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pain

Hollywood Stars Alex & Carlos PenaVega Attests ‘Pain With Purpose’ Amid Losing Daughter

by Christel Berns May 31, 2024

written by Christel Berns

Hollywood stars Alex and Carlos PenaVega shared their powerful journey through the grief of losing their daughter, highlighting how God guided them through the ordeal. The Christian couple remarked that their slogan for the season felt like “pain with purpose.”

Alex And Carlos PenaVega on Losing Daughter

Alex and Carlos PenaVega have always been outspoken about their Christian faith in the limelight. Recently starred in the Pure Flix film “Mr. Manhattan,” they reflected on how their struggles mirrored the themes depicted in the movie’s storyline. As reported by Faithwire, the film portrays a heartwarming narrative centered on discovering joy after sorrow and surrendering every facet of life to God’s control.

Alexa PenaVega [@vegaalexa]. PenVega family. Instagram, 22 Jan. 2024,

Instagram will load in the frontend.

Just a month ago, Alex and Carlos announced the death of their fourth child named Indy. In their Instagram post, the two opened up about the heartbreak and pain of losing their stillborn daughter. However, despite the loss, they still found peace and hope in God.

“It has been a painful journey,” they wrote. “But, in the pain, we have found peace. God continues to comfort and hold us in his arms.”

The Christian Walk Isn’t Pretty

Furthermore, in Alexa’s recent interview with CBN, she remarked that “the Christian walk isn’t pretty.” She expressed that the Christian walk entails challenges and struggles, contrary to the misconception that accepting Christ guarantees a trouble-free life.

Alexa PenaVega [@vegaalexa]. PenVega family. Instagram, 22 Jan. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Xz_MuRCrI/

“It’s really … hard, and you are going to be wrestling with God a lot throughout your journey,” she explained. “It is the most fulfilling walk you’ll ever take, and it’s also the most peaceful walk that you’ll ever take.”

Alexa also shared how losing her daughter has been the hardest thing she’d ever experienced in her life. However, she remarked, “But, what’s awesome about our God is, that He truly met us between this place of pain and peace, and He really spoke to us.”

The actress called this season in her life as a “pain with a purpose.”

“And it’s interesting how God will make any painful experience that you have gone through … He brings purpose to all the painful things in your life and He turns them into testimonies,” she said.

Reference | Faithwire

Header Image: Alexa PenaVega [@vegaalexa]. PenVega family. Instagram, 26 Dec. 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/C1TEUJttUkV/?g=5&img_index=1

May 31, 2024 0 comments

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Katy Perry Opens Up Her Pain Growing Up In Church At VICE

by Christel Berns March 22, 2024

written by Christel Berns

During an interview with VICE, Katy Perry shared her childhood experiences with a licensed therapist. She revealed that she felt unsafe in the church where she grew up, which caused her considerable pain. This experience eventually resulted in unexpected consequences in her life.

Katy Perry Opens Up Pain Growing Up In Church

The Mighty Pursuit recently shared a short clip featuring Katy Perry’s interview with a therapist on VICE. During the interview, Katy opened up about the pain she experienced while growing up in church. As she shared her story, she became emotional and teary-eyed.

Mighty Pursuit [@mightypursuit]. Katy Perry. Instagram, 1 Dec. 2023, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0R4Fi_LaTg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Katy narrated how she was raised in a born-again Christian household. As a child, she perceived her faith as rigid and unquestionable – “Just do as I say, no ifs, ands, or buts.” However, deep down, she had many unanswered questions that she was too afraid to ask. She felt fearful because questioning was often discouraged, and people sometimes said, “You just need to have faith.”

By The Grace of God

Then, Katy shared one of the worship songs she used to sing titled “Come As You Are.” But she pointed out how it didn’t feel that way for her.

“I think sometimes the church has more judging than loving,” she said. “That’s why it doesn’t feel safe for me sometimes. And like if I was to come as I am, how would I be accepted?”

Katy also shared how her mom understands it now more than ever to be more compassionate. Furthermore, the singer shared her faith in God and what drove her to write her song “By The Grace of God.”

“I know that God has His hand on me,” she stated in tears. “And I know that sometimes I go through things that I think they’re just too intense I can’t handle them. And then He swoops in, and He shows me that it’s His grace. That brings me through it.”

May Katy Perry’s story remind Christians not to miss out on God’s heart toward the lost. Sometimes, in our self-righteousness, we lose sight of what matters most to Jesus — His love.

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A post shared by Mighty Pursuit (@mightypursuit)

Reference | Mighty Pursuit

Header Image: Mighty Pursuit [@mightypursuit]. Katy Perry. Instagram, 1 Dec. 2023, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0R4Fi_LaTg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

March 22, 2024 0 comments

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Mark Chironna Talks About Facing Brokenness: ‘Underneath This Pain Is A Promise’

by Kriza Jo Tanduyan January 22, 2024

written by Kriza Jo Tanduyan

Mark Chironna talked about facing the brokenness on Supernatural Life Show. He reminded the people that underneath the pain is a promise.

Mark Chironna

Certified life coach and spiritual director, Dr. Mark Chironna, joined Patricia King to share some profound insights on facing life’s hardships. Patricia emphasized that many people tend to discard their brokenness and miss the opportunity to glean goodness from it. She expressed how the painful experiences she encountered revealed the true nature of God.

Dr. Mark further noted that Scripture contains a wealth of wisdom regarding this aspect that people often try to avoid. During one of his darkest seasons, Marilyn Hickey reminded him that God is attracted to our weaknesses, highlighting how even in our frailty, God’s power manifests.

“It hit me like a ton of bricks. I’ve never thought about that before,” he recalled.

Furthermore, he shared the profound insight that Christ not only suffered for His people but also suffered with them. He emphasized that Jesus never abandoned His people in their suffering, demonstrating His solidarity with them.

“Underneath this pain is a promise,” he remarked.

GODTV (Screenshot). (2020). GODTV, Patricia King – Supernatural Life. Retrieved December 19, 2023 from: https://www.god.tv/video/patricia-king-supernatural-life-69-mark-chironna/zype

Facing Brokenness

Patricia King highlighted that suppressing pain can lead to physical illness. However, she emphasized that those who embrace and commune in the sufferings of Christ would be recipients of His profound love.

“It’s where you will actually discover yourself,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mark mentioned Moses as an example from the Bible. He explained that it took Moses 40 years in the desert to confront and address the guilt of killing an Egyptian, which ultimately represented a part of himself that needed healing and transformation.

“When he killed that Egyptian, he was trying to kill a part of himself that he rejected,” he explained.

When Moses encountered the burning bush, the fusion of his Egyptian upbringing and Hebrew heritage occurred. It was at this point that his brokenness and unique qualities coalesced, which ultimately led him to become a deliverer. Eventually, Patricia King offered words of encouragement to viewers who may be enduring challenging circumstances.

“You are not going to die inside of that darkness. You are going to rise up above, and when you do, you are going to have so much insights… so much amazing revelation of who God is,” she shared.

Watch the full video here.

Reference | GOD TV

Header Image: GODTV (Screenshot). (2020). GODTV, Patricia King – Supernatural Life. Retrieved December 19, 2023 from: https://www.god.tv/video/patricia-king-supernatural-life-69-mark-chironna/zype

January 22, 2024 0 comments

Faith God's Word for the Day

God’s Word for the Day: Learning to Embrace Pain

by Lily Benson November 7, 2023

written by Lily Benson

You can experience the power of embracing pain and conquering fear as you journey through the valleys of life, with the unwavering presence of God.

What Does the Bible Say?

‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.’ Psalms 23:4

It is easy as a believer to find solace in the promises of God’s protection and provision. To celebrate His goodness, share stories of breakthroughs, and seek joy in every circumstance. Yet, in pursuit of happiness, you may unintentionally overlook the importance of embracing the darker seasons of life. Profound wisdom can be found in Psalm 23:4, you can learn how to walk through the valleys of deepest darkness that will lead you to a deeper intimacy with God.

In your journey through life, you will inevitably encounter seasons of pain, grief, and uncertainty. It is in these valleys that you are invited to experience the transformative work of God. While your natural inclination may be to avoid or rush through these difficult times, you must learn to sit in the midst of your pain, acknowledge your struggles, and allow God to bring healing and restoration.

Pain is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity for growth. By facing your pain and acknowledging its presence, you create space for God to work in your life. In your vulnerability, you will discover the beauty of God’s presence and experience His comfort and peace that surpass all understanding. The journey through dark valleys will allow you to know the Lord in a more intimate and profound way, leading you to a greater understanding of His love and faithfulness.

Though your journey may take you through the valleys of the deepest darkness, you can rest in the assurance that God is with you every step of the way. Embrace the process of pain, knowing that it leads to growth and a deeper intimacy with our Heavenly Father. As you conquer fear through faith and stand firm in your freedom, you can navigate the challenges of life with grace and confidence. May you always remember that His presence is your greatest comfort and strength, guiding you through the darkest valleys and into the fullness of His joy.

November 7, 2023 0 comments

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Tom Fred Tenney Encouraged Believers To Have A New Perspective Of Pain And Its Power

by Christa October 4, 2023

written by Christa

The late Tom Fred Tenney left a powerful message about God’s perspective of pain toward His children. And it’s a message that provides much wisdom for Christians.

Tom Fred Tenney

T.F. Tenny, or Tom Fred Tenney, was the father of the God Chasers’ author, Tommy Tenney. He was an influential leader who gave insightful sermons, challenging believers in their walk with God.

In one of his sermons, he taught about what attitude Christians should have in painful moments.

“Sometimes, God delivers you from the fire furnace, and other times, He just makes you fireproof and let it burn on,” he said.

“Because He knows you’re going to learn something out of this pain that it’s going to produce power.”

Tenney explained that he had already prepared a sermon, and he wanted to preach something else. But the Holy Spirit kept nudging him about the power of pain.

He said, “They’ve got to get a new attitude toward what pain can do. It is not authorized to destroy them. It is authorized to make them.”

Tenney added, “God is more concerned with our development than He is with our comfort.”

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A post shared by CeCe Winans (@cecewinans)

Power Of Pain

God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, conforming them into the image of Christ.

Ultimately, God’s goal of development is for the believers to be Christlike. And He has everything at his disposal to fulfill it, including pain and suffering.

In the world’s view, it is normal for people to run away from pain and find ways to escape from it. But Christians should look at trials with an understanding of God’s love for them. Doing so will produce endurance and strength, making believers grow in spiritual maturity James had mentioned, “complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

Christy Hill, a Bible scholar, said, “It takes faith to consider that what God is doing, forming Christ in the believer, is more valuable than relieving pain.”

Header Image: Cece Winans [@cecewinans], T.F. Tenney’s message of Pain, Instagram, July 28, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvPrl9sgMIr/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

October 4, 2023 0 comments

Faith

What Others Meant For Evil God Can Turn To Good

by Dudley Anderson September 16, 2023

written by Dudley Anderson

What God has meant for evil, God can turn to good!

We all know well the story of Joseph in Genesis. Joseph, son of Jacob, was his father’s favourite son. God had given him prophetic dreams that his family would one day bow before him. His brothers were antagonistic toward Joseph because of jealousy and conspired to sell him into slavery in Egypt.

In Egypt, after a series of turbulent circumstances, Joseph was able to interpret a dream that Pharaoh had, saying that drought and famine were about to impact the land. Based on this information, the king promoted Joseph to a position second only to him. By his position and the wise insight God gave him, Joseph’s actions and planning saved many lives.

When Joseph’s brothers, who lived in Canaan, appealed to Egypt for food, they unknowingly appeared before Joseph. Joseph tests their motives resulting in his brothers bowing to his superiority (fulfilment of his original dreams). Finally, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and declares, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save the lives of many people.”

God’s ways are not our ways. Often, we become caught up in our own reason and presumption and, jumping to conclusions, we assume we know the mind of God. Truth be told, God is God and I am not! When circumstances change for the worst in our lives, it’s then that we need to patiently submit to his supreme purpose, in faith.

God’s purpose always prevails. He knows your beginning from your end and everything in between. Your circumstances can change, as Jospeh’s did, yet if you continue to acknowledge God in all your ways, he will nevertheless direct their outcome. What Joseph’s brothers intended for evil against him God used to promote him. Evil can be changed to good at submission to the hand of God. Be encouraged to not give up but look up and trust God to deliver you from those adverse circumstances. What others intended for your harm God will turn to good. So, seek him and call upon him. In his time, he will exalt you and restore your fortunes before your very eyes.

_______________

An Atheist Becomes A Worship Leader After God Encounters Him Amidst Concussion Pain

by Christel Berns September 1, 2023

written by Christel Berns

An atheist became a worship leader after encountering God while battling concussion pain.

Church Kid Becomes An Atheist

Skyler grew up attending church every Sunday because of his devoted Christian grandmother. But as a little boy, he barely understood his salvation in Christ. Eventually he started living as if he didn’t know God at all.

skyler davis [@theskylerdavis]. Skyler Davis. Instagram, 3 Jan. 2019, https://www.instagram.com/p/BsJlIsKH-eg/?img_index=1

In middle school and high school, Skyler decided to be an atheist. He also dabbled in Satanism as a teenager. Everything was going well as he made his own path in life until one day he got a concussion.

God Reaches Out Amidst Concussion Pain

Skyler was lying in bed in pain with a severe concussion. He ended up passing out, but something incredible happened when he suddenly “saw the outline of Jesus.”

“He reached his hand out to me,” he recalled. Then God told him, “Don’t worry. You’re going to be okay.”

Skyler woke up, and his eyes had been opened. He felt convicted to repent for all the wrong things he had done. So, the teen immediately prayed and asked God to make a home in his heart again.

“Best decision I’ve ever made,” he remarked.

Today, Skyler has become a musician and is serving God for His glory.

This testimony reminds us of how much God loves to reach out to His children who are lost. He condemns sin but never condemns the sinner. No matter what we have done or how bad we think we are, God’s arms are always open to embrace us.

The Word of God promises in Romans 8:38, “nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.”

So, if you are someone who feels unworthy of God’s love because of your sins, know that He loves you. He doesn’t condemn you and wants to love you. Just simply turn back to Him like Skyler did!

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A post shared by B E N F U L L E R (@bendfuller)

Reference | Instagram – B E N F U L L E R

Header Image: skyler davis [@theskylerdavis]. Skyler Davis. Instagram, 16 Sept. 2022, https://www.instagram.com/p/CiiURc_g9Vz/

September 1, 2023 0 comments

Articles

“Do Not Process Your Pain Outside Of God, Process Your Pain With God”

by Christa August 7, 2023

written by Christa

Christians often sway from the Lord during painful experiences. But anointed speaker Chimamaka Ige has one powerful piece of advice for believers who are experiencing grief. She said, “Do not process your pain outside of God. Process your pain with God.”

Chimamaka Ige

Chimamaka went through so much before sharing with anyone what the Lord had taught her. Her father, who was a pastor and an eye doctor, was murdered inside their home in Oregon, Ikeja. Five years later, her mom also passed away.

Losing her parents affected Chimamaka significantly. But God held onto her. And as she chose to process her pain with God, Chimamaka learned valuable lessons that need to be heard by many Christians.

Process your pain with God

One, she explained how the devil uses these situations to isolate you from the community. She shared, “One thing the devil does is to make you feel that whatever challenges you are going through is exclusive to you. And so what does that do? That makes you withdraw. You become lonely.”

She continued, “You feel exempted. You feel disfavored. Who said so? That’s a lie.”

“The same healing power of God that can heal cancer can heal a hurting heart. It’s for the same purpose.”

Moreover, she pointed out that going through pain should never be processed outside of God.

But in the beginning, Chimamaka admitted that she stayed away from God. Because she couldn’t align her situation with the knowledge of who God says He is.

Eventually, she learned that the only total healing one can get is in God. “So, your pain shouldn’t push you far from Him,” she said.

“Your pain should cause you to press into Him.”

She further explained, “If you had an illness, would you go to a doctor or the mechanic? You would go to a doctor. And the Bible tells you that He is the Balm in Gilead.”

So, as believers, pain should not cause us to fall away from God, but deeper into Him.

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A post shared by Flourish Ubanyi (@shininglight_flo)

Header Image: Flourish Ubanyi [@shininglight_flo], Grief testimony, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/reels/CvXt0d0oBdc/

August 7, 2023 0 comments

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Jackie Hill Perry, “When There Is Pain, Use It”

by Le-Jovale Vallejo March 14, 2023

written by Le-Jovale Vallejo

Derived from the stories in the Bible, Jackie Hill Perry encouraged everyone: “When there is pain, use it.”

Jackie Hill Perry

She is an author, poet, Bible teacher, and hip-hop artist. ‘Crescendo’ is Jackie Hill Perry’s latest album, and May 2018 was its released date.

She felt compelled to use her speaking and teaching abilities to share the light of the gospel of God as truthfully as she can since becoming a Christian.

She is the author of Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was and Who God Has Always Been and the bible study “Jude: Contending for the Faith in Today’s Culture”.

At home, she is Preston’s wife and Eden and Autumn’s mother.

Bible Stories

Jackie Hill Perry used stories and people from the Bible to show how they used their pain for the greater glory of God.

One of the stories she shared is about Joseph’s life, Jacob’s son. Sold and betrayed by his own brothers was Joseph. And God was the one who turned his life around.

Jackie Hill Perry narrated his story this way:

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A post shared by Jackie Hill Perry (@jackiehillperry)

“Pain has value in so far as we recognize its redemptive qualities. There was the Joseph of Genesis, who was rejected and slandered. And oppressed and forgotten by people yet seen by God. He was exalted as a lesser pharaoh. And by virtue of everything bad that he endured, he was able through God’s power to save an entire nation.”

Hannah and David’s Story

She then narrated Hannah, who suffered from infertility, in a way that many could relate to.

“There’s Hannah, whose own body refuses to obey its own design year after year. This woman was infertile and provoked by the other woman in her home because of it. This pain drove her into a temple, where she begged the LORD of hosts to give her a son. With the vow that she would give him right back. God looked upon the affliction of His servant and gave her Samuel, a prophet and a priest who led God’s people in truth.

“There is David. A shepherd and a king who was hunted by a man he tried to serve and by the son, who wanted his position. And in the midst of the fear, in the midst of the betrayal, in the midst of all that, do you know what he did? He wrote songs to God for His people. These songs were written in caves and darkness, yet they are Scripture. In the middle of trauma, David’s words were being breathed out by God, and until this day, we all benefit from all that he was able to create when he was hurting on this side of heaven.”

At the end of the sermon, she concluded, “When there is pain, use it.”

Header image: Jackie Hill Perry preaching [@jackiehillperry]. Instagram, 6 March 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpa48kBLHry/

Reference: Jackie Hill Perry

March 14, 2023 0 comments

Articles Featured Video

Darlene Zschech Shares Pain Of Losing A Baby & How God Redeemed Her Story

by Christel Berns July 28, 2022

written by Christel Berns

Worship leader Darlene Zschech shares her painful journey of losing a baby and how her worship became more real and authentic after the tragedy.

Darlene Zschech On Worship

Darlene Zschech is known for her worship leading. She had been Hillsong’s worship pastor from 1996 to 2007. But during those times behind the limelight, she had struggles no one knew about. And one of the most painful experiences she went through was losing a baby.

Photo Courtesy | YouTube – 700 Club Interactive

The worship leader shared her story in an interview with CBN’s 700 Club Interactive. And the worship leader highlighted the real deal about worship.

“A lot of people think that when you’re leading worship everything has to be perfect,” she said. “You lead this perfect life, it all looks beautiful. But worship is tested.”

Pain Of Losing A Baby

In 2000, Darlene and her husband tried to adopt a child, but it didn’t work out. However, she soon found out that she was pregnant. She felt very excited to announce it to the church on mother’s day. But three months later, Darlene received heartbreaking news from her doctor.

One day, after having her regular check-up, the doctor discovered that her baby had died inside her womb. Darlene felt devastated that she screamed in shock and cried. Her husband also was brought to tears. Soon, she felt angry and questioned her unlikely circumstances.

Choosing To Worship God

But later on, Darlene still chose to worship God despite the pain and the questioning. And amid the difficult moment, she wrote a song, “You Letting Go.” Part of her song’s lyrics declared:

“And I’m trusting in the heart of my God. I’m trusting in the promise of His Word. I know I will see You again until that very day in letting go, I give it all.”

Then months later, Darlene got pregnant again. And this time, Zoe Jewel came out healthy from her womb on April 28, 2001.

Today, Darlene is grateful for all that God has done. And she wouldn’t swap the lesson because she knows God is faithful.

“God can make good out of anything. Even when God seems silent and you don’t have any answers.. God actually does hear you cry. It is not the end of the story.”

"Even when sometimes God seems silent, God actually does hear your cry."

Watch this video on YouTube

Reference | 700 Club Interactive

July 28, 2022 0 comments

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