As Christians , we do not walk through life with “rainbow eyes,” only seeing what is good, but instead we see and feel the pain around us. Sometimes we live deep in this suffering. We do not feel this suffering any less simply because we have decided to follow Christ, but when we go through painful times, we can hold onto the hope-filled promises God gives us.
This past year and a half has been an extremely painful year for our family – physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. It’s been a blessing but a difficult one all at the same time. During this time, I have tried my best not to ride the roller-coaster of emotions. The pain has been there and so has the hope, even though at times it’s hard to see.
Truths & Verses to hold onto during the painful struggles of life
Christ understands our pain and suffering.
He has experienced it all and can sympathize with us and encourage us through it.
Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
Hebrews 2:18
We are never alone.
No matter how much Satan wants us to believe we are alone, God is always with us and never forsakes us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
We have hope.
Especially in times of suffering, hope can be hidden. Of course, it is always there but sometimes we have a hard time seeing it through our situation. Hope encompasses all the promises that God has ever made and keeping those promises in front of us can help us not focus on the pain and suffering as much.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
We should not mask our pain and sufferings.
If we try to numb ourselves or mask our pain, there will come a time when all those emotions will come flooding out. Plus, we will miss out on one of the great blessings God has given us through the church body. We are not called to hide what we are going through but to let our brothers and sisters in Christ help us to stand when we cannot.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
This pain will not last forever.
Although it might seem like the emotional or physical pain will never go away, God promised that he will comfort and heal us.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 174:3
God can use our pain later to encourage others.
Although we don’t think about it in the midst of our suffering, God can use what we are going through to bring others who will go through the same thing hope too. In the process of our suffering, he can even use it to bring people to know Him who would never walk through a church building’s doors.
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
Focus on Christ, not your suffering.
There are times when the suffering is overwhelming and the rough waves of the situation can keep us from seeing the truth. That truth is Christ will hold us safely. One of the main verses I held onto with all my might during this time is:
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Pslam 16:8
Music to Encourage the Heart – Red Sea Road by Ellie Holcomb
This past weekend, while attending a Local IF:Gathering, I heard this beautiful song, Red Sea Road by Ellie Holcomb. As I listened to the verses, my soul was literally overcome by how absolutely faithful God has been to us in the midst of our suffering. He showed up time after time, keeping his promises, reminding us that he was walking with us, and lighting our path along the way in the midst of our darkness. God is truly amazing and this song will encourage your heart too during the difficult and trying times of life.
Read then listen to these beautiful lyrics:
God knows we ache when He asks us to go on
How do we go on
We will sing to our souls
We won’t bury our hope
Where He leads us to go
There’s a red sea road
When we can’t see the way
He will part the waves
And we’ll never walk alone
Down the red sea road
– Red Sea Road by Ellie Holcomb
I am a mother of 5 crazy, homeschooling children ages 10 & under, wife to an amazing man, and daughter of the King of the Universe!I enjoy reading, making my kids laugh, cooking, all things natural, learning to play guitar and dusting off my piano skills.One day I hope to run again, but until then I’m learning patience.
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I love this! My favorite is Psalm 174:3! I actually wrote a blog post recently on this topic, 5 Reminders When You’re Suffering.
This is so true… I used to hold in my emotions and anger until I would just blow my lid. I am trying to do much better letting off steam as I’m able in new ways that are healthier! Being in a small group has really helped and allowed me to get some great wisdom and council from other more mature believers and has helped me lead my family better.
This is so needed in this day and age because it often feels like our struggles will never end
Such wonderful verses and a good reminder of what we tend to forget, when we are suffering. Thanks for these reminders. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
When I was going thru my mother’s illness and death last summer, I was always praying Romans 8:28
Pinning these for a rainy day!
Yes God truly does use our pain in our lives to grow us.