The Beauty of Pain
Jordan St. Cyr on Encountering God’s Presence
Jordan St. Cyr shared a deeply personal experience with us that brought him face-to-face with God’s presence. “I think the closest I felt [to God] was when I’ve been in the most pain.” As a planner and a self-confessed control freak, Jordan found himself in a situation where he had no control – the birth of his daughter five years ago.
Jordan continues, “And to not know what my next step was, was terrifying, but to feel such pain in our lives— not just for us, but for our little girl—not knowing what her life was going to look like.”
Sitting in the waiting room, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions and negative self-talk, Jordan felt uncertain about the future. This moment of vulnerability became a profound encounter with God. He describes, “When you experience something like that and all that’s left is Him, there is something oddly beautiful about those moments.”
Jordan says these painful moments are not something he longs for, but they serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering presence.
Perhaps, like Jordan, you’ve found yourself drawn closer to God during times of pain and uncertainty. He candidly shares, ” I don’t long for pain. I don’t long for things that hurt, but when you experience something like that, your whole life falls apart, and all that’s left is Him. There is something oddly beautiful about those moments, now that we’re [five] years in. [My daughter] is doing really well.”
In our darkest times, God’s presence can become more palpable, offering comfort and strength.
It’s often curious why as believers, we tend to seek a deeper connection with God during difficult times, but often neglect this relationship during good times. Jordan’s response highlighted a common struggle among many: the tendency to reach out to God only when in need. He emphasized, “God is present. He’s in this room right now, and we don’t operate that way. I don’t know why when we get that big win … He should be your first call.”
Jordan continued, “If I only shared the valley with my wife and only went to her when I was in deep need, we wouldn’t be together.” (01:42:24:13). It’s vitally important to acknowledge God’s presence in all circumstances, not just during hardships.
In the peaks of life, Jordan reminds us of the importance of acknowledging God’s presence and expressing gratitude to Him. “Thank You for what you’ve done. I know that You don’t care as much about what I do, as who I am, but in this moment, I’m grateful.” He also touched on the challenge of distinguishing between God’s favor and human favor, ultimately concluding that our role is to recognize God’s hand in all good things.
Practical Steps for Inviting God In
Maintaining a consistent relationship with God requires intentionality. Jordan suggests several practical steps that can help:
- Start and end your day by acknowledging and thanking God for His blessings. This simple practice keeps you grounded and aware of God’s constant presence in your life.
- Develop a habit of regular prayer, not just in times of need but also in times of joy. Prayer is a powerful tool that strengthens your relationship with God and keeps you connected to His guidance.
- Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow believers. Engaging in fellowship provides encouragement, accountability, and a space to share both your struggles and victories.
- Take time to reflect on your experiences and recognize God’s hand in both the good and challenging moments. This practice of mindful reflection helps you see the bigger picture and trust in God’s plan for your life.
God’s presence is constant, whether we’re facing immense challenges or celebrating significant victories. May this reminder guide you in both the highs and lows, drawing you closer to God’s unwavering love and presence in your life.
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