The Joy Was Worth the Pain: Finding Purpose in Suffering
At the intersection of Romans 5:3–5 and a lyric by Ed Sheeran
Sometimes, something happens that feels like more than coincidence. A convergence. A divine echo.
This reflection was born at one such intersection—between a 2,000-year-old scripture and a lyric from arguably the greatest poet of our time, Ed Sheeran. That these two voices—separated by millennia—speak the same truth is not just poetic. It’s miraculous. It’s a glimpse into the timelessness of God.
“As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.”
“We are bruised, we are damaged / But the joy was worth the pain”
Through the lens of Romans 5:3–5, this lyric becomes more than a line in a song. It becomes a sacred echo of divine wisdom:
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame...”
This isn’t just a comforting verse. It’s the original blueprint for recovery. The 12 Steps don’t replace it—they reaffirm it. They are a modern-day lectio divina: a way to live out Scripture through action, surrender, and grace.
When you hear Ed’s lyric through this lens, it’s no longer about romance. It’s about redemption. It’s about the sacred devotion of family who stayed. The grace of a God who never left. The embers of purpose that never stopped glowing—even when you thought the fire was out.
This is the miracle of recovery: suffering transformed into strength, scars into sacred stories, and pain into purpose.
PART 1POWERLESSNESS & SURRENDER TRANSITION
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.