I don't know anyone who likes pain. Yet pain is a ever present reality in our world. It is said that Buddhism was born out of Buddha's shock of seeing suffering in the world. He had been brought up in a palace, shielded from the reality of death and illness. When he saw pain for the first time, he abandoned his royal heritage and began constructing a set of tenets to protect oneself from painful feelings.
Jesus has a different view of pain in our world - he becomes one of us and comes INTO our painful world. He faced death on a Roman cross head on to show us that pain is not to be feared.
As he gives his last lesson to his disciples, he reminds them of some of the most wonderful things in life that comes through great pain: like child birth. No pain, no gain.
And Jesus warns them that upon his departure, there will be many greatly painful things awaiting them. The pain will be birthpangs to good things God is doing in the world. God will not steer them around the pain. Instead, God's Spirit will help them navigate THROUGH the pain. Everything they need to go through the pain is at their disposal. Whatever resource they ask, they will have it - except to be spared from the pain.
Then he grants them peace. It is interesting that we think of peace as the absence of trouble. This is probably not the kind of peace Jesus is thinking about. He is talking about a kind of peace, a kind of contentment and confidence in the presence of suffering and pain that can only come from the knowledge that God is with us, and that Jesus has overcome everything - including death.
Write
Think about your faith story: what is your experience with suffering? What is the worst thing that has ever happend to you? How was God present in your pain?
At present, where do you struggle most in your life? What resources do you need to go through your pains? How does God reassure you he is present?
Who do you know is going though a tough time?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about your experience with suffering. Thank God for the way he has been presence in your trials, and the way he has steered you through your trials.
Talk to God about your presnt trials. Tell God about the ways you need to know he is present, and ask him for the resources you need to get through you troubles.
Pray for your friend who is is in great pain. Ask for the wisdom and opportunity to come along side your friends to be present with them.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as he reassures you of his presence in your worst times, and as he brings comfort and encouragement through you to your suffering friends.