It Hurt Me But.... It Helped Me

💔 Bible Study: “It Hurt Me, But It Helped Me”

Key Verse:

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”— Psalm 119:71 (NIV)

The psalmist recognized that pain wasn’t wasted — it was a teacher. God often uses what wounds us to work something wonderful in us.

1. The Pain Has a Purpose

Scriptures:

·        Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”

·        Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…”

Explanation:Pain is often the soil where purpose grows. Joseph’s life proves that suffering can be strategic — his betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment positioned him to save nations. What others meant for evil, God repurposed for good.

In the moment, pain blinds us to its purpose. But God is always weaving our tears into His tapestry of triumph. What looks like loss may actually be divine preparation.

Life Application:When you’re in a season of hurt, don’t rush to escape it; ask God, “What are You trying to teach me through this?” Every closed door, every disappointment, and every betrayal can be part of God’s bigger picture.

Key Takeaway:➡️ God’s plan doesn’t avoid pain; it redeems it.

2. Correction Can Be Compassion

Scriptures:

·        Hebrews 12:6, 11 – “The Lord disciplines the one he loves… No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.”

·        Proverbs 3:11–12 – “Do not despise the Lord’s discipline… because the Lord disciplines those he loves.”

Explanation:Discipline isn’t punishment; it’s preparation. When God corrects us, it’s proof that He cares too much to leave us the way we are. Like a loving parent, His correction protects us from paths that lead to destruction.

The pain of correction refines our character and reorients our hearts toward holiness.

Example:Jonah’s story shows how God’s correction can come wrapped in discomfort. The storm, the sea, and the fish were all painful — but they redirected Jonah back to purpose.

Life Application:When God convicts you, don’t resist Him — receive it. Correction today prevents catastrophe tomorrow.

Key Takeaway:➡️ God’s correction is not rejection; it’s redirection.

3. Brokenness Before Blessing

Scriptures:

·        Genesis 32:24–31 – Jacob wrestles with God.

·        Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”

·        2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Explanation:Jacob’s limp symbolized a deep spiritual truth — before God could change his name, He had to break his strength. Many times, we must be emptied of self before we can be filled with grace.

Brokenness is not God’s cruelty; it’s His craftsmanship. The breaking process removes pride, independence, and self-reliance, making room for deeper dependence on Him.

Life Application:Don’t despise your limp — it’s a reminder that you’ve encountered God. Brokenness gives birth to authenticity and compassion. Your wounds become the windows through which God’s strength shines.

Key Takeaway:➡️ Brokenness is the birthplace of breakthrough.

4. The Cross: The Ultimate Example

Scriptures:

·        Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions… by his wounds we are healed.”

·        Hebrews 5:8 – “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.”

·        Philippians 2:8–9 – “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted him…”

Explanation:The greatest act of suffering in history produced the greatest salvation. Jesus’ pain had purpose — redemption for the world. His obedience through agony became our pathway to life.

If Jesus, the perfect Son of God, wasn’t exempt from pain, then our suffering can’t mean God has abandoned us. Instead, it’s a sign that He is inviting us to share in Christ’s victory.

Life Application:When you face pain, remember: the cross proves that suffering can coexist with love and purpose. The resurrection reminds us that pain is not the end of the story.

1.     Key Takeaway:➡️ If the cross hurt Him but helped us, your pain can also How can you use your past pain to help others who are still in it?