We are in an 8-week sermon series on 'living in the conflict' at our church. Yesterday's was 'comfort versus pain'.

Here is a handful of highlights:

Pain can be more than physical. It can be emotional or spiritual as well.

Pain often puts us in tension with comfort. We want to be comfortable!

Being a Christian does not mean we will escape suffering but we are able to bear suffering with dignity and hope!

God's comfort is available to us all.

Psalm 23:4 says, "Even when walking through the valley of death, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way." God's presence is our comfort; He may remove our pain, but He will always comfort us.

Pain draws believers toward God. Our pain may equip us toward helping others. We learn of His comfort so that we may help others.

And the very good news:  there is no more pain in heaven!