Finding Strength in God Through Life’s Hardships
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming. We face situations that remind us we don’t control everything, no matter how much we wish we did.
If we were in control, surely no one would ever suffer. But as difficult times come, they reveal a powerful truth — our lives are in God’s hands. We are weak, often feeling powerless, but God remains strong, always loving, and always present.
In moments of weakness, we can hold on to the comforting words found in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
This verse reminds us that when we are at our weakest, God’s strength shines even brighter through us.
The Bible’s Honest View on Suffering
The Bible speaks with honesty about suffering. It never ignores the pain we experience. When we cry, God cries with us.
The Bible doesn’t look down on those who are hurting. Instead, it teaches that God knows and understands every bit of our sorrow.
He promises that one day He will take away all suffering forever. That promise is not just for the future but a present reality.
What we experience now is not the end of the story. Instead, it’s an opportunity for God to show us His deep love and kindness.
A Living Hope in Times of Trouble
Our hope in salvation is not just for eternity but something we can feel today. In this moment, right now, Jesus is with us. He walks alongside us, strengthens us, and pours out His love into our hearts.
This truth can completely transform how we deal with hardship. No valley is too deep for God’s grace to reach. That’s why we can face challenges with courage, knowing the Gospel equips us with the strength we need.
Suffering Shapes Us
Suffering never leaves us the same. How we respond to it shapes our hearts and reveals what’s truly inside us. As James 1:2-3 teaches,
“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.”
God uses these trials to strengthen our faith and teach us endurance.
When difficult things happen, they reveal the true nature of our hearts. What we value, where we find meaning, and how we connect with God become much clearer.
The Bible doesn’t say that suffering is a punishment for wrongdoing. Instead, it teaches that God uses trials to do something good in us.
Life Is About God, Not Us
One of the most profound lessons suffering teaches us is that life is not about us. Life is about God — His glory, His joy, His plans.
Everything in life points to His greatness, not our ability to control things. Even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, God remains in control, working things together for good.
1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to,
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
This verse reassures us that even when we feel shaken, God hears us, cares for us, and is with us in every moment of our pain.
Honesty in Suffering
The Bible doesn’t tell us to pretend everything is fine when it isn’t. It doesn’t ask us to fake happiness.
God wants us to be honest with Him about how we feel. Suffering often highlights our weaknesses and reminds us that many things in life are beyond our control. But in these moments of weakness, we see how strong God is. His strength becomes our strength.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that,
“In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him.”
Even when life feels messy and out of control, God is always at work, using every circumstance for good.
God’s Grace in Uncomfortable Times
God’s grace doesn’t always come in the form we expect. Sometimes, the very thing we’re asking God to save us from is what He uses to work something good in our lives.
We may not always understand it, but we can trust that He is always working for our benefit, even in uncomfortable and challenging times.
That’s why it’s so important to hold on to the truth of God’s Word when we’re going through tough times. The Bible’s teachings guide our thoughts, feelings, and choices.
Misunderstanding God’s truth can make our suffering worse, but holding on to His promises gives us hope and strengthens our faith.
Finding Peace in Surrender
One of the greatest blessings of suffering is realizing that we don’t control our lives. While it may seem frightening at first, losing control allows us to find peace in God’s care.
When we let go of trying to manage everything ourselves, we can rest in the fact that God is in control. Our weaknesses become an invitation to rely on His strength. Our struggles lead us to a place of true peace found only in Him.
God doesn’t always explain every detail of why things happen the way they do, and that’s okay. What matters is that we trust Him, knowing that He has a plan.
In Jeremiah 29:11, we read,
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Even when life seems confusing, we can rest in God’s love, knowing that He is always working for our good.
Reaching Out for Help
As God’s children, we have access to everything we need: comfort, salvation, strength, and wisdom. But sometimes, we don’t reach for those things because we’re too focused on doing it ourselves. So God, in His love, leads us to places where we see just how much we need Him.
When we’re going through hard times, God often sends people to remind us that He is with us. These people can show us His love, wisdom, and care.
It’s important to welcome the friends and helpers God sends, trusting that He is always working for our good through others.
Final Encouragement
Even in the darkest times, we can find hope in knowing that God is in control. The prophet Habakkuk, even when everything around him was falling apart, could still rejoice because he knew that God was with him. We, too, can find joy, hope, and peace in God’s presence, no matter what we’re going through.
