Painful Endings Lead to New Beginnings

Hey Sis!

Summer has begun, and it’s time for us to take the lessons learned from last season and use them to bloom and flourish in this new one. If you’re like me, when I think of summer, I think of nothing but heat and lots of fun. Whether it’s taking a vacation, sitting by your neighborhood pool, or simply soaking in a bunch of leisure time with family and friends, summer is one of those seasons most of us look forward to.

The rainy days of spring have subsided, the sky is brighter, and that sun-kissed skin glows more than ever before. Everything appears and feels vibrant, full, and blissful. However, we must be reminded that the season before this new beginning brought some rainy days, dark clouds, and sadly enough—even the death of some things.

Before I even get into today’s devotional, I declare and decree that it will touch your heart, speak directly to your soul, and bring divine revelation and healing. In Jesus’ Name.

Now let’s talk about pain.

Yes, I know that’s something we usually like to sweep under the rug. But not today, Sis. We are addressing the pain today—front, face, and centered. Because your pain is exactly what’s birthing purpose in this new season.

So let’s talk about it.

Pain is something we all have experienced in this fallen world. Whether it be heartbreak such as a divorce, trauma, the loss of a loved one, betrayal, physical pain in the body, spiritual warfare, church hurt, and the list doesn’t end.

Pain hurts, and of course, it’s nothing anyone is praying to God to receive. However, the truth of the matter is this: painful endings only lead to new beginnings.

Pain is inevitable, and it’s something we will definitely experience while walking this narrow path of faith. I mean, that’s what Matthew 7:14 tells us, right?

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life…” (Matthew 7:14, NKJV)

This scripture informs us that as Believers, we ultimately must prepare for and embrace difficulty, and seasons of pain and suffering.

But wait, Sis. There’s GOOD NEWS, of course.

I myself often reflect on my own seasons of pain and suffering, especially when I begin writing or creating content. I am reminded each and every time that those seasons, though they ended in pain, only led to new beginnings—exactly where I am today.

That heartbreak.
The loss of loved ones.
The doors God closed that I wanted to keep open.
Feeling rejected.
Feeling alone.

And again, the list doesn’t end.

Similar to me, I know you can think of your own seasons of pain. Those consecutive nights you wept quietly into your pillow. That season you felt like you had no one to lean on, and no one who could understand.

That was pain, Sis.

And let’s say that is the season you are currently in? That’s pain, Sis, and we must call it as it is. Pain is pain. And it hurts.

It feels unbearable.
It feels isolating.
It feels like punishment.
It even feels like God has forgotten you.

But I am here to tell you that He has not forgotten you. He sees your pain. He even feels the pain with you.

But trust, He is planning to use that pain for purpose.
As cliché as it sounds, it’s true.
I am a living witness.

Without the seasons of pain I’ve experienced, I’m not even sure you would be reading this right now.

So I leave you with this simple, but profound word of encouragement:

Your painful ending is going to lead to a new beginning, and God will be the One to make it so.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, My God in Heaven,

Thank You for what You are doing in this season of my life. Thank You for what You’ve done, what You’re doing, and what You’re going to do. I know that in every season, You are with me—covering me, leading me, protecting me, and strengthening me.

I ask that You teach me how to endure in every season, especially in seasons of pain and difficulty. For I know that this narrow path which leads to life will come with challenges and times of suffering.

Lord, give me wisdom and increase my faith when I become weary in the midst of trouble. Help me to reframe my perspective of what is happening, so that instead of focusing on the pain, I can focus on the purpose that will come forth from it.

In those moments, I ask that You remind me that all things work together for the good of those who love You. And that every battle that comes my way, You have already won.

I give You all the glory and all the honor, and I thank You in advance for turning my painful endings into new beginnings.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scriptures to meditate on this week:

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14)

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)