You probably know someone who’s had to face something difficult in their life—someone you consider a “good” person.
It can be hard to understand why bad things happen to good people when it feels like the world is so unfair.
The truth is, facing struggles and hardships on our life journey is inevitable.
Difficulties are often part of our story, and we have the choice to determine how we choose to handle them.
No matter how good we think we are, none of us is truly blameless.
The Bible tells us in Romans 3:10-12 NASB:
"as it is written: There is no righteous person, not even one; There is no one who understands, There is no one who seeks out God; They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, There is not even one.”
Even the most virtuous person has done bad things, and no one is exempt from difficult times.
We may never understand why bad things happen to good people, but through faith, we must trust God's ultimate goodness.
You are a child of God. Your suffering shapes you and draws you closer to Him.
It is true that, in our most pain-filled moments, we feel Him near and know His love. Romans 5:3–5 tells us that even suffering can produce endurance and character and strengthen our hope.
Specifically it says:
3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:3-5 NASB.
When we allow ourselves to accept our suffering, we can find redemption in it. We frequently find more joy on the other side of pain than when life was easy.
As 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 NASB says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Do you feel the weight of your suffering?
You may feel like giving up or that God is punishing you. But suffering can also be a test of our faith and a call to action.
Scripture tells us to "Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials," (James 1:2 NASB). We must try to see the good in life's hardships. When we face difficult times, it's an opportunity to develop endurance and strength of spirit.
We must use our suffering as fuel for hope, not despair. The Bible says, "Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary." (Galatians 6:9 NASB).
Remember that you can find peace amid distress through prayer, self-reflection, and community support. Don't give up – instead, look for the gift of resilience that suffering can bring.
We all know hardship.
The struggles of life can draw us away from one another, but they can also bring us closer together. When you experience suffering, turn to others who have gone through the same.
Through shared stories and experiences, you'll gain a newfound understanding of each other's pain and will be able to empathize more deeply. You'll gain an appreciation for the strength that comes from transcending hard times together.
Scripture reminds us time and time again of God's love and mercy during our darkest hours: "My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26 NASB).
In the end, we are stronger united. Let hardship bring you closer to those around you, and may your faith in God sustain you when life gets tough.
In the darkest moments of trial and suffering, God wants to purify you—to draw the impurities out, like toxins from a wound.
He brings you low so that in your brokenness, you can be healed. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NASB).
There are no shortcuts or easy ways to healing; it's a refinement process as you walk through suffering.
Each step feels like a burden, but it builds a strength that transcends physical endurance.
Your suffering is not in vain; it brings you closer to understanding His heart for you. Remember the promise of redemption, healing, and hope as you journey through pain.
"For if He causes grief, Then He will have compassion In proportion to His abundant mercy. For He does not afflict willingly or grieve the sons of mankind." (Lamentations 3:32-33 NASB).
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you." (Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB).
This is a sign of His immense love for you.
In His love, He uses suffering to strengthen you and to draw you closer to Him.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18 NASB).
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28 NASB).
He will use it as an opportunity to shine light in the darkness.
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1 NASB).
So know that no matter how long the night lasts, the dawn will come.
"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5 NASB).
As you suffer, remember that it is teaching you something valuable.
God, in His infinite wisdom and many ways, uses suffering to refine and strengthen our character.
:Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." (Isaiah 48:10 NASB).
He is taking this problematic season and using it for your growth. By embracing hardship and leaning into it, you can learn from it and grow stronger for it .
"For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:17 NASB).
Trust that God's hand is at work even in darkness. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone—He is with you.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1 NASB).
You may be wondering why God allows us to suffer. In these moments, we draw closer to Him and come to understand His more excellent plan.
Romans 5:3-4 NASB says, “And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;”
When we feel overwhelmed by our trials, it’s important to remember that suffering isn’t something God sends us out of spite; He uses it to mold us into the people He wants us to be. And when we can fully embrace this truth, we will begin to experience a deeper and more meaningful faith that genuinely allows us to rest in His unconditional love and grace.
Your suffering can be a catalyst for learning.
Indeed, just like scripture tells us, you can convert pain into love, sorrow into joy, and despair into hope. When you suffer, you are reminded to be more compassionate and understanding toward others who face similar struggles.
Let your suffering draw you closer to God and others, allowing your empathy to grow with each passing moment.
Bring this feeling of understanding to all you do so that you may spread kindness, peace, and mercy to those around you.
Suffering can be a heavy burden to bear, but we find strength in the midst of it all.
Suffering helps us recognize our strengths, encourages us to keep going, and ultimately leads to a better understanding of who we are.
As you bear your hardship and focus on the hope that awaits you, remember that you are not alone—God is with you every step.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you." - Isaiah 43:2 NASB.
Perseverance will bring you to the other side of suffering, and the hope of new life comes with it.
Though we may not understand why it happens, God can use these bad things to bring us closer to Him in our suffering.
We are not alone, for He is with us through our pain and sorrow. We can trust Him to carry us through no matter how difficult life gets.
Matt LaClear
Author