It's not always easy to understand pain.
When we suffer, everything seems to lose its meaning.
The questions come fast:
"Why is this happening to me?"
"Has God forgotten me?"
"Is all this really necessary?"

And it's at that moment - when the heart is tight, the soul tired and the strength gone - that a truth needs to be remembered with affection:
Your pain has a purpose. And God is an expert at turning tears into learning.

Maybe you don't see it now. Maybe you're still in the middle of the process. But read on.
Because what seems like suffering today... may be being used by God for something much greater.

God doesn't waste suffering

No tears are in vain.
No pain is useless.
No situation is too big for God to use constructively.

"You have numbered my afflictions; you have gathered my tears into your bottle; are they not in your book?" (Psalm 56:8)

This verse shows a powerful truth: God sees. God feels. God records.
And more than that: God transforms.

What looks like chaos today could be testimony tomorrow.
What only hurts today can heal someone tomorrow.
What makes you cry today could be the key to seeing life through different eyes tomorrow.

1# Pain brings you closer to God like nothing else

In the good times, we say thank you.
In difficult times, we cries out.

It is in pain that many discover a faith they never had.
It is in desperation that prayer becomes more real.
It is in the valley that the heart learns to hear God's voice more clearly.

Pain doesn't separate you from God - it can be the way to bring you closer.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted." (Psalm 34:18)

He doesn't turn away from your cry. On the contrary. He moves towards you.

2# Pain reveals what really matters

Many things that seemed essential lose their value when the pain hits.
The rush, the worries about appearance, the anxiety about recognition...

In pain, the soul is cleansed.
Priorities change.
What is superficial falls apart - and what is true grows stronger.

Pain teaches you to see more deeply.
You begin to value presence, simplicity, faith and life more.

And this is learning that no school offers.

3# God uses pain to shape character

God does not cause gratuitous suffering. But It enables processes that make us grow.

Have you ever noticed how people who are more mature, wiser, more empathetic... have often gone through difficult times?

It's because the pain polish. Teach. Deepen.

"We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, approved character; and approved character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)

God is more interested in your character than in your comfort.
Because comfort passes. But character is what sustains you when everything sways.

4# Pain prepares you to comfort others

One of the most beautiful things God does with our pain is to use what has hurt us to heal others.

Those who have experienced a loss know how to console the mourners.
Those who have suffered rejection understand how alone they feel.
Those who have fallen and been restored have the authority to talk about starting over.

"It is he who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble..." (2 Corinthians 1:4)

You don't need to have all the answers.
But your process could be hope for someone.
And that gives meaning to everything.

5# Pain doesn't define your end - it defines a new beginning

You may feel that this difficult time is bringing something important in your life to a close.
But God could just be starting a new story.

How many people have lost everything - and then found purpose?
How many have had their hearts broken - and then discovered true love?
How many have experienced illness - and then discovered the power of faith?

Pain is not the end point.
She's a comma. A learning chapter before the next fresh start.

What to do when the pain seems unbearable?

1# Talk to God sincerely
You don't have to use nice words. Just say what you're feeling. God understands your silence, your crying, your anger.

2# Don't isolate yourself completely
Look for people you can trust. People who listen to you without judging. God also speaks through honest advice.

3# Pray even if you don't want to
Prayer doesn't change God, but it changes you. It strengthens you. It sustains you.

4# Seek true consolation in the Word
Verses like Psalm 34, Psalm 23, Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Corinthians 1 bring comfort to the soul.

5# Allow yourself to feel, but also allow yourself to heal
You don't have to heal in a day. But you do have to decide not to live in that pain forever.

God turns tears into lessons - and lessons into blessings

What hurts today can teach tomorrow.
What weighs you down today can make you stronger tomorrow.
What seems like the end today could be the beginning tomorrow.

Your pain has a purpose.
And God knows exactly what he's doing, even when you don't understand.

Trust. Keep going. Breathe.
And remember: the same God who sees your tears is preparing your smile.

See also: 3 a.m. prayer for grace

April 13th, 2025