The Better Answer Through the Pain

I’m learning, my answer may not be the best one.

I prayed for the lives of my unborn children. That I could hold each one. That we would have time to get to know each other. That we would laugh and play and grow together.

I prayed for my sweet daughter. That she would think like others her age. That we would share mother-daughter conversations deep into the night. That I would be able to teach her how to bake cookies and make candy and choose wisely.

I prayed for easy living. That I’d have many things to enjoy and more to give away. That I’d have few troubles. That my life would go as I planned.

I prayed for so many things. None of them included pain.

And God heard. He answered. But His answer wasn’t what I wanted to hear … It was better! 

Instead of answering with more time on this earth to spend with those tiny little lives, He blessed me with an eternity with them and a message of hope. 

Instead of answering with a daughter who is like everyone else, He gifted me with a priceless treasure that has no compare and a transformed heart.

Instead of answering with a life of my making, He ordained me with amazing grace, unfathomable love, and a future beyond compare.

You see God’s not in the business of giving us what we want;  God’s plan is to give us what is best for us—not for the immediate, but for the long haul. And it will likely involve some pain.

God's plan is to give us what is best for us—not for the immediate, but for the long haul. Click To Tweet

I have to admit, I still usually pray for what I want, but God often answers with something far better—His plan!

And as I wait for His answer (usually impatiently), I’m getting better at holding onto His promise …

“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

… and wait for His perfect timing.

It’s not easy. No one likes to experience pain. And sometimes there seems to be no end in sight to the oppressive life we are living. We want an answer now—and one that relieves our misery, not extends it.

But hold on, Dear One, the Lord is there. Right with you. He will give you the strength to persevere. And believe it or not, in the end, His answer—His best for you—will far exceed anything you could ever imagine!

In the midst of your pain, the Lord is there with you, giving you the strength to persevere! Lean in. Click To Tweet

Reflection: What purpose (if any) do you believe could come from your current painful experience(s)? Have you found purpose in past pain? What has allowed you to persevere? 

This is one of many stories on hope, healing, and finding our voice posted and linked up today on Jo Ann Fore’s blog. They are written by bloggers incredibly excited about Jo Ann’s new book, When A Woman Finds Her Voice: Overcoming Life’s Hurts & Using Your Story to Make a Difference, set to release this month. This week’s topic is on A Purpose for the Pain. 

To read more about Jo Ann’s book click HERE. I know you’ll love these inspiring stories! Click the button below to read all of them.

Also, check out the “When A Woman Finds Her Voice” Pledge. With God’s help, you can find your voice and use it to help others and glorify Him. Be encouraged to do just that by signing this free pledge. When you do, you’ll receive a beautiful printable copy to frame. (Be sure to follow all the steps to sign and receive your Pledge.)