Dr. Floyd Godfrey

When we face difficult seasons in life—grief, loss, uncertainty, or pain—our natural instinct is to ask, “Why, God?” We look for answers that might justify our suffering or give meaning to our trials. However, Christian counselor and author Zach Clinton (2024) challenges us to consider a deeper, more transformative perspective: “When we are going through painful seasons in our lives, what if we didn’t ask God why? What if, instead, we had the perspective that God chose us to walk through this valley, desert, or fiery furnace of life” (p. 68)?

This reframing does not minimize the pain we feel, nor does it suggest that God delights in our suffering. Rather, it offers a profound theological truth: that God is sovereign, and that He walks with His people even in the most difficult seasons. This echoes the promise of Isaiah 43:1–2 (NIV), where God declares:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.”

In this passage, God is not saying that His people will avoid hardship. In fact, He makes it clear that they will pass through waters, rivers, and fire. But His reassurance lies in His presence—“I will be with you.” As Clinton (2024) writes, “If we believe that, we know He will surely walk alongside us through it. And we should be confident that God believes in us” (p. 68).

That phrase—God believes in us—may surprise some. It’s more common to hear that we are called to believe in Him. Yet Scripture also reveals a God who entrusts His people with purpose. From Moses leading a nation, to Esther risking her life, to Paul suffering for the Gospel, God calls individuals to walk through challenging paths not because they are perfect, but because He empowers them to persevere and grow. Painful seasons may very well be the places where we discover our greatest spiritual strength.

For pastors and parents, this message is vital. Children, teens, and even congregants often look to spiritual leaders during times of suffering. Teaching them that hardship is not a sign of God’s absence, but possibly a sign of His trust and refining work, can deepen their faith. As families face job loss, illness, mental health challenges, or relational strife, the reminder that “you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1) can anchor hearts in hope.

Importantly, the Christian walk is not about spiritual stoicism. Jesus wept. David lamented. Job questioned. But in every trial, the deeper invitation is to believe that we are not alone. And more than that—we are chosen to carry a testimony of God’s faithfulness through the fire.

Whether you are walking through a desert season or supporting someone who is, remember: the fire does not define you—God does. And His presence is enough.

Reference
Clinton, Z. (2024). Even if – Developing the faith, mindset, strength and endurance of those who are built different. American Association of Christian Counselors Publishing.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.