is something I wish He would just grant immediately.

But it doesn't work that way.

It develops through experiencing trials and even pain.

It develops through Him speaking quietly to you when you want to be shouting.

It develops over time for the believer who is desiring to change.

For those of you like me who need more self-control, don’t be impatient.

Just wait on the Lord.