Why Is God Taking Me?: Finding Meaning In Life’S Trials
Have you ever felt like God was leading you down a difficult path in life? One filled with sorrow, suffering or misfortune? If so, you’re not alone. Many faithful believers have cried out to God asking ‘Why are you taking me through this?’
If you’re looking for a quick answer – God uses the trials and tribulations in our lives to strengthen our faith, develop our character, draw us closer to Him, and equip us to better serve others. But there’s more below on the deeper reasons behind why God allows tough times.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the common questions surrounding why God allows suffering, the biblical reasons and examples of why hardship occurs, how to find meaning and growth in difficult seasons of life, and how to rely on God’s presence and promises to make it through.
Understanding Why God Allows Trials and Suffering
Life is filled with joys and sorrows. At times, we all experience trials and suffering. As Christians, we may wonder why an all-powerful and loving God allows His children to go through difficulties. The Bible provides insight into this profound question.
The Problem of Evil and Suffering
The existence of suffering often seems incompatible with the idea of a just and caring God. This dilemma has challenged great thinkers for centuries and has been termed “the problem of evil.” While there are no easy answers, Scripture points to several truths.
First, God gave humans free will, and sometimes people’s poor choices result in suffering. Second, we live in a fallen world corrupted by sin, where sickness, disasters, and death are part of life. Finally, God can use suffering to accomplish His divine purposes in our lives.
God’s Sovereignty and Divine Purposes
The Bible declares God’s sovereignty over all things (Isaiah 45:7). He allows trials according to His perfect will and timing. Scripture reveals some of God’s purposes in trials:
- To strengthen our faith and dependence on Him (James 1:2-4)
- To refine and shape our character (Romans 5:3-5)
- To equip us to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- To draw us closer to Himself (Psalm 119:67)
While suffering is painful, God promises to use it for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). He provides strength and grace for each trial (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Examples of Biblical Figures Who Endured Trials
Many righteous people in the Bible endured intense suffering. Job lost everything, yet remained faithful (Job 1:20-22). Joseph was sold into slavery before God raised him to leadership in Egypt (Genesis 50:20).
Paul suffered beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks while spreading the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, willingly suffered an excruciating death to redeem mankind from sin (Philippians 2:8). His resurrection proves God’s ultimate power over suffering and death.
When we walk through trials today, we can find comfort knowing we have a Savior who suffered firsthand and now intercedes for us (Isaiah 53:3, Hebrews 4:15). He empathizes with our weaknesses and promises us eternal life with Him if we endure (James 1:12).
How God Uses Challenging Times To Transform Our Lives
Developing Perseverance, Character and Hope
Difficult seasons in life provide opportunities for us to develop perseverance, character and hope (Romans 5:3-4). When we lean on God during trials, He uses those circumstances to shape us into the image of Christ. Our faith is refined as we learn to trust in God’s purposes and timing.
We gain new strength and wisdom that equips us for future challenges. Though painful in the moment, we can emerge from tribulations with an unshakable confidence in God’s goodness and sovereignty.
Drawing Us Into Deeper Relationship With God
God often uses suffering to draw us closer to Himself. When we are desperate for comfort and answers, we turn to Him in deeper prayer and Bible study. We cling to His presence and promises. This intenser reliance on God fosters intimacy with Him. It transforms how we view our relationship with God.
He becomes our rock and refuge (Psalm 62:5-8). We realize just how much we need Him, and how faithful He is to sustain us. Our appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice grows as we depend wholly on His grace.
Making Us More Like Christ
God’s ultimate purpose is for believers to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). Difficulties that drive us to depend on Christ will make us more like Him. As we turn to Jesus in suffering, His character rubs off on us.
We become more loving, patient, gentle, faithful, and kind. Our priorities align more with His priorities. We gain His heart for people and develop true humility. Though trials are painful, they are a training ground to gain Christlike maturity.
The more we experience Jesus in our pain, the more we reflect Him.
Using Our Pain To Comfort Others
When we suffer, God equips us to come alongside others in their pain (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Having been comforted by God in affliction, we can empathize with others and extend that same comfort. Our test becomes a testimony.
We develop wisdom and compassion that uniquely qualifies us to minister to struggling people. In this way, God leverages our suffering for greater purposes – to build His church. As we share what God has brought us through, we point people to the sufficiency of His grace.
Our transparency and vulnerability become a platform for the gospel.
Finding Meaning and Growth in Your Time of Suffering
Looking for God’s Greater Purposes
During difficult times, it can be challenging to understand why God allows suffering. However, the Bible reminds us that God has a purpose in all things, even if it may not make sense initially (Romans 8:28).
We must look beyond the suffering itself to see how God might want to use it to mold us for His greater plans. Suffering provides an opportunity to deepen our faith and refine our character into the image of Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Letting Go of Control and Trusting God
It’s natural to want control when faced with suffering and uncertainty. However, holding on tightly often increases anxiety. God asks us to release control and place our situations into His hands (Psalm 55:22).
Although it can seem counterintuitive, trusting God brings peace amidst the chaos (Isaiah 26:3). His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9); surrendering brings clarity we wouldn’t have gained otherwise.
Praying for Wisdom, Strength and Guidance
Prayer connects us to the all-knowing, all-powerful God. Through prayer, we gain access to divine wisdom for navigating trials. We admit our limitations and ask God for strength to endure each day (Psalm 28:7). We seek guidance on decisions big and small (Proverbs 3: 5-6).
For example, CRU and The Navigators provide resources on prayer for trials. As we learn dependency on God, we experience Him meeting us in remarkable ways (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Surrounding Yourself With Godly Community
While Jesus understands our pain perfectly, even He relied on His community during suffering. He asked His disciples to pray for Him before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:36-38). Godly community offers emotional and practical support.
As we share honestly within biblical community groups, we realize we’re not alone in our pain (smallgroups.com). According to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, studies reveal people heal faster emotionally while surrounded by caring friends.
Together we find reassurance and wisdom from God and one another.
Relying on God’s Presence and Promises Through Your Trial
Remembering God’s Faithfulness and Past Deliverance
When going through difficult times, it’s important to reflect on seasons in your life when God has been faithful before. As Psalm 77:11 declares, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” Think of previous storms you’ve weathered with God’s help.
Recall specific prayers that He has answered. This will give you confidence that if He’s delivered you before, He can do it again.
Meditating on Relevant Bible Verses and Stories
Immerse your mind in Scriptures that pertain to your struggle. Verses like “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10) or “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9) reassure us of God’s presence.
Biblical stories of saints who endured trials, like Joseph, Job or David, remind us we’re not alone. As you meditate on these passages, God’s peace that surpasses understanding will guard your mind (Philippians 4:7). Some helpful resources include BibleGateway.com and the Bible App.
Talking Honestly With God About Your Struggles
God invites us to cast all our cares on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Be real with God about your pain, fears, doubts and anger. Lay it all out before Him in raw honesty; He can handle it! As we pour out our hearts to our compassionate Father, it lightens our burden.
We may not get all the answers, but there is peace in His presence. Consider enlisting a small group or pastor to provide spiritual support during your trial as well.
Believing God Will Never Leave You or Forsake You
Even when we feel abandoned by God in our valley of trouble, we must trust His promises that He is right there with us. As Deuteronomy 31:6 affirms, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” Fix your eyes on Jesus, not on your circumstances.
Recall His words in Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He will lead you through this wilderness to the other side if you rely fully on Him.
Conclusion
Walking through painful trials with no end in sight can shake even the most stalwart believer. However, we can take heart knowing that God truly loves us and always has a purpose – even when we can’t understand it.
By relying on His presence, promises and transformative power, we emerge refined and better equipped to fulfill His calling.
If you are struggling through a difficult season, don’t lose hope. Trust that God is with you. Allow Him to work deeply in your heart and life. He will lead you into a new revelation of His faithfulness, a closer walk with Him, and a life marked forever by His redemption and grace.
