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1. GOD USES PAIN TO GUIDE AND DIRECT ME

A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps.      Proverbs 16:9 (GW)

God teaches people through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes. Job 36:15 (TEV)

Now I am glad…not because it hurt you but because the pain turned you to God…2 Corinthians 7:9 (LB)

…it was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws.  Psalm 119:71 72 (LB)

2.  GOD USES PAIN TO GOAD AND CORRECT ME

"Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30 (TEV)

God corrects all of His children, and if He doesn't correct you, then you don't really belong to Him… God corrects us for our own good, because He wants us to be holy, as He is.      Hebrews 12:8-10 (CEV)

Consider yourself fortunate God all-powerful chooses to correct you.         Job 5:17 (CEV)

(Prodigal son) He spent everything he had…and was hungry… At last he came to his senses and said… I'll get up and go to my father…      Luke 15:14 18 (TEV)

Let God train you, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. Whoever heard of a child who was never corrected?      Hebrews 12:7 (LB)

3. GOD USES PAIN TO GAUGE AND INSPECT ME

You (God) inspect them every morning and test them every minute.            Job 7:18 (TEV)

The Lord searches our hearts and examines our deepest motives so He can give to each person his right reward, according to his deeds — how he has lived. Jeremiah 17:10 (LB)

I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10 (NIV)

…tests and challenges come at you from all sides. (And) You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.   James 1:2 3 (MSG)

(Israelites) God led you through the wilderness for forty years, humbling you and testing you to find out how you would respond, and whether or not you would really obey him. Deuteronomy 8:2 (LB)

4. GOD USES PAIN TO GUARD AND PROTECT ME

God will save you from hidden traps.  Psalm 91:3a (NCV)

God has led you away from danger, giving you freedom. Job 36:16 (NLT)

(Joseph) You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good. Genesis 50:20

Jesus replied, "You don't realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."  John 13:7 (NIV)

5. GOD USES PAIN TO GROW AND PERFECT ME

For when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems…then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. James 1:4 (LB)

…So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well developed.  James 1:4 (Mes)

(This happened) …so we might learn to trust, not in ourselves, but in God…
1 Corinthians 1:9 (Ph)

Has all your painful experience brought you nowhere? Galatians 3:4 (Ph)

If you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you.  1 Peter 4:19 (LB)

ACTION PLAN: Think of the pain in your life right now and give your hurt to Jesus. Pray:
"Father, are you using this pain to guide me in a new direction? Are you using this pain to goad me and spur me into action? Are you using this pain to gauge me to show me what I need to work on? Are you using this pain to guard me from something more harmful? Are you using this pain to grow me and make me more like you? Are you using it to inspect me, correct me to direct me, to perfect me?" Spend a few minutes in quiet and listen for his response and thank him for using your pain for your ultimate good. Re-read the scriptures related to the way God is using your pain in your life.