When Life Hurts: Trust God’s Purpose

Life is filled with problems and suffering, yet they are not the same. A problem is a challenge requiring wisdom and action, while suffering is a deeper, often prolonged trial of endurance and faith. Some problems can be solved, but suffering often lingers, stretching our faith, reshaping our character, and drawing us closer to God.

Suffering is not an accident, nor is it without purpose. Throughout Scripture, we see God allowing suffering to refine, sanctify, and prepare His people for greater glory. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was not exempt from suffering. He was despised, rejected, and bore the weight of the world’s sin (Isaiah 53:3-5). If suffering was part of Christ’s journey, we should not be surprised when we, too, experience it (1 Peter 4:12-13). However, God does not waste suffering—He uses it to draw us closer to Him and shape us into the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Suffering is not the end of the story. Just as Christ’s suffering led to resurrection and glory, our trials are shaping us for an eternal inheritance (Romans 8:18). Though suffering is painful, God assures us that it is temporary compared to the weight of the eternal glory He is preparing for us (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). This truth enables us to endure with hope—not because suffering is easy, but because God is near. Even when we cannot see the purpose, we can trust that He holds us in His hands (Isaiah 41:10) and walks with us through every trial (Psalm 23:4). Our suffering may not always make sense now, but in God’s hands, it is never without meaning.

Let’s explore:

1. The distinction between problems and suffering
2. When a problem turns into suffering
3. Biblical examples of problem and suffering
4. What the Bible teaches about suffering
5. How believers should respond to suffering

By understanding suffering from a biblical perspective, we can learn to endure trials with faith, knowing that God’s purpose is being fulfilled even in our deepest pain.

1) The Distinction Between Problems and Suffering

	Problems	Suffering
Definition	Challenges that require wisdom, effort, or faith to solve.	Painful or distressing experiences that require endurance, faith, or perseverance to endure.
Control	Often manageable through action, planning, or prayer.	Often beyond personal control, requiring endurance and faith.
Duration	Temporary or short-term.	Can last a long time, sometimes a lifetime.
Impact	Causes stress or inconvenience but can be solved.	Tests faith, identity, emotions, and spiritual endurance.
Examples	Financial difficulties, job stress, disagreements.	Illness, loss, persecution, emotional distress, and trials of faith.
Biblical Response	Seek wisdom, act with diligence, and trust in God’s guidance to navigate challenges (James 1:5).	Endure with faith, find strength in God’s grace, and trust in His sovereign purpose through trials (James 1:12).

While problems may come and go, suffering often lingers. It stretches us beyond our limits, affecting our emotions, faith, and identity. God does not waste suffering—it often begins as a problem, but in His hands, it becomes a tool for spiritual transformation. He works through trials not just to test us but to shape us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Understanding when a problem transitions into suffering helps us trust His refining work in our lives.

2) When Does a Problem Turn Into Suffering?

A problem becomes suffering when it escalates in intensity, affects the core of our being, or demands endurance rather than a quick solution.

When the Problem Becomes Prolonged and Unsolvable

Some problems are resolved quickly, but others persist, stretching into months or years. When a situation remains unchanged despite repeated efforts, it can turn into suffering.

Hannah (1 Samuel 1:6-10)

• Hannah’s problem was infertility.
• It became suffering because it lasted for years and was worsened by Peninnah’s constant mocking: “Her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her” (v. 6).
• The pain became overwhelming: “In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly” (v. 10).

Some problems bring frustration, but suffering crushes the soul, making a person feel helpless and desperate for divine intervention.

When the Problem Causes Deep Emotional or Physical Pain

Some problems are inconvenient but manageable. Others bring deep suffering, especially when they involve loss, betrayal, or physical pain.

Job (Job 1–2)

• Job lost his wealth, children, and health—a series of tragic events that left him devastated.
• What began as a problem of financial loss turned into suffering when his body was afflicted: “Satan struck Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head” (Job 2:7).
• His suffering deepened when even his wife said, “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9).

True suffering is not just the presence of pain but the feeling of being abandoned, misunderstood, or without hope.

When the Problem Affects Faith, Identity, or Purpose

When difficulties shake a person’s trust in God, challenge their purpose, or make them question their identity, they become suffering.

David (Psalm 13)

• David’s problem was being chased by Saul.
• It became suffering when he felt abandoned by God: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (v. 1).
• Suffering can make a believer feel like God is distant, even though He is near.

When the Problem Involves Injustice or Persecution

Problems become suffering when they involve betrayal, false accusations, or persecution for righteousness’ sake.

Paul (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)

• Paul’s problem was opposition to his ministry.
• It became suffering when he endured beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and constant danger for the sake of the gospel.
• He wrote, “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one” (v. 24).

Suffering refines faith, teaching believers to endure hardship for Christ’s sake.

3) Biblical Examples of Problems and Suffering

The Bible gives us clear distinctions between problems and suffering, showing how they develop over time.

Old Testament Examples

	Problem	How It Became Suffering
Abraham	He had no child despite God’s promise (Gen. 15:2-6).	Years of waiting, family conflict, and emotional struggle (Gen. 16:1-4).
Joseph	His brothers were jealous and sold him into slavery (Gen. 37:4-11).	He was falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten (Gen. 39:19-20).
Moses & Israel	Israel was enslaved in Egypt (Exod. 1:8-14).	Harsh oppression and suffering under Pharaoh (Exod. 5:6-21).
Job	Lost his wealth and children (Job 1:13-19).	Extreme physical suffering, rejection, and spiritual despair (Job 2:7-8, 3:11-26).
Hannah	She was barren (1 Sam. 1:2).	Years of ridicule and deep sorrow (1 Sam. 1:6-10).
David	Fled from Saul (1 Sam. 19:1-2).	Lived in exile, faced betrayals, and suffered despair (Psalm 13, 1 Sam. 22:1-2).

New Testament Examples

	Problem	How It Became Suffering
Jesus	Faced opposition from Pharisees (Mark 2:6-7).	Betrayed, beaten, crucified, and bore the sin of the world (Luke 22-23).
Peter	Denied Jesus out of fear (Luke 22:54-60).	Deep emotional sorrow and guilt (Luke 22:61-62).
Paul	Faced opposition for preaching the gospel (Acts 16:16-21).	Beaten, imprisoned, and suffered extreme hardship (2 Cor. 11:23-27).
The Early Church	Persecuted by authorities (Acts 4:1-3).	Some were martyred, imprisoned, and suffered greatly (Acts 7:54-60, 12:1-5).

4) What Does the Bible Teach About Suffering?

The Bible does not promise a life free from suffering, but it gives us divine wisdom and comfort to endure it.

Suffering is Temporary Compared to Eternal Glory

Romans 8:18—“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Even when suffering feels unbearable, it is temporary compared to eternity.

Suffering Produces Spiritual Growth

James 1:2-4—“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.”

Suffering is not meaningless—it builds endurance, character, and maturity.

God is With Us in Suffering

Hebrews 13:5 —“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Even in our deepest pain, God never abandons us.

Christ Suffered and Understands Our Pain

Hebrews 4:15—“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.”

Jesus was not a distant observer of human suffering—He stepped into it. He was betrayed, abandoned, falsely accused, beaten, and crucified. On the cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Yet even in His deepest suffering, He remained faithful, entrusting Himself to the Father (Luke 23:46). If you feel alone in your suffering, know that Christ Himself has walked that road. He not only understands your pain but also intercedes for you (Hebrews 4:15, Romans 8:34). His suffering secured our redemption, and through Him, we have the strength to endure.

Suffering Prepares Us for Eternal Rewards

2 Corinthians 4:17—“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Suffering has eternal significance beyond what we can see.

5) How Should We Respond to Suffering?

Suffering is a reality that every believer will face, but our response to suffering determines its impact on our faith. The world sees suffering as pointless and cruel, but Scripture teaches that it is part of God’s plan to shape us into His image. While suffering can be painful and confusing, the Bible provides clear instructions on how we should respond.

Here are five biblical responses to suffering that will help us navigate trials with faith, endurance, and hope.

Trust in God’s Sovereignty—Even When We Do Not Understand

Romans 8:28—“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.”

One of the greatest challenges in suffering is understanding why it happens. We may ask:

• “Why is this happening to me?”
• “What did I do to deserve this?”
• “Where is God in my pain?”

The truth is, we will not always understand God’s ways, but we can trust His heart. Romans 8:28 does not say that all things are good, but that God is working all things together for good. Even the trials that seem unfair, painful, or devastating are being used by God for a higher purpose that we cannot yet see.

Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

How to Trust God in Suffering:

• Acknowledge that God is in control, even when life feels out of control.
• Look at biblical examples of people who suffered but saw God’s hand later (Joseph, Job, Paul).
• Remember that suffering is not random—God has a purpose, even when we cannot see it.

Pray for Strength—God Invites Us to Bring Our Burdens to Him

Philippians 4:6-7 —“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.”

When we suffer, we may feel overwhelmed, weak, and tempted to withdraw from God. But Scripture reminds us that prayer is our lifeline in suffering. God is not indifferent to our pain—He invites us to bring our burdens to Him.

Psalm 34:17-18—“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

How to Pray in Suffering:

• Be honest with God—David and Job poured out their pain before Him.
• Pray for strength and endurance, not just for the suffering to end.
• Trust that God’s presence and peace will sustain you, even when circumstances do not change.

The peace God gives “transcends all understanding”—it is a peace that does not depend on whether our suffering ends but on knowing we are held by God.

Express Lament—God Welcomes Our Honest Emotions

David’s Lament (Psalm 22:1-2) – “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?”

Suffering often brings questions, doubts, and deep sorrow. The Bible does not ignore these emotions—it gives them a voice through lament. Lament is not faithlessness; it is faith expressing itself honestly before God.

Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39)—“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

• It is okay to grieve, question, and wrestle with God.
• The Psalms of Lament (Psalm 42, Psalm 88) show how to cry out to God while still trusting Him.
• God invites us to bring our raw emotions to Him, knowing He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).

By lamenting, we process suffering in a biblical way—bringing our pain before God rather than turning away from Him. Lament is not a lack of faith—it is bringing your pain before God in faith, trusting that He hears and cares (Psalm 56:8). God does not rebuke His children for crying out to Him. Instead, He invites us to cast our cares on Him, for He sustains us (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22).

Endure with Faith—Do Not Give Up; Suffering is Part of the Christian Journey

Hebrews 12:1-2—“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Suffering is not a detour in the Christian life—it is part of the journey. Just as an athlete must endure training and hardship to reach the finish line, we must endure trials as we run the race of faith.

Jesus Himself endured suffering—He faced rejection, humiliation, betrayal, and death on the cross. Yet He endured “for the joy set before Him”—the joy of fulfilling God’s will and bringing salvation to the world.

James 1:2-4—“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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

How to Endure Suffering with Faith:

• Recognize that suffering refines your faith and makes you spiritually mature.
• Look at Jesus—He endured suffering for the joy ahead.
• Do not quit—keep moving forward in faith, even when you do not feel strong.

Faith is not just believing in God when things go well—it is clinging to Him even in the storm.

Encourage Others—Comfort Those Who Suffer

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 —“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

One of the greatest truths about suffering is that it equips us to comfort others. When we experience God’s faithfulness in our pain, we are better able to strengthen those who are suffering around us.

Galatians 6:2—“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

How to Encourage Others in Their Suffering:

• Share your testimony of how God sustained you in hard times.
• Be a listener—sometimes people need presence, not advice.
• Remind them that they are not alone—God is with them, and so are you.

Encouraging others in suffering not only blesses them—it also strengthens your own faith, reminding you of how God has carried you.

When comforting someone who is suffering, it is important to listen before speaking. Job’s friends initially sat with him in silence for seven days, but their mistake was in assuming they had all the answers (Job 2:13). Instead of trying to explain someone’s suffering, we can show Christ-like love through presence, prayer, and gentle encouragement.

Fix Our Eyes on Eternity— Suffering is Real, But So is God’s Promise of Future Glory

2 Timothy 2:12 —“If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”

One of the greatest sources of hope in suffering is knowing that this world is not our final home. If we endure suffering faithfully, we will share in Christ’s glory.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18—“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

How to Keep an Eternal Perspective in Suffering:

• Remember that suffering is temporary, but God’s glory is eternal.
• Focus on God’s promises, not just your present circumstances.
• Keep your hope in heaven, where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death (Revelation 21:4).

When we fix our eyes on eternity, our suffering takes on a new meaning—it becomes part of God’s greater purpose for us.

6) Final Encouragement: Hold On, God is Shaping You!

If you are struggling with suffering today, take heart—God sees you. He hears your cries, and He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). You may not have the answers, but you have His presence. He does not ask you to carry this burden alone—He invites you to bring it to Him, for His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). He walks with you through every moment of sorrow, and one day, He will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

Suffering is not the end of the story. One day, God will wipe away every tear, and suffering will be no more. Until then, hold on—God is shaping you through your trials. Your suffering is not in vain, and His glory will be revealed in you (Romans 8:18).