Dealing With Suffering

Title: When It Hurts: Understanding Suffering in the Christian Life

Suffering is one of the most difficult and universal parts of life—and yet, the Bible tells us it’s also one of the most transformative. In this honest and hope-filled episode, we explore why God allows suffering, what Scripture says about it, and how we can endure it with faith, purpose, and even joy.

You’ll hear:

• Biblical examples of suffering and how God used it for good
• Three key reasons God allows pain in our lives
• A mindset shift to help you suffer with purpose
• Five practical ways to endure when you're in the middle of it
• Powerful encouragement if you’re struggling right now

If you’ve ever felt forgotten in the fire, this episode will remind you: You are not alone. God is with you. And your suffering is not wasted—it’s shaping something eternal.

🎧 Listen now and discover how your greatest trials can become your greatest testimony.

Transcript

💔 Segment 1: Suffering Is Part of the Christian Life (Expanded)

Let’s be honest—none of us want suffering. We avoid it, question it, and often think something must be wrong when we go through it. But Jesus was clear in John 16:33:

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Trouble is promised. Suffering is not a sign that God has abandoned us—it’s often where He meets us most powerfully.

Throughout the Bible, we see faithful men and women who endured deep suffering. And their stories remind us: God is always at work—especially in the pain.

Let’s look at five powerful examples:

🟡 Joseph: Betrayed, Forgotten, But Positioned for Purpose

Joseph’s life in Genesis is a masterclass in how God uses suffering to bring about destiny.

At 17, Joseph had big dreams—literally. He shared visions from God that one day he’d rise to greatness. But instead of applause, he was betrayed by his own brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery.

In Egypt, Joseph worked hard and gained favor—only to be falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. Forgotten. Alone. Abandoned.

But God was not done.

After years of waiting and suffering, Joseph was finally raised to power—second in command over Egypt. And when a famine hit, his leadership saved entire nations, including the very brothers who had betrayed him.

Joseph later said in Genesis 50:20:

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

Joseph’s suffering was not wasted—it was training for purpose.

🔴 Job: Loss, Grief, and Honest Questions

Job was a righteous man—blameless, faithful, and blessed. But in a sudden turn, he lost everything—his children, wealth, health, and reputation.

His friends assumed he must have sinned. His wife told him to curse God and die. But Job wrestled honestly. He questioned. He cried out. He cursed the day he was born.

Yet—he never cursed God.

At one point, Job says in Job 13:15:

“Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.”

That’s raw faith.

God eventually responds—not with answers, but with His presence. And in the end, Job’s relationship with God was deeper, and his life was restored—double what he lost.

Job’s story reminds us: You can be faithful and still suffer. You can question and still be close to God. And in the end, God honors faith that holds on even when it hurts.

🔵 David: Chased, Crushed, and Chosen

David was anointed king as a teenager—but didn’t take the throne until decades later. Why? Because he was hunted by Saul, betrayed by friends, and lived on the run like a fugitive.

In the caves and wilderness, David wrote many of the Psalms—raw cries of pain, fear, and longing. Like Psalm 13:1:

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

David knew suffering intimately. He experienced betrayal from his own son, grief over the death of children, and the pain of his own failures.

And yet, God called David “a man after My own heart.”

David’s suffering didn’t disqualify him—it shaped him into a humble, dependent leader. God does the same with us.

🟢 Paul: Beaten, Imprisoned, and Unstoppable

Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most influential apostles. But his ministry wasn’t easy.

In 2 Corinthians 11, he lists his trials:

“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones… I have been in danger from rivers, bandits… gone without sleep, food, or clothing…”

Paul’s life was marked by suffering. And yet, he wrote some of the most hope-filled words in the New Testament—from prison.

He declared in Romans 8:28:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…”

Paul’s suffering did not stop his purpose—it refined it. He learned that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

⚫ Jesus: The Suffering Savior

No one suffered more unjustly than Jesus. The Son of God—perfect, holy, blameless—was mocked, beaten, betrayed, and crucified. He was abandoned by His closest friends and even felt the weight of being forsaken on the cross.

Yet He chose to suffer. Hebrews 12:2 says:

“For the joy set before Him He endured the cross…”

Why? So we could be reconciled to God.

Jesus' suffering was redemptive. And because He suffered, He can empathize with ours.

Hebrews 4:15 reminds us:

“We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…”

When we suffer, we don’t follow a distant God—we follow a Savior who bled. Who understands. Who meets us in our pain and offers resurrection on the other side.

⛰️ The Takeaway from These Stories

Each of these stories shows us that suffering is not a mistake—it’s often part of the making.

• Joseph teaches us that God can use betrayal to position us for destiny.
  
  
  
• Job reminds us that God welcomes our questions and rewards enduring faith.
  
  
  
• David shows us that intimacy with God often grows in the cave.
  
  
  
• Paul proves that suffering doesn’t stop your calling—it deepens it.
  
  
  
• And Jesus assures us that our pain has a purpose—and He walks through it with us.
  
  
  

These aren’t just stories from the past. They’re blueprints for how God still works today. And if you’re walking through suffering right now, your story isn’t over—God is still writing it.

🔥 Segment 2: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

This is the big question. If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow pain?

We don’t always get a complete answer, but Scripture gives us some clarity. Here are three reasons God may allow suffering:

1. To Build Our Character

Romans 5:3–4 says:

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

God uses suffering to refine us. Like fire purifies gold, trials purify our hearts, stripping away pride, self-reliance, and idols—shaping us to be more like Christ.

2. To Draw Us Closer to Him

Pain has a way of removing distractions. In suffering, we often cry out to God in a way we don’t when life is easy.

Psalm 34:18 says:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

There’s an intimacy with God that only develops in the valley.

3. To Equip Us to Help Others

2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us:

“[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Your suffering can become someone else’s survival guide. God never wastes pain.

🧠 Segment 3: Changing How We View Suffering

When hardship hits, our first instinct is to ask, “Why me?” But a more helpful—and healing—question is, “What is God doing in me through this?”

James 1:2–4 says:

“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…”

Notice that James doesn’t say if you face trials, but when. And he says to count it joy—not because the pain is good—but because of what God is producing through it.

Here's the mindset shift:

• From victim to vessel.
  
  
  
• From pain to purpose.
  
  
  
• From temporary suffering to eternal glory.
  
  
  

Romans 8:18 says:

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

This life is not the end. Eternity is coming. And every moment of suffering here is working a glory we can’t yet see.

🙌 Segment 4: How to Endure in the Middle of It

So how do you actually deal with suffering in real time? Here are five biblical strategies:

1. Be Honest with God

You don’t have to pretend everything is fine. God can handle your questions, your frustration, your grief.

The Psalms are full of raw honesty. David cried out, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). That wasn’t disrespect—it was relationship.

Bring your emotions to God—He’s not intimidated by your tears.

2. Stay Rooted in Scripture

In seasons of suffering, truth is your anchor. When feelings shift and lies whisper, God’s Word remains steady.

Find verses to cling to. Meditate on promises. Speak truth aloud—even when you don’t feel it yet. The Word of God is a lamp for your feet when the path is dark.

3. Don’t Isolate—Lean into Community

Suffering often tempts us to withdraw. But isolation only makes the pain louder. You were never meant to suffer alone.

Let trusted people in. Join a Bible study. Call a friend. Ask for prayer. Galatians 6:2 says:

“Carry each other’s burdens…”

Healing happens in community.

4. Worship Through the Pain

This one is hard—but powerful. Worship isn’t just for the mountaintop. It’s a weapon in the valley.

When Job lost everything, he fell to the ground and worshipped. Worship reminds your soul: God is still good. God is still sovereign. God is still worthy.

Even if the healing hasn’t come. Even if the answer is “no.” Even if it still hurts.

5. Cling to the Cross

The cross proves that God does not stand apart from our suffering—He enters into it. Jesus knows betrayal. He knows agony. He knows abandonment.

Hebrews 4:15 says:

“We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…”

Because of Jesus, we have a Savior who suffers with us—and who promises eternal healing beyond this life.

💡 Segment 5: What If You're Suffering Right Now?

If you’re listening and you’re in the thick of it—grieving, overwhelmed, uncertain—I want to speak directly to you.

You may not see the purpose yet. You may not feel strong. But you are not alone. God is with you right now, in the middle of the mess.

Your tears are not wasted. Your prayers are heard. Your pain is not the end of your story.

Isaiah 43:2 promises:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”

Not if you pass through—but when. And He will carry you through.

✨ Final Takeaways

Let’s recap what we’ve covered:

• Suffering is part of the Christian journey—but never without purpose.
  
  
  
• God uses trials to grow your faith, draw you closer, and equip you to help others.
  
  
  
• Your mindset matters. You can choose to trust that God is working, even when it hurts.
  
  
  
• Practical tools like Scripture, prayer, community, and worship help you endure.
  
  
  
• Jesus understands suffering. He walks with you in it—and promises a day with no more pain.
  
  
  

As we wrap up, I want to remind you: Your story is still being written. God specializes in taking broken pieces and making something beautiful.

If you're in a season of suffering, don’t rush the process. Don’t numb it. Don’t run from it. Walk through it—with Jesus by your side.

One day, you will look back and see that even this—especially this—was a part of your testimony.

Hold on. You're being refined. And your endurance will become someone else's encouragement.

📖 Scripture References in This Episode

• John 16:33
  
  
  
• Romans 5:3–4
  
  
  
• Psalm 34:18
  
  
  
• 2 Corinthians 1:4
  
  
  
• James 1:2–4
  
  
  
• Romans 8:18
  
  
  
• Psalm 13:1
  
  
  
• Galatians 6:2
  
  
  
• Hebrews 4:15
  
  
  
• Isaiah 43:2
  
  
  
  

Thanks for joining us on Made for More Ministries. If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review to help others find this message of hope.

And remember: You were made for more. Even in suffering, God is writing a greater story in you.

Until next time, keep seeking, keep trusting, and keep walking forward—one faithful step at a time.