There are moments in life when pain feels overwhelming.
When prayers seem unanswered.
When you wonder, “Lord… why?”
I’ve asked this question myself more than once:
Why does God allow suffering?
I remember a time when I asked God, “Why am I going through this?”
It was during a season when I needed financial help — a struggle that followed me for many years. As a single mom, even with support from my family, I still felt unable to fully provide for my son. I had to depend on others, and that was hard for me.
At that time, I was just learning how to walk in a relationship with the Lord. I was a new Christian, and there was so much I didn’t yet understand about faith, trust, and surrender.
I would cry before God like a child having a temper tantrum. I prayed, I cried, and sometimes I complained — wanting things to happen my way. I didn’t realize then that God was providing for me all along.
I couldn’t see Him working in my life.
I didn’t want to rely on my family so much. I wanted to do everything on my own. But now, looking back, I see what a blessing they truly were.
Because of their support, my son was able to experience things in life that I could not have given him on my own. God used my family as part of His provision — even when I didn’t recognize it at the time.
The Bible Doesn’t Hide Pain
When I read the Bible, I see that even faithful people like Job, King David, Abraham, and Joseph went through extremely difficult seasons in their lives.
They experienced loss, rejection, uncertainty, and waiting. Yet, through it all, they continued to trust God.
They didn’t live perfect lives, and they didn’t always understand what God was doing. But God used their circumstances to grow them, strengthen them, and shape their character.
Because of that growth, He was then able to use their lives for His glory and to bless others.
That is what I desire for my own life.
I want to help others grow in their relationship with Father God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit — just as God has been growing me.
One scripture that has encouraged me during hard times is Philippians 4:6–8 (AMPC):
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And God’s peace… which transcends all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, and worthy of praise — think on these things.
These scriptures have carried me through many difficult seasons.
And even today, they continue to strengthen my faith and remind me to trust God completely.
“What God Taught Me in My Season”
Looking back, I can now see how God was using that season to teach me, to grow my faith, and to change my heart.
It was not a short season.
It lasted for years.
There were times when I struggled with pride, frustration, and impatience. I wanted things to happen on my timeline. I wanted answers quickly. I wanted relief right away.
And honestly, it took me a long time to “get over myself” and fully surrender my plans to God.
But through everything, God never left me.
Even when I couldn’t see Him working…
Even when I couldn’t feel His presence…
Even when I felt tired, discouraged, or confused…
He was still there.
Quietly shaping me.
Gently molding me.
Faithfully building something beautiful in my life.
During that season, God was teaching me how to trust Him when nothing made sense. He was teaching me patience when I wanted speed. He was teaching me humility when I wanted control.
He was teaching me that His ways are higher than mine.
I now understand that God was forming me into His masterpiece — not through comfort, but through consistency, prayer, and perseverance.
And He is not finished with me yet.
Far from it.
This is a lifelong process.
God is still working on me. Still growing me. Still refining me.
And He will continue to do so for as long as I walk with Him.
You are His masterpiece, too.
So I want to ask you:
How is God shaping and molding you right now?
What is He teaching you in this season of your life?
Why God May Allow Suffering
From my experience, I have learned that God sometimes uses suffering not to harm us, but to grow us.
That doesn’t mean the pain isn’t real.
I still go through trials.
I still experience loss.
I still have moments of deep sorrow.
I have lost loved ones — my mother, my oldest sister, and my younger brother.
Those losses changed me.
There were moments when my heart felt broken. Moments when the grief felt overwhelming. Moments when I didn’t have the words to pray.
But through it all, God was with me.
Dealing with those losses would have been much harder without Him. His presence, His comfort, and His peace carried me when I didn’t think I could keep going.
I was hurting.
But at the same time, I had a certain peace in my heart and in my soul — a peace that only God can give.
The Bible reminds us of this truth in Isaiah 41:10 (AMPC):
Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you;
Do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you;
Yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My victorious right hand of righteousness and justice.
In my life, I have seen how God fulfills this promise.
He doesn’t always remove the pain immediately.
But He walks with us through it.
He strengthens us.
He holds us up.
He reminds us that we are never alone.
Suffering may change us, but when we walk with God, it does not destroy us.
Instead, it deepens our faith, strengthens our trust, and draws us closer to His heart.
A Word for You
If you are reading this and going through a difficult season, I want you to know that you are not alone.
God sees every tear.
He hears every prayer.
He knows every burden you carry.
Even when you feel tired…
Even when you feel confused…
Even when you feel weak…
He is still with you.
The Bible says in Psalm 34:19 (AMPC):
Many hardships and perplexities confront the righteous,
But the Lord rescues him from them all.
Your situation may not change overnight.
But God’s presence will never leave you.
He is working in ways you cannot yet see.
He is strengthening you in ways you may not yet feel.
He is preparing you for what is ahead.
So don’t give up.
Don’t lose heart.
Don’t stop trusting Him.
Your story is still being written.
And God is faithful to finish what He has started in you.
A Prayer
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I lift up every person reading this who is hurting, tired, or discouraged.
You know their struggles.
You know their fears.
You know their needs.
I ask that You surround them with Your peace, Your comfort, and Your strength.
Remind them that they are loved.
Remind them that they are seen.
Remind them that they are never alone.
Help them to trust You, even when the road is hard.
Give them hope for tomorrow and courage for today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.