When Suffering Has a Purpose

• By candidasullivan
• December 25, 2025
• No Comments

Sometimes, things happen to us that we don’t understand. These moments can knock us down and break our hearts. During times like these, I can’t help but wonder why God allowed it to happen. He is all-powerful. He could have stopped it or changed it, yet He didn’t.
Why?

As a believer, I’ve received negative comments for questioning God. But how am I supposed to learn if I don’t ask questions?

Understanding why I am suffering makes it a little easier to endure, and it helps me know what to do next. If I am suffering because of disobedience, I can learn from it and ask for forgiveness. But if I am suffering because I am doing God’s work, then my pain has purpose. And purpose makes pain easier to carry.

I remember sitting on my deck, carrying all of my pain, asking God why He allowed the amniotic bands to attack me and leave me scarred. Why did He allow me to live when so many babies do not?

That day, I asked sincerely. I wasn’t angry—I truly wanted to understand the reason for my scars.

And in the darkness, a light shone upon my hands.
And I heard one word clearly:

HOPE.

When others see us endure and overcome hardship, it gives them hope for their own struggles. Some trials are not just for us. God has a greater purpose for allowing certain things to happen.

Without my scars, my story would not be as strong.

John 9:1–3 (KJV)
“Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”

Sometimes, things happen so that others may see the glory and wonder of our Lord. We can tell people about miracles, but some people need to see them.

God gives us exactly what we need to do His work and shine our light, so others may find their way to Him.

If this encouraged you, please share it with someone who may need hope today.