Have you ever had someone take something that you said out of context? They just heard a snippet of your conversation and were shocked, so you had to tell them about the portion of the conversation that they missed before and after the snippet and then they understood?
It's annoying isn't it?
This happens in politics all the time. A Republican/Democrat will take a couple of words out of the middle of a full quote and misrepresent what the person in the opposing party actually said.
Perhaps you have seen a picture and the image just doesn't make sense by itself. The image demands that there is more to the story.
When something is taken out of context, we are robbed of the full meaning of what is intended.
This is also true when it comes to our pain and suffering in this life. If we just look at the snapshot of our suffering and pain, we actually take it out of context. It looks unfair or unjust and we like to demand an explanation from God.
The reality is that when we look at our pain or suffering in the entire context, it makes sense.
You might be feeling like there is no way out of your pit. You might be going through Hell in your life right now, but trust me…God is using the pain to grow you. You always come through the fire more refined.
I love what James says:
“Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” James 1:2-4
I know it might look like there is no light at the end of your tunnel, and that these tough times are never going to pass, but in context you are being built up. God is refining you, and when years have past by and you are able to look at the big picture you will be able to appreciate your pain for what it truly is. Growth.
