“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.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
According to the Bible, pain is inevitable in our broken and sinful world. However, when I received a shocking medical diagnosis of cancer, I still cried out to the Lord, “why are you doing this to me? Didn’t I suffer enough with cancer the last time?” I do all the right things, like eating healthy and exercising. But I felt as if my body betrayed me and I doubted God’s love.
Just because we suffer pain does not mean God doesn’t love us. The Bible says, “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” Romans 8:28 (NIV). It says, “in all things,” including pain and suffering.
So, how does God use our pain for good?
Pain draws us closer to God
On Saturday morning after my cancer diagnosis, I wanted to pray with a certain friend at church the following day. I was unaware that God had already planned a meeting with my friend to pray that same afternoon.
Coincidence? No, it was a miracle! My sister-in-law called it a God wink—a message sent directly from my loving Heavenly Father who wanted me to know how much He loves me and is watching over me.
God uses our pain to draw us closer to Him and trust Him more. Pain and suffering force us to have greater dependence on Him.
Trust in God’s perfect plan for you, even if it means pain and suffering.
Pain helps us grow
Whatever you are going through, God works through your pain to develop your character. His goal is for you to be more like Jesus and He uses pain to do it.
Pain changes you. It will make you bitter or better.
Don’t waste your pain by denying God’s love. Jesus’ pain and suffering in His life on earth was not wasted. He suffered unspeakable pain to save the world and reconcile us with God.
Pain allows us to help others
The Bible says, “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” 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV).
When you suffer, God comforts you and gives you what you need. Then you can help others who are going through similar circumstances, called redemptive suffering.
Surrender your pain to God. He will use it to help others.
Final words
I’m working on trusting God to use my pain for good as I surrender it to Him. If you are struggling with this too, here are some action steps that have helped me.
- What can you learn from your pain?
- How will God use your pain for good?
- Pray for God to connect you with someone who has gone through similar painful circumstances.
