Life’s myriad trials and tribulations aren’t wasted as long as the Lord is present in the midst of them.
That’s the reminder former NFL star Tim Tebow sent in a recent Instagram post about the pain people endure in life. The author and ESPN analyst said God will “never waste” the heartaches, disappointments, and losses people go through when they are surrendered to Him.
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“God will never waste your pain when you give it to Him,” he said. “You see, guys, even in the midst of our pain, there’s still purpose. There is purpose in the pain. And there can be purpose in your pain.”
Tebow, 34, pushed back against the assumption that a life of faith in Jesus is pain-free.
The “Mission Possible” author explained that so many of the great biblical characters of the Old and New Testaments endured significant hardships in their walks with the Lord. There are even instances in which trials created an environment for faith to flourish.
The Apostle Mark wrote about a blind beggar named Bartimaeus whose affliction was the catalyst for his pursuit of Jesus. As the Son of God was walking by him, he shouted out: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47). Bartimaeus was told to keep quiet, but it didn’t deter him; he was convinced Jesus was unlike the religious leaders of his day.
The blind man’s persistence paid off: Jesus stopped and asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” The man replied, “Rabbi, I want to see” (Mark 10:51). The beggar had no pride or pretense keeping him from beseeching the Lord in total humility, unhindered by an ego that might have constrained his honest request. It was the trial he had endured — his blindness — that fostered a meekness within him, a posture from which he truly understood the character of Jesus.
As for Tebow, he told his followers on Instagram “great significance” can come from the trials of life. In fact, Scripture is clear believers will endure difficulties:
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. — James 1:2-4 (CSB)
“When we look at all the heroes of the Bible, almost every single one of them — through their pain was great purpose,” he said. “And when they continued to take the next step, eventually, there was great impact. So, if you’re going through pain, adversity, setbacks, and heartache, know that, when you keep trusting God, and you give that pain to Him, He can create purpose in it. And I believe He will, and I believe He wants to.”
Tebow is promoting a new video Bible study series to accompany his recently released book, “Mission Possible: Go Create a Life That Counts.” The course focuses on Tebow’s belief that a “truly meaningful life is not more comfort or ease, but a clear mission,” according to the study’s website.
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