In the vision of the future beyond the Millennium, a time is promised when God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain, for the former things will have passed away. As mortal beings, it is hard to grasp the reality of a world without pain, a concept so incredible that it surpasses human understanding. Amidst the trials of daily life, we often lose sight of this awesome goal, forgetting our purpose when overwhelmed by challenges. In moments of intense suffering, when pain is immediate and overwhelming, it is difficult to see how such experiences can be for our good. Watching a loved one in agony, holding a bucket as they vomit blood, or seeing them bedridden for months, prompts the question of how this can fit into a beneficial plan. Yet, we must remind ourselves repeatedly that God knows what He is doing, and this suffering is part of His design, fitting into a pattern for good. Through countless answered prayers, even if small, we come to see that God is working with us. There is no middle ground; either He is guiding us, or He is not. If we recognize His presence, it is because He is actively shaping our lives according to His purpose. Difficulties will come and go, but for those who love God and are called according to His plan, everything that happens ultimately contributes to a greater good, leading us toward a future where pain is no more.

Pain, both physical and spiritual, serves as a critical warning system designed by the great God to alert us to danger or deviation. Physically, our bodies are equipped with millions of pain nerves that signal the central nervous system when harm or potential danger exists, such as injury or disease. Though the immediate desire in the face of excruciating pain is to eliminate it, masking pain without addressing the underlying cause can be harmful, as it overrides the body's natural alert mechanism. Spiritually, the equivalent of physical pain is guilt, which acts as a moral governor. This spiritual pain drives us to seek remedy and comfort, guiding us back to the right path. Without the capacity to feel this pain, we would stray hopelessly off course. Conscience, enhanced by the Holy Spirit, provides continuous feedback on our behavior, inflicting pain for wrongdoings and rewarding us with joy for right actions. However, repeatedly ignoring or masking guilt can lead to a seared conscience, rendering one incapable of remorse or change. We must value the capacity to feel both physical and spiritual pain, as it motivates transformation and guides us toward vibrant spiritual health in the image of our Savior Jesus Christ. Painful discipline, though grievous at the moment, ultimately yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those trained by it.

In the midst of a world filled with chaos and confusion, pain emerges as a persistent consequence of sin, echoing through the ages as described in Ecclesiastes, where even the greatest wisdom and knowledge under the sun produce grief and sorrow. Solomon laments that in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow, highlighting the distress that accompanies a focus on worldly pursuits without God's guidance. This pain is not in God's nature but is the result of living under the divisive influences of sin, as seen in the violent disunity and riots that mark the current times, adding to the grief and sorrows of a self-centered world. The story of Jabez, born in pain as named by his mother, reflects the curse of sin from Genesis, where pain in childbirth was pronounced as a consequence of disobedience. Yet, Jabez's prayer to the God of Israel seeks a life beyond this curse, asking for blessings and protection from evil so that he may not cause pain to others. God grants his request, showing a path out of the cycle of sorrow through a focus on living as He lives, with outgoing concern for others. In contrast, the pain of sin continues to manifest in societal lawlessness, as seen in the historical accounts of Israel's moral decline and the violent pain ingrained in their culture. Pain is the inevitable outcome of breaking God's law, a reality that persists to this day, affecting all under the sun who lose sight of God's purpose. Even in personal suffering, as with Hezekiah, the focus can falter, leading to prayers driven by fear of death rather than God's glory, resulting in outcomes that perpetuate pain, as seen in the legacy of Manasseh. Ultimately, the call is to rise above the pain of this world by heeding God's still small voice, striving to live righteously, and praying as Jabez did, to be kept from causing pain through sin, aligning with the goal of emulating God's way of life for His honor and glory.

Pain can be a wonderfully effective teacher. Hebrews 5:8 says of Jesus, Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. Hebrews 12:11 adds, Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. The pain of economic crisis is already striking some, as work becomes harder to find and layoffs mount in major industries. Too often, we fail to see that the pain of suffering is an element of God's goodness. In Psalm 119:67, the psalmist says, Before I was afflicted, I went astray. If we permit it, pain corrects before things worsen. God brings pain and causes pain because He is good, saving one from a worse fate. Psalm 23 gives comfort, showing He will bring things to a better end if we trust Him. Though these are sobering times, they are also times to be thankful that God corrects through pain.

Pain and affliction are integral to the journey of following God, often manifesting as personal struggles and societal challenges. As we partake in the ritual of eating unleavened bread during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we are reminded of the bread of affliction, symbolizing the hardships endured by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. This bread also reflects the suffering of Christ, whose body was afflicted for our sake, as remembered during the Passover. In our own lives, we face various afflictions that bring pain, trouble, and suffering, especially as we approach the holy days with what are commonly called pre-Passover trials. These challenges can feel overwhelming, tempting us to isolate ourselves or adopt a selfish attitude, comparing our pain to others in a futile competition. Yet, we must resist such division, recognizing that each of us endures unique afflictions in our pursuit of righteousness. Living as followers of Christ in this world can itself feel like an affliction, bringing pain due to our circumstances. However, it is better to suffer for doing good than for straying into evil. Our pain, though sometimes intense, serves a purpose, as God keeps us on the necessary path, shielding us from greater harm that we might not foresee. The command to eat the bread of affliction for seven days during the feast highlights not only our individual struggles but also our shared experience as part of God's family. While we each face personal afflictions, we often forget the unity that comes from collectively denying this world and following Christ. Eating unleavened bread daily during this feast is an opportunity to embrace humility, serve God and each other, and build a mindset of overcoming together. Through our mutual affliction in suffering for Christ, we must strive for unity rather than division. When we eat the bread of affliction, we can trust that God does not ignore our struggles, and we are called to be grateful for the community of God's family. Christ is our bread of freedom and redemption from affliction, uniting us as a whole in His body.

As Christian soldiers in a spiritual battle, we are called to endure hardships and face times of pain, both physical and mental. There will be moments of sorrow that may lead to depression or even bitterness. These trials, often exploited by satan the devil, our enemy, aim to separate us from Jesus Christ and our God. Yet, we must stand firm, trusting in the strength and power of Christ to overcome. Just as soldiers in war endure suffering together, we too must endure with patience, maintaining a vision of the Kingdom of God as our goal. Through enduring these challenges without complaint, we glorify God and grow both individually and collectively with our brethren. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, leads us through these difficulties, never burdening us beyond what we can handle, and stands with us as we face every trial.