By Dr. Floyd Godfrey

Life often brings seasons of suffering that test the depth of a person’s faith. Illness, grief, betrayal, disappointment, and personal loss can shake even mature believers. In those moments, Christians must decide whether to interpret their circumstances through the pain they feel or through the truth of who Jesus Christ is. Scripture calls believers to trust the Lord regardless of circumstances, because His character remains constant even when life is uncertain. Trusting Jesus in painful seasons does not minimize suffering, rather, it acknowledges that Christ is present and purposeful even in hardship.

A compelling modern testimony of this truth comes from Gabe Poirot, who recounts an extraordinary experience during an eighteen-day medical coma in which he describes how he encountered Jesus Christ. In reflecting on what was shown to him, Poirot writes, “He showed me in a glimmer film all those ‘challenging’ moments of my life, where He was taking care of everything on my behalf, and I never needed to worry” (Poirot, 2026, p. 37). His account offers encouragement to those who struggle to trust God when life is difficult. Even when God’s hand is invisible to us, He remains active and attentive.

Pain often clouds spiritual perception. During deep suffering, individuals may wrongly conclude that God has abandoned them or become indifferent to their pain. Poirot insightfully states, “Pain distorts perception. Deep wounds blur the truth” (Poirot, 2026, p. 32). This observation reflects a reality many believers know well. Emotional wounds can distort one’s understanding of God’s character, causing fear, doubt, and spiritual confusion. Yet faith requires believers to anchor themselves in truth rather than shifting emotions. The truth is that God’s love and presence do not fluctuate based on human feelings.

Poirot further emphasizes Christ’s sovereign care by writing, “He was always working behind the scenes for my best. It might have been hard for me, but it was so easy for Him” (Poirot, 2026, p. 37). This perspective aligns with the biblical teaching that God works in all things for the good of those who love Him. While believers may not understand why suffering occurs, they can trust that God is never absent from their circumstances and is continually accomplishing purposes beyond human understanding.

To trust Jesus well, believers must also understand His true nature. Many struggle with trust because they carry distorted views of Christ shaped by painful experiences, poor teaching, or relational wounds. Poirot writes, “He is not pleased with the way He has been misrepresented down here” (Poirot, 2026, p. 32). Misunderstanding Christ leads many to fear Him rather than trust Him. Yet Jesus is compassionate, just, holy, and full of strength. Poirot describes Him by saying, “He was the definition of masculinity” (Poirot, 2026, p. 38), portraying Christ as the perfect expression of strength, leadership, courage, and gentleness. He is neither weak nor harsh, but the ideal Savior worthy of complete trust.

Trusting Jesus also requires recognizing that He desires relationship, not merely religious performance. Poirot writes, “He desires intimate relationship with His family” (Poirot, 2026, p. 32). Christ invites believers into close fellowship with Him, especially during suffering. Often, painful experiences become the very means through which believers deepen their dependence upon God and discover His nearness in ways they never had before. Though suffering is never pleasant, it can produce spiritual maturity, greater faith, and deeper intimacy with Christ.

Ultimately, trusting Jesus Christ through painful life experiences means believing that His goodness remains intact even when life is painful. It means remembering that suffering may distort perception temporarily, but it does not alter truth. Jesus is still faithful, still sovereign, and still working for the good of His people. Believers can endure hardship with hope because the One who holds eternity also holds every painful moment of their lives.

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.

References

Poirot, G. (2026). 18 days in heaven: I left my body. I met jesus. what he told me Will Alter Your Eternity. Gabe Poirot; Forewords by Rick Renner and Randy Kay. Harrison House Publishers.