Purpose in Pain
"You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were an alien in his land." (Deuteronomy 23:7 NKJV) Pain is the natural product of any unpleasant relationship with people and places. However, God's purpose for His people in pain is quite different from their enemies' intentions. Even though the purposes of Edom and Egypt to delay and distract Israel from getting to Canaan were successful, these purposes were perfectly aligned with the agenda of the Almighty God. Therefore, the purpose in Israel's pain could never be bitterness against Edom and Egypt. Likewise, if our focus on God is perfect with pain, we can praise God for every agent of pain in our life.