Floyd Godfrey, PhDBy Dr. Floyd Godfrey
Pain and suffering are inevitable parts of the human experience. As believers, we often face moments of deep hurt, grief, and confusion, wondering why God allows such trials. These moments, however, provide us with opportunities to draw closer to God and deepen our faith. Understanding what the Bible teaches about pain and suffering can offer comfort and direction during life's hardest times.
Strengthening of Faith Through Trials
The Bible is full of examples of people who endured great suffering, yet their faith in God remained steadfast. One of the most well-known examples is Job, a man who lost his health, wealth, and family. Despite his immense suffering, Job ultimately recognized that God’s plans were beyond human understanding: “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15, NIV). Job’s story illustrates that suffering can test and refine our faith, drawing us into a deeper relationship with God.
James 1:2-4 also emphasizes the value of trials in the life of a believer: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” These verses remind us that trials are not meaningless. God uses them to build perseverance and strengthen our character, shaping us into people who reflect His image more fully.
During periods of struggle, it can be tempting to drift away from God. However, the Bible calls us to stay close to Him, even when the answers to our suffering are not immediately clear. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Though we may not understand why we are enduring certain hardships, our trust in God's goodness allows us to remain hopeful and resilient.
God’s Presence in Suffering
One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that God never abandons us in our pain. Psalm 34:18 reassures us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse is a beautiful reminder that God is present in the midst of our suffering. He walks with us through our darkest valleys, offering His peace and comfort. When we stay close to God, we can experience His guiding hand and find the strength to endure.
Jesus Himself is no stranger to suffering. He endured great agony, ultimately laying down His life for humanity’s redemption. In Hebrews 4:15, we read that Jesus is able to empathize with our weaknesses because He faced suffering and temptation just as we do, yet without sin. This knowledge assures us that we have a Savior who understands our struggles and is always present to provide help and encouragement.
Staying Close to God in Pain
In times of difficulty, our first instinct might be to pull away from God, especially when we don’t understand the purpose of our suffering. The temptation will be to give up or move back into old coping habits. However, it is precisely in these moments that we should draw nearer to Him. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to bring their worries to God in prayer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Remaining close to God allows us to experience His peace, even when life is chaotic. Through prayer, worship, and reading Scripture, we can gain new strength and perspective, trusting that God will guide us through our pain. Suffering is not the end of our story; it is an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. As we remain faithful during times of hardship, we become living testimonies of God’s faithfulness and grace.
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 counselor 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.
