See Your Pain as a “Warning Sign”

When pain appears in our lives, in any of its various forms, it is as though we have encountered a warning sign—black letters on a yellow board—bearing the message: “Pray.”
If we learn to regard our pain as a warning sign calling us to prayer—prompt and immediate prayer—we will be able to bear good fruit even in the midst of tribulation.

James 5:13a reads, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.”
Pain can be understood as a signal urging us to draw near to God and to ask Him for mercy and grace. It is important to note that we are speaking of a warning, not coercion. God gently warns us through His Word, yet He never forces us. When we experience pain, we ought to draw near to God, but we are free to refuse; God does not compel us. As expressed in Deuteronomy 30:19: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curse. Therefore, choose life, that you and your offspring may live,” we may heed God’s warnings and find life, or choose otherwise and experience death—life apart from God.

The Lord Jesus Christ Himself declared to His disciples in John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Since tribulation is certainly part of the Christian experience, we will do well to learn how to face our trials in a manner worthy of our Lord Jesus Christ. This content is intended to help us do so, with God’s help.

I pray that God will grant to each person who reads this message the grace to run to Him—calling upon Him in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving—as soon as they perceive the “warning sign” of pain, for their good and for God’s glory. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.