Even the Pain Has Purpose

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14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
John 11:14-15

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For as long as I can remember, I have questioned my purpose here. I wondered if there was a plan for my existence...if this life was wasted on me instead of someone of better character or more potential. I could never understand why I always seemed to have a hard time in life, or why I always seemed to make the wrong choices...even with the best intentions in mind. Truth be told, things could always be worse...but at the same time, I have felt like I have been consistently stretched beyond my physical, mental, and spiritual limits. Ultimately, I wondered why would God put me through this much if I was meant to do something in life.

Then I went to church a couple weeks ago. With a heavy heart and a broken spirit, I pulled myself away from yet another moment of despair hoping to be given some spiritual mending. As if speaking directly to me, the pastor spoke of Jesus's response to hearing about Lazarus's death. In the story, Jesus is told of Lazarus's death. He told his disciples of the news then said to them it was good that He was not there when Lazarus died. Many people know of the miracle that Jesus resurrected Lazarus after being died for four days, but there is so much more that can be learned from this passage.

One aspect that I, for one, overlooked is that Lazarus's death and eventual resurrection was serving a greater purpose than just restoring his life. Sometimes we have to go through storms and different layers of turmoil for the benefit of other people. Specifically, Lazarus's death was an opportunity to publicly display the power Jesus had so that His disciples could witness and believe.

Let me first say that I am in no way relating anything I have experienced with death, but perhaps my challenges in life is not for my own benefit but so that someone else can witness the storm and my inevitable triumph. Perhaps my struggles is intentional so that I may SHOW my faith in Him and in His power and grace to answer my prayers. Perhaps my valley experience is only so that I can rejoice and give Him all the glory when I come out on the other side.

If you are someone that struggles with understanding purpose, please remember this passage. Please remember that while everyone will focus on Lazarus returning from the dead, Jesus wanted to show others exactly how He can turn a situation around for those that are witnessing. Your pain is the purpose for the benefit of others to witness your resurrection.