I want to introduce you to an amazing young woman, Nicole Kauffman. Not only is she beautiful, she is an overcomer! She champions praying for our marriage, loving our spouse well, fighting for faith, even as she battles a chronic illness. I admire her for all she is doing for the kingdom at such a young age. Enjoy her post and be sure to check out her site couragehopelove.com  afterward. Her bio and social media links are below.

The Truth About Why We Suffer

Have you ever had something so difficult in your life that you wondered what you did wrong?

A time of suffering? A terrible loss? An illness or disease?

It’s in these times that we cry out, “Why, God?” and beg for relief.

I’ve been there so many times throughout my life. I’ve wondered where God was in such pain and why He lets such terrible things happen to good people.

But this thinking only drives us deeper into our pain and inward focus.

Let’s take a look at a man who was born blind. He’d lived his entire life in a pain caused by isolation and incapability.

When Jesus came across this man, his disciples searched for the same thing.

What had he done to deserve this? Why the suffering?

I can relate. A few years ago I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Something I have a very hard time accepting.

Most of the time I look fine and I try my best to act fine. After all, I really want to be fine.

For so long I was angry and in denial. Why, God? This genetic condition was something I was born with. How could God let that happen?

As I tried so hard to fight the reality of this new truth, I found myself running from God’s truth.

When we fight our suffering – whether through denial, anger, blame, or self-hatred – we forsake God the opportunity to work in it.

When we fight our suffering - whether through denial, anger, blame, or self-hatred - we forsake God the opportunity to work in it. Share on X

So when Jesus’ disciples asked “Why?” his answer spoke truth into the pain.

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” -John 9:3

This man had suffered so that God’s glory could be spread throughout the nations.

And the best part about it?

Jesus didn’t just leave this blind man in his suffering. But he brought him up out of his pain and healed him.

And the people noticed.

When we allow God into our suffering, we invite His healing and His glory.

When we allow God into our suffering, we invite His healing and His glory. Share on X

Isn’t that the reason we are here? Our very purpose in this life?

As Christians, we have the responsibility, the opportunity, to bear the name of Christ. We are called to spread His glory.

We cannot ignore or run from times of suffering.

When we surrender our suffering to the Lord, He works miracles.

As I’ve surrendered some really tough stuff to the Lord over the years, I’ve seen His magnificent power at work. And I’ve found the encouragement, the strength and the joy to keep walking forward.

And as I learn to surrender my health, my limitations and my hope for healing or relief to God, I must walk forward, not shouting “Why?” but “How can God use me?”

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. -Romans 5:2c-4

We can rejoice in our times of suffering because they lead us and those around us to salvation in Christ.

How have you seen God work miracles in your suffering?

 

Nicole Kauffman is a wife, blogger and passionate follower of Christ. Her blog, Courage. Hope. Love. was founded to encourage, inspire and guide Christians to deeper hope and joy in the Lord.  Nicole lives in Pennsylvania with her God-seeking husband and family. She is an aspiring author who loves to grow relationships, mentor and explore the beauty of God’s creation all around. She’s hoping you will join her on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.