Finding Comfort in God: Nothing You Suffer Surprises Him

Nothing I Suffer Surprises God

Are you going through a difficult time? Do you feel overwhelmed by your circumstances? Are you wondering if God knows what you’re going through? The truth is, nothing you suffer surprises God. He is intimately aware of your pain, your struggles, and your fears.

As a Christian, it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing that God only cares about our happiness and comfort. We may think that God is distant and aloof, unconcerned with our daily struggles. But the Bible tells a different story. In fact, the Bible is filled with examples of people who suffered deeply but who found comfort and strength in God.

The Reality of Suffering

Suffering is a reality of life. We all experience pain, loss, and disappointment at some point in our lives. It’s easy to feel alone and helpless when we’re going through a difficult time, but the truth is that we’re not alone. The Bible tells us that God is with us in our suffering.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God is not distant or unconcerned with our pain. He is close to us, offering comfort and strength in our time of need.

Jesus himself experienced suffering during his time on earth. He was betrayed by one of his closest friends, falsely accused, and sentenced to death on a cross. In his moment of greatest suffering, Jesus cried out to God, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Even Jesus, the Son of God, experienced the pain of rejection and abandonment.

God Uses Suffering for Our Good

Although suffering is painful and difficult, God can use it for our 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.” This doesn’t mean that God causes our suffering, but rather that he can use it to shape us and mold us into the people he wants us to be.

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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

God uses suffering to refine our faith and strengthen our character. When we endure trials and come out on the other side, we are better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way in the future.

God is Sovereign Over Our Suffering

Another truth we can cling to in the midst of suffering is that God is sovereign over our circumstances. He is in control, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Job is a great example of someone who suffered greatly but who trusted in God’s sovereignty. Job lost his wealth, his children, and his health, but he refused to curse God. Instead, he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21).

Job understood that God was in control, even when it seemed like his life was completely out of control. He trusted that God had a plan, even if he didn’t understand it.

Our Response to Suffering

So how should we respond to suffering? First and foremost, we need to turn to God. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” When we’re going through a difficult time, we need to lean into God and trust that he will provide us with the strength we need.

We also need to remember that we’re not alone. We need to reach out to our friends and family for support. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When we bear one another’s burdens, we show the love of Christ to those around us.

Finally, we need to remember that our suffering is temporary. Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” One day, all of our pain and suffering will be gone, and we will be with God forever.

Conclusion

Nothing you suffer surprises God. He is intimately aware of your pain, your struggles, and your fears. He is close to you, offering comfort and strength in your time of need. Although suffering is painful and difficult, God can use it for our good. He uses suffering to refine our faith and strengthen our character. God is sovereign over our circumstances, and we can trust that he has a plan, even if we don’t understand it.

When we’re going through a difficult time, we need to turn to God, lean into him, and trust that he will provide us with the strength we need. We also need to reach out to our friends and family for support and bear one another’s burdens. And we need to remember that our suffering is temporary. One day, all of our pain and suffering will be gone, and we will be with God forever.