Suffering, more than anything else, has the ability to become a doorway—an opportunity to learn the truth about ourselves, about God, and about His purposes. It strips us of distractions and pushes us to see beyond what’s temporary. It humbles us, shapes us, and—when surrendered to Christ—becomes sacred ground for transformation.

The Faithfulness of God in the Middle of Affliction

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.”

— Lamentations 3:22–23 (NKJV)

Jeremiah writes these words in a moment of deep grief. And yet, amidst the ashes of despair, he clings to God’s mercy. Suffering doesn’t mean abandonment. In fact, the pain becomes a platform where God’s mercy is magnified and His faithfulness is remembered. This is the paradox of the Christian journey—we discover the unchanging character of God when everything around us is shaken.

Suffering Leads to Shared Comfort

“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 tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble,

with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

— 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NKJV)

The comfort we receive in our own trials isn’t meant to end with us. Paul makes it clear: our afflictions serve a purpose beyond ourselves. We become vessels of hope, bearing testimony to the healing hand of God. Because Jesus suffered for us, we are not alone in our pain—and because we are not alone, we are equipped to carry others.

The Eternal Purpose in the Seasons of Motherhood

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…”

— Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)

“…who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.”

— 1 Peter 1:3–4 (NKJV)

Motherhood can feel repetitive, exhausting, and even invisible. But from God’s perspective, every act of service is loaded with eternal significance. The unseen moments—the diapers changed, the prayers whispered in the night, the quiet sacrifices—are not missed by the God who has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing.” We look ahead to the future inheritance while remembering the deep, eternal value of today’s faithfulness.

Seeing the Past Through a Renewed Lens

Time and truth have a way of reshaping how we view our past. The pain once thought meaningless becomes a memory filled with purpose. What we thought was delay turns out to be divine timing. This is the gospel-shaped lens on life.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

— Romans 5:1–4 (NKJV)

Paul knew well what it meant to suffer. His “thorn in the flesh” remained, yet he saw the strength of Christ made perfect in weakness.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations,

a thorn in the flesh was given to me… And He said to me,

‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’”

— 2 Corinthians 12:7, 9 (NKJV)

Don’t Be Surprised—Be Refined

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,

as though some strange thing happened to you;

but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings,

that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

— 1 Peter 4:12–13 (NKJV)

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

— James 1:2–4 (NKJV)

Suffering isn’t strange for the believer—it’s the furnace of refinement. These trials aren’t punishment; they’re preparation. They teach us dependence, deepen our trust, and draw us into the likeness of Christ.

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Final Thoughts: Embrace the Process

When we look at suffering through the lens of eternity, we stop asking “Why me?” and begin asking “What are You doing in me?” God’s plan for our lives includes hardship—but never without hope, never without purpose. Whether you’re in the thick of motherhood, a dark night of the soul, or a long season of waiting, know this: you are being shaped for glory.

Written by Jeyran Main

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