What We Can Learn from Pain Through God

Pain is a universal experience — one that touches every life at some point. Yet while we often view it as something to be avoided, Scripture shows us that pain can become a profound teacher when we allow God to work through it. Our suffering, though uncomfortable, is never wasted in His hands. Through trials, God refines our hearts, strengthens our faith, and reminds us of our dependence on Him. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Pain draws us nearer to God in ways comfort rarely does. When life feels uncertain and our strength fades, we discover the sustaining power of His presence. In those moments, we learn that faith is not simply believing when life is easy, but trusting even when we cannot see the way forward. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). The hardships that test us also become the very tools God uses to transform us.

God also uses pain to deepen our compassion. Once we have walked through sorrow ourselves, we become more sensitive to the suffering of others. Our experiences equip us to comfort, encourage, and guide. “He 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 1:4). The empathy born in pain allows us to serve as living reminders of His mercy — proof that healing is possible.

Pain offers perspective as well. It teaches us to focus less on the temporary and more on what is eternal. The discomfort of waiting, the disappointment of loss, the challenge of uncertainty — all of these can remind us that this world is not our final home. In the refining fire of hardship, we see that God’s purpose extends beyond what we can immediately understand. As Romans 8:28 assures us, “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

How to Grow Through Pain and Let God Use It for Good

1. Pray with openness and honesty. Bring your true emotions to God — your fear, confusion, even frustration. He already knows your heart and wants to meet you in that space.
2. Stay rooted in Scripture. Regular reading helps you see how God used pain to shape lives throughout the Bible — from Joseph’s betrayal to Paul’s imprisonment.
3. Look for lessons in the waiting. Ask God, “What are You teaching me through this?” Sometimes pain redirects us toward greater purpose.
4. Seek community. Share your burdens with trusted believers who can pray with you and remind you of God’s promises when your faith feels weak. Our Readings From The Road group is a fantastic support system!
5. Give thanks, even in difficulty. Gratitude shifts your perspective from what hurts to what helps. Thanking God for small mercies opens the door to healing.
6. Reflect regularly. Keep a journal of how you’ve seen God’s hand at work through hardship — this builds faith for the next challenge. My Christmas book coming out mid-November includes a journal section!

Final Thought

When pain comes, it is not a sign that God has abandoned you; it is often the place where His presence becomes most real. Your suffering can be the soil where faith grows deep roots. Every trial carries the potential to reveal God’s strength, deepen your compassion, and remind you that His grace is sufficient for every season. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Through God, pain is never the end of your story — it is the beginning of transformation.