Suffering and hardship are an inevitable part of life, and people often wrestle with the question: Why does a loving God allow bad things to happen? Looking back on my life, while there were many high points and blessings that I am very thankful for, there were also some deep lows and losses that were very difficult for me.

During those hard times, the scriptures I read comforted and strengthened me. They didn’t always satisfy my desire for immediate clarity of why these seemingly bad things were happening to me, but the Bible offered me wisdom, encouragement, and hope.

Here are some scriptures and biblical insights that helped me see the purpose of suffering and find strength during those difficult times:

God’s sovereignty and goodness

One foundational truth of the Christian faith is that God is sovereign and good, even when life is painful. While we may not always understand His plans, the Bible assures us that God is at work in all things for the ultimate good of His children.

  • We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
  • “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9).

In moments of confusion, we are called to trust that God’s understanding far surpasses our own and that His plans are ultimately for our benefit.

The role of suffering

Suffering is not without purpose in the Christian life. Trials can refine our character, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually.

  • 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 (James 1:2–4 NIV).
  • We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:3–5).

Challenges are opportunities for God to shape us into the people He intends for us to be, enabling us to grow in maturity, compassion, and resilience.

Jesus is our example in suffering

The life and death of Jesus Christ are central to the Christian understanding of suffering. Jesus endured unimaginable pain and hardship, demonstrating that God is not distant from human suffering. Instead, He entered into it fully.

  • We do not have a high priest 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 NIV).
  • To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21 NIV).

Through Christ’s suffering and resurrection, believers find hope that their pain is not in vain and that ultimate victory is assured.

Hope amid suffering

While suffering can feel overwhelming, the Bible reminds us that it is temporary compared to the eternal joy awaiting those who trust God.

  • He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).
  • Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV).

Eternal life and the restoration of all things provide hope and perspective, reminding us, as Christians, that suffering is not the end of the story.

God’s comfort and presence

God promises to be with His children during trials, offering comfort and peace, so we in turn can comfort others when they go through difficult times.

  • The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 NIV).
  • 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 NIV).

I found that the assurance of God’s presence can bring immense peace, even in the darkest moments. You can find the same comfort and peace by claiming His promises as your own.