The last few months haven’t been easy for me. I have had to endure quite a lot of pain and loss, which made me question God’s purpose for me here on earth. It’s not easy to always understand why things happen the way they do.
I found my peace in Jerry Bridges words: “God never allows pain without a purpose in the lives of His children. He never allows Satan, nor circumstances, nor any ill-intending person to afflict us unless He uses that affliction for our good. God never wastes pain. He always causes it to work together for our ultimate good, the good of conforming us more to the likeness of His Son.”
I believe that God ultimately has a purpose for our pain: that out of the ashes of pain and hardship something beautiful will be born (Romans 8:18).
Maybe we have to go through all of these hurtful experiences so that we can realize just how strong we are. Or maybe God allows us to go through these experiences so that we can later help others. 2 Corinthians 1, verses 4 and 6 reads: “God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things.”
Take comfort in the knowing that God sees your pain and your tears and that He is “close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” (Psalm 34:18). We can take courage in the fact that He is working everything for our good even the most difficult life situations (Romans 8:28).
