God’s Word lets us know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. That includes troubles, sorrows, and pain. That is not to say that pain is good, but something good can come from it. Our pain can be used for gain. Many of us have discovered the power of God though pain. Without that pain, we might not have experienced God’s love that He was shining upon us. We were too preoccupied. Nevertheless, that pain has been our blessing in many ways. Today’s scripture reference is Romans 8:28.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

I began this devotion with those words. They are worth repeating. Paul clearly states that even suffering and pain can be used for gain. He indicates that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. God has a purpose, and His purpose is made known through us in our suffering and pain. We are also encouraged in this chapter, for we know that nothing can separate us from God’s love. No amount of suffering and pain can ever cause a gulf between God and His people. God’s grace is always there. His grace is sufficient to meet every need in our lives. I close with these words that I heard years ago from one of God’s anointed preachers, Reverend Dr. Joe Ratliff, Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston, TX. He said, when referring to this scripture, “However it is going to work, it will work out alright. No matter what happens, it will work out alright.” Pain for gain.