When pain and suffering enters our lives, it can be tempting to think our latest struggle was “all for nothing” and pointless.
But in God’s world – there is no such thing as needless suffering – every moment of pain and affliction has a purpose – and He can redeem it for good.
So if you’re prone to fall into despair when the storms of life hit, there is one important truth you must remember – and embracing it will change your life.
Your suffering is not meaningless.
Read it again.
I KNOW when things are tough and we suffer loss, we feel like it was all for nothing.
And in these moments, we must depend on the character of God to see us through.
God uses every heartache and tear for good – and to mold you into the image of His son.
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5: 3-5
As your faith is tested, it becomes stronger and you’re reminded that God is who He says He is.
The God of today is the same God that made a covenant with Abraham, and the same God that was with Moses in the desert.
Nothing takes Him by surprise, and while He allows suffering in this world due to sin – remember He is always sovereign and in control.
Sure, the enemy can cause pain and distress – but even his power is limited by God.
And since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, His promises will never fail.
He promises us when we are at our weakest that the power of Jesus will be our strength.
Scripture is full of God’s promises to care for His people when we are in pain.
Sometimes we suffer in life because of our own poor decisions.
Our self-willed self who just “had” to act on whatever it was, ignoring godly counsel – now is reaping the consequences.
But remember – God is not an authoritarian in the sky waiting to punish you.
He does discipline those He loves as a means of correction – and if you let Him strengthen you, your faith will continue to grow as you mature in your spiritual walk.
Perhaps you will be called to start a ministry and help others who are struggling with the same issue you just overcame.
Or maybe you’ll know how to comfort others who are going through the same struggle – since you were restored by God’s grace.
But it’s true, sometimes we will suffer because of the sins of others.
A drunk driver killing our child.
A husband having an affair and leaving his wife.
And other times things happen simply because our world is sinful – and disease and sickness can take those we love away from us.
But no matter what happens on this side of heaven – know that none of it is meaningless or wasted.
Draw close to Jesus in your pain, and let Him continue to humble you and make you more dependent on Him.
He is our source of strength and ultimate comfort in times of trouble.
And don’t be afraid to cry out to Him or even write out a lamentation.
The Psalms are a great place to meditate on God’s Word and a beautiful source for inspiration and comfort.
Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I
for you have been my refuge
a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Psalm 61: 1-5
So when it feels like the world is falling apart – cling to the Rock – and know His ways are higher than ours.
You are not alone.
God is there.
And there is a purpose for your pain – even if you can’t see it yet.
(h/t Christian Life Daily)