Do you wonder how God uses suffering to bless us?
Do you have a thorn in the flesh?
What is this perpetual struggle, weakness, wound, or chronic disease for which there is no healing?
Whatever is, as a follower of Christ, I am sure you have a thorn in the flesh, a source of constant pressure and pain. You want to be freed from this, but it seems God’s answer is “No”.
Here is a sneak peek of my guest post for Living by Design Ministries where I share how God uses suffering to bless us and prepare us to serve Him.
A Thorn in the Flesh – God’s Answer
Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
This was God’s answer to Apostle Paul when he prayed for deliverance. But it was not just a plain “No”. God also gave Paul a hint of His purpose for allowing this thorn in his life.
Why? Why does God give us thorns in the flesh and why He allows so much suffering in our lives?
Remember to pin me for later!
8 Ways God Uses Suffering to Bless Us and Shape Us
Struggles, suffering, and pain will be part of our earthly lives.
But God never wastes the pain. He uses it as a primary instrument to shape and mature His followers and turn them into His faithful servants.
Here are 8 ways how God uses suffering and pain to bless, shape, and transform us.
Here are 8 ways how God uses suffering and pain to bless, shape, and transform us. #blessing #suffering #transformation #growth #encouragement Share on X#1 Suffering Helps Us Experience God’s Sustaining Grace
“So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10 HCSB
At salvation, we get to know God’s saving grace. But we need His sustaining grace, too.
This is His ability to carry us through every difficulty and to help us endure anything. When we cling to Him, we learn not only to survive but to overcome and thrive.
Living with a thorn in the flesh is the perfect setup to learn endurance through God’s daily provision and grace.
Because of Christ’s power and Spirit living in us, we can have His strength in our weaknesses.
Do you want to know the other 6 ways God uses suffering to bless us? Visit Living by Design Ministries to read the rest and be strengthened and encouraged.
NEW BOOK for All Who Go Through Suffering and Pain
Do you want to draw near to God when you are tempted to pull away amidst painful and traumatic experiences? Do you long for the transformation of your painful story into a story of preparation, empowerment, fruitfulness, and growth?
My new book “DRAW NEAR: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings” takes you on a journey through 13 painful experiences, showing the precious blessings in each of them.
More Encouragement for You
If you need more resources, encouragement, and comfort when you go through painful experiences, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.
Uprooting Anger by Robert D. Jones
Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk
Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst
Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley
Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge
All Things New by John Eldredge
This page contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The commission I make from these items will help keep this blog going. Thank you!
Your Turn
Are you going through a hard and painful situation right now? Share in the comments and on social media if you found this article helpful. Thank you!
God never wastes the pain. He uses it as a primary instrument to shape and mature His followers and turn them into His faithful servants. #suffering #blessings #transformation #growth Share on XDo you want to watch this post as a vlog? Click HERE. If you found it helpful, please subscribe to my YouTube channel. Thanks!
I send my newsletter “Keep the Faith” every two weeks. I share with you first the newest blog post, recommended books and articles, and the newest freebies and resources to keep the faith.
I have been going through my struggles the past over a year. I finally had a much needed surgery and I am excited to heal and keep healing in more ways than one. You are absolutely right on how God uses suffering to bless us! I have felt this.
Thanks for sharing this, Kayla! I am glad to hear that you saw God at work in your struggles. Praying for your complete healing!
Thank you for showing us how God uses our suffering to bless us. I also appreciate the added resources you provided.
Thanks, Debbie! I am excited about my new book which I mentioned in the post because it aims to help and comfort those who go through pain and suffering.
God uses suffering to bless us, but it’s hard. When things get us down, we just have to trust in the process and try and remember all things are done for the glory of God and our good.
Thanks, Catherine! Yes, it is hard and painful. But choosing to trust God and wait on Him helps us to get through. Blessings to you!
I love the thought that “God never wastes the pain.” When I am going through tough times, I often feel closer to God. I’m not sure what your other points are, but I think with suffering comes opportunities to reach out to others who suffer as well. Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Thanks, Lisa! Yes, we can draw closer to God in our suffering and experience His love and comfort on a deeper level. We can grow in compassion and comfort others in their pain, too.