Why Does God Allow Hardships

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the age-old question: Why does a loving God permit suffering and hardships? Through heartfelt discussions and biblical insights, we explore the purpose behind our trials and how they can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of enduring challenges and the hope that emerges from trusting God's plan, even in the midst of pain.​

Transcript

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re tackling one of the hardest questions many of us wrestle with—Why does God allow hardships?

Maybe you’ve gone through a painful season and asked:

• Why did God let this happen to me?

• If He loves me, why does life feel so hard?

• Where is God in my suffering?

These are real, honest questions. And the truth is, even faithful believers experience suffering. But the good news? God is not absent in our pain—He is working in it.

Today, we’re going to talk about:

• Why God allows hardships.

• How suffering is part of His greater plan.

• Examples from the Bible of people who suffered—and how God redeemed their pain.

Because even in the darkest moments, God is still good, and He is still working.

1. Why Do Hardships Exist?

From sickness to loss, betrayal to financial struggles, life is full of pain. But where does it come from?

1. We Live in a Fallen World

God created a perfect world, but sin brought brokenness.

Romans 5:12 says:

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”

Because of sin:

• People make hurtful choices.

• Disease, death, and suffering exist.

• Life on earth is full of trials and struggles.

But here’s the hope—God doesn’t leave us in this brokenness. He is working to redeem and restore.

2. Suffering Has a Purpose

God never wastes pain. Even when we don’t understand, He is using it for good.

Romans 8:28 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.”

Sometimes hardships:

✔ Strengthen our faith. (James 1:2-4)

✔ Refine our character. (Romans 5:3-5)

✔ Teach us dependence on God. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

✔ Prepare us for greater purpose. (Genesis 50:20)

Practical Step:

• Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?” ask “God, what are You teaching me through this?”

3. Biblical Examples of People Who Suffered

Many of the strongest believers in Scripture went through deep suffering—yet God used it for His glory.

1. Joseph – Betrayed, Forgotten, but Elevated

• Sold into slavery by his own brothers. (Genesis 37:28)

• Falsely accused and thrown in prison. (Genesis 39:20)

• Forgotten for years, but later promoted to second-in-command in Egypt. (Genesis 41:41)

Key Lesson: What others meant for harm, God used for good.

Genesis 50:20 says:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

2. Job – Faithful but Tested

• Lost everything—his wealth, children, and health. (Job 1:13-19)

• Questioned God, but never lost faith. (Job 1:22)

• God restored him and blessed him double. (Job 42:10)

Key Lesson: Suffering doesn’t mean God has abandoned us. He is still in control.

Job 23:10 says:

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

3. Paul – Persecuted, Beaten, but Unstoppable

• Imprisoned multiple times. (Acts 16:23)

• Shipwrecked, beaten, and left for dead. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)

• Wrote much of the New Testament while suffering.

Key Lesson: Hardships can’t stop God’s purpose.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

4. Jesus – The Ultimate Suffering for Our Salvation

• Betrayed by a friend. (Luke 22:48)

• Beaten and falsely accused. (Mark 15:15)

• Nailed to a cross—yet His suffering brought our salvation.

Isaiah 53:5 says:

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Key Lesson: Jesus understands suffering—and He is with us in ours.

4. How to Trust God Through Hardships

1. Remember That Trials Are Temporary

Pain feels permanent, but it’s not.

2 Corinthians 4:17 says:

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

One day, all suffering will end, and we will be with God in perfect peace.

2. Keep Praying, Even When It’s Hard

When life is painful, we might feel like pulling away from God. But prayer is our lifeline.

Philippians 4:6-7 says:

“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.”

Even if your situation doesn’t change right away, prayer changes your heart.

3. Surround Yourself With Encouragement

We’re not meant to suffer alone.

Galatians 6:2 says:

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

• Talk to trusted friends or mentors.

• Find a faith-based community.

• Listen to worship music and fill your mind with Scripture.

Practical Step:

• If you’re struggling, reach out to someone and ask for prayer.

4. Trust That God Has a Plan

Even when you don’t understand, God is still in control.

Jeremiah 29:11 says:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

If you’re in a season of hardship, this is not the end of your story.

God is working behind the scenes. Keep trusting, keep praying, and know that He will bring beauty from the ashes.

Final Encouragement: Your Pain Has a Purpose

Hardships are painful, but they are never wasted in God’s hands.

✔ Joseph’s betrayal led to his destiny.

✔ Job’s suffering led to greater blessing.

✔ Paul’s hardships led to spreading the gospel.

✔ Jesus’ pain led to our salvation.

So today, ask yourself:

• Am I trusting God even when I don’t understand?

• How can I shift my perspective from pain to purpose?

• What is God teaching me through this hardship?

Because when we surrender our struggles to God, He turns our suffering into something beautiful.

I hope today’s episode encouraged you to trust God in your hardships. If this message spoke to you, share it with someone who might need the same encouragement.

Until next time, keep trusting, keep believing, and remember—God never wastes pain.