First off, pain serves a purpose that we often over look. It shows us, we are not in total control of our surroundings. Everyone can attest to the powerless feeling that accompanies pain. For example, when we are playing sports, we often feel like there is nothing we can't do. We feel in control of every outcome in the game. We feel invincible, that is, until we injure ourselves and the pain that comes with injury makes us, reactively, open our months and scream out in pain. So, in this sense, I would say that God uses pain to remind us that there are thing we don't have control over.
Secondly, there is a helplessness that comes with pain, which always makes us call out for help (in most cases, call out to a higher power). It does not amaze me that in times of disaster, people call for God. It seems that in times of pain, such as September 11th and natural disasters, is when you find people wanting to reconnect with God. A person may have spent all their time not caring for God, but when disasters hit, we very quickly want to ask God why he allows such thing to happen. So, if nothing else, pain reminds us that deep inside we all feel as though there is a reason to the pains we feel so we look to our maker to give us the answer.
Lastly, a Christian should never over look the infinite worth of pain. For, on the cross, our savior take on the ultimate pain to save us from everlasting pain. When a believer takes a close look at the Cross, he or she must feel the weight of it. In seeing the savior, we come to a full realization that the pains he felt are pains which belongs to me. So, If I may attempt to put a reason behind why God allows pain. It is to remind us that, when we feel pain, what we feel is infinitely less than what his son felt in our stead. Upon looking at the cross, it should move us, because upon that cross was one who did not deserve the pains, but out of love, took it.
Just a quick reminder, scripture tells us that we "Have a high priest who is able to sympathize." I believe the reason is because he felt pain like we do.
I like your point that God uses pain to remind us that we are not in control. It is very true. When life is good, we may see it as the result of something we deserve (or that we are entitled to it). We attribute these good things to ourselves. We also become so obsessed with the gifts God has given us that we worship the gift, not the giver. Yet when we experience pain, we suddenly attribute it to God. We then remember that we are not in control and the purpose of life is bigger than our pleasures and happiness.
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