Reflection: When Pain Strikes Unthinkably
Scripture to Ponder
“He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”
— Isaiah 53:4 (NIV)
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
— Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
“Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.”
— Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
Physical pain is part of the brokenness of our fallen world — sometimes predictable (illness, aging, accident), and sometimes sudden, brutal, and jarring. The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a painful example of the suddenness with which violence can strike. According to public reports, he was shot while speaking at a university event, a moment when many were listening, and his life was ended almost instantly.
In that moment:
A body was struck; the physical pain was instantaneous—just as violence and tragedy often break into our lives without warning.
Families, communities, and spectators volunteer to bear emotional, spiritual pain—grief, anger, confusion, fear.
Faith is tested: the innocent suffer, the questions arise: Why? Where is God in this? What do we say to one another amid horror?
His death reminds us that pain is not always logical or fair. It does not always come with explanation. Yet as believers, we are not left without resources.
How Scripture and Faith Help Us Cope with Physical Pain
1. Acknowledge the reality of pain
Don’t pretend it doesn’t hurt. In the Psalms, David often cries out in agony, expressing raw sorrow (e.g. Psalm 22, Psalm 38). God welcomes our honest feelings.
2. Bring pain before God
Jesus doesn’t recoil from suffering—He entered into it (Hebrews 4:15). Pray: “Lord, I cannot bear this by myself. I need You.” Ask for strength, comfort, healing (if You will), or peace in the suffering.
3. Cling to promises of God’s presence
“I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5)
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” (Psalm 23:4)
Even when physical pain or violent loss come, God is present in the dark valley.
4. Let suffering refine, not destroy
Paul teaches that suffering has a purpose: perseverance → character → hope (Romans 5:3–4). Though this does not lessen the hurt, it gives a framework to endure.
5. Support others, lean on community
When pain strikes (our own or another’s), we do not walk alone. Galatians 6:2 says to “carry each other’s burdens.” In the wake of tragedy like Kirk’s, loved ones and communities need consoling arms, prayer, care, and grace.
6. Remember the ultimate redemption
In Christ, the sting of death is swallowed up (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). In a world where violence and wounds exist, the gospel reminds us of resurrection, restoration, and the final healing to come.
Application: What to Do When You or Others Feel Excruciated
Pray daily, even if just a whispered “Lord help me.”
Journal or confess your fears, pain, and questions. Don’t hold them inside.
Seek wise counsel / pastoral care / medical help when needed. Faith does not exclude medicine/counseling.
Speak truth over lies: pain may lie, “God has abandoned me,” or “I am alone.” Counter them with Scripture.
Serve in small ways: caring for someone else shifts focus and helps heal hearts.
Look forward: let hope be your anchor. Remind your soul of the coming day when God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You have known suffering — You walked among us in flesh and bore pain in Your body. In times when physical pain, violence, loss, or death strike, help us to lean on You. Comfort those whose bodies hurt, whose hearts are shattered, whose faith is shaken.
Teach us to bring our agony to You, to remember that You are with us in valleys, and that You workmanship — even in suffering — can produce perseverance, character, and hope. Use our pain to soften us, to make us more compassionate, to point us and others toward the sweet redemption in Christ.
May we never neglect caring for those in pain. May our words, our presence, and our prayers be balm. And one day, when all suffering ends, may we dwell with You in a place where there is no more sorrow, no more tears, no more pain.
In Christ’s name, Amen.
