When I am in the midst of a struggle or a painful situation it is difficult for me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is hard to comprehend that God has a plan. It is difficult for me to fathom there is purpose in the pain I am going through. When I am in the middle of the questions swirling in my heart as to why, I am reminded ever so gently by my heavenly father; everyone goes through trials, it is who we look to during the trials that matter most.
I have to admit, I have not always been one to seek the counsel from God’s word when it comes to painful situations or hurtful episodes in my life. This is something I have learned through studying his Word more and more. Through the relationship I am developing with him I am coming to understand we are faced with trials in order to draw closer to God.
Let’s take a look at Job. Job was a godly man (Job 1:1) but went through trials more severe than I can fathom. He lost his home, his farm, his possessions and even his entire family, yet he remained full of faith in God. We also know God allowed Satan to test Job. In Job 1:6-12, God, and Satan have a conversation as they both observe Job. Satan does not believe Job can hold on to his faith in God if he is faced with losing everything (Job 1:9-11). God accepts Satan’s challenge and allows him to test (Job 1:12). God knows Job’s faith will not falter.
As Satan takes everything from Job and strikes him with sickness, everyone, including his wife, cursed God for what he had allowed happening. Again Job does not waiver (Job 2:10). Job is extremely saddened by his circumstances, but his faith in God does not falter. He continues to praise God throughout his struggles and his grief (Job 5:8-18).
Throughout most of the book of Job, he is begging God to take away his pain. Does God hear his cries? Of course, he does, but God is allowing his struggles, pain, and guilt for a season in order to draw Job closer to him. This causes me to stop for a moment and reflect on this.
If everything in my life is perfect, would there be a need for me to seek God?
If I never had any pain or strife, would I lean into God?
If there are no difficulties for me to face, would I draw closer to him?
I would like to think the answers to those questions are the same. Of course! But, am I being completely honest? What do you think? Have you ever wondered why God allows pain? Is there a purpose for all of it?
The answer is yes, there is. We are humans and our human tendency is to interrupt God’s purpose for our lives, especially when things are not going the way we want them to. This does not draw us closer to him. I need to remember that there is a purpose to my pain and that purpose is to lean into God and trust that his will be done.
This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! Click on the “Tell Me Your Story” link and know that all stories shared are done so in confidence. I may even contact you for permission to use your story as a featured post in the future! Inspire other about your story of purpose in your pain!
Blessings and Hugs,
