15 Benefits Of Pain

I came across the following quote this past weekend.  It was directed at teenagers but has great significance for those in leadership.

“Pain is God’s instrument to expose who we are, explain how life really works and bring us to a junction where we seek Him for answers.  Pain is always a precursor to significant change.  Pain is essential to your teen to bring maturity and responsibility.”

Leaders, think about these three words – “Pain is essential”.  How does that make you feel?  Do they get you excited about your leadership responsibilities and assignments? 

Athletes and mature leaders know that the phrase “No pain, No gain” is true.   But what exactly do you gain by experiencing pain?  Here are some of the benefits:

1. Struggle is necessary to produce strength.
2. Pain can be a warning to us that something may not be right.
3. Pain provides an impetus to learn, grow, and improve our skills.
4. Pain builds the stamina which carries us through future tough times.  It reminds us that we will survive. 
5. Pain reminds us to avoid and not participate in bad behaviors.
6. Pain can bring positive change.
7. Pain reminds us that we need help, we need a team.
8. Pain brings clarity.
9. Pain gives us wisdom because it is often best understood looking backwards.
10. Pain brings us together because it is part of everyone’s story.  No one is immune.
11. Pain increases your capacity and patience.
12. Pain gives you a greater appreciation for positive relationships.
13. Pain will one day allow you to comfort others with the similar experiences.
14. Pain gives us balance and reminds us of what is really important.
15. Pain points us toward God and the need to rely on Him.

If you are going through a difficult time, I hope this post encourages you.  However, the best encouragement I could give anyone is to let you know that for Christian leaders, there will come a day where there will be no more pain, no more disappointments, and every tear will be wiped dry.

Hang in their leaders.  The pain you may be currently experiencing will one day be worth it.  God doesn’t waste experiences.

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