Between Pain and Promise: Held by Jesus

In a world filled with “artificial everything,” authenticity is needed...

Because real pain doesn’t respond to empty words, it needs something real to hold onto.

In your distress, you can cry out to God for help (Psalms 18:6). I say these words fully knowing the kind of weight they carry firsthand. Last night was another night of extreme physical pain and misery, but in it, I cried out to the Lord for help again. I felt His presence with me. No, the pain did not leave, but He was right there, comforting me and bringing me peace.

There’s nothing worse than hearing someone casually throw around words like “everything will be okay” or “it’ll get better soon,” while at the same time you can feel how disingenuous those words are. To make matters worse, sometimes they come from someone who hasn’t known deep pain, someone who hasn’t faced a diagnosis like cancer that changes life as they knew it… like you have.

That’s why I want to be real with you in this moment. While I may not know your pain or the details of your journey, I know my own. And I know this: I never could and never would want to walk through it without my sweet Savior, Jesus. That’s why, here in this space, there will always be an invitation for you to come to Him. But hear me well, you shouldn't expect a life without pain. Instead, expect Him to be with you in it.

In my opinion, there’s something deeply human and comforting about hearing from someone who has walked through real pain or a life-altering diagnosis. Why? Because you know they’re speaking from experience. And even if it’s just for a moment, you feel lifted. But Jesus… He did more than just relate to your pain. He took on all the pain and suffering you would ever experience when He chose the cross for you. So I’m inviting you into something deeper than a temporary lifting. I’m inviting you to be held. Held for a lifetime by Jesus, so that one day, every tear and every ounce of pain will be completely wiped away (Revelation 21:4).

With Love and Compassion
Kamilia Watson

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