Day Nine.

Verses: "'Jesus answered them, "Do you finally believe? In fact, you're about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I'm not abandoned. The Father is with me. I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." John 16:31-33

The other day I watched church and my church is doing a series about: "God never said that." It was about how God never said: "everything happens for a reason."

The verse above is when Jesus is telling His disciples that He is going to die on the cross. His disciples were confused and had many questions. Just like how we have questions when we go through pain and suffering. But sometimes, we don't always get an answer on why we are going through suffering and pain.

Here are some answers to question: "why do we go through pain and suffering?"

1. Suffering can come from our actions.

If you go take your paycheck and spend it all. Then wonder why you are broke, it's because you spent your money. Sometimes we can make things worse for ourselves.

2. Because we live in a fallen world.

This world is not heaven. This world is not our home. In this world there is: chronic illness, mental illness, death, cancer, sickness, and so much more. Sometimes the answer to why you are suffering is because you live on Earth and on Earth there is illness and sickness.

3. Some suffering God allows it to happen.

God never gave us the pain and suffering but sometimes God lets us go through pain and suffering because He has a purpose for our pain. God can bring goodness out of pain and suffering.

When I was thirteen and just got diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I didn't understand why I got depression and anxiety and I still don't know why I have been through mental illnesses and now chronic illnesses. But despite all the pain and suffering I went through and am still going through: I wrote a book and now I am starting a ministry. God is using my pain for me to lead others to Christ. That's why I wrote my book: "Jesus Saves Daily Devotions" which the book is now being published. That's why I am started my ministry: "Jesus Saves Ministry."

The storm you are going through wasn't meant to destroy you, but to bring you closer to Christ.

Here are some good thing that can come from pain and suffering:

1. It will give you perspective.

Before getting diagnosed with mental illnesses and chronic illnesses I was shallow, selfish, and couldn't write very well. Now I am a soon to be published author and I am running my own ministry. It has changed my outlook on life it gave me the perspective I needed.

2. It shapes you into the person God created you to be.

You may be going through pain and suffering but God is using that pain and suffering to change your heart. Instead of focusing on what is happening to you, focus what is happening in you.

3. It point us to God.

Pain and suffering shows us that we need God. That we can't do life without God. Pain and suffering leads us to Christ. We need to surrender everything to God.

4. It gives us our ministry.

We don't have to have all the answers but pain and suffering can give us our ministry. I wouldn't be doing: "Jesus Saves Ministry" if I haven't gone through everything I have. God made a way for me to start this ministry. God can use your story for His kingdom. God is using my story His kingdom.

Prayer:

Dear God,

I pray that as I go through pain and suffering that it gives me perspective, shapes me into the person you created me to be, that I grow closer to you, and that pain and suffering gives me my ministry. I pray you grab my hand and help me because closer to you everyday.

I thank you for all my many blessings and for Your Son.

In Jesus's name, I pray, Amen!

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Hey beautiful! I hope you are having a wonderful day! I love you so much and thank you for reading❤️

-xoxo Caty❤️