God allowed Jesus to suffer so that He could relate to us when we suffer. The Bible tells us that we don’t have a God “who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Pain is all-consuming. It takes over every thought and emotion, leaving us feeling stuck and helpless. God has a message for those who struggle: You are not alone. 

You truly are not alone in your struggle. Did you know that Jesus put himself through difficult times? For example, in Matthew 4:1-11, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where he faced off against Satan. Jesus suffered through starvation, loneliness, and many temptations. 

God allowed Jesus to suffer so that He could relate to us when we suffer. The Bible tells us that we don’t have a God “who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus used His pain to help others and encouraged us to do the same. 

Think back to the last time you were in pain: Was there someone who comforted you? Most likely, that person had been through their own trying times. God redeems painful situations by teaching you how to help other hurting people. So, if you’ll trust Him with it, God will use your suffering to provide fellowship, support, compassion, and love to others in their times of need. 

In the midst of our struggle, it’s hard to imagine anything good coming from our pain. However, God knows how to bring beauty from ashes and healing from pain. All we have to do is remember He is with us and turn to Him for help. This requires that we lay aside our pride and humble ourselves before Him.

Suffering is a humbling process. It reminds us that we are weak and vulnerable. Pain reminds us that we need God’s help. When we rely on God in the midst of our pain, a beautiful thing occurs: We become vessels of God’s love. His love shines through us like a perfect treasure in a broken jar of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7-9). 

Ultimately, our hope comes from God's love. He's always with us in our struggles, loving us,  supporting us, and calling us to love others. When we truly embrace His love, we find healing and hope. And that hope extends beyond our present pain and into the hope of heaven, where God promises to wipe every tear away (Revelation 21:4).

So, listen to God in your struggle. Hear His promise to you: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Edited by Alyson Rockhold

Shop: Listen to God in Your Struggle

ADDITIONAL READING PLANS

For more guidance on this topic, explore these plans from the YouVersion Bible App.

• Making Sense of Suffering

• Finding Calm in the Chaos by Jenny Donnelly

• Trust Through The Trials

• Taking Hold of God's Strength

• Hope In The Dark

• Finding God's Truth In The Storms Of Life

• How to Navigate a Storm