Finding Purpose in Pain and Hope in the Darkness

“Man born of woman is few of days and full of trouble.” — Job 14:1

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat across from a client—eyes swollen from crying, shoulders slumped under the weight of grief, pain, trauma, or betrayal—and heard some version of this question:

“Where is God in this?”
“Does He see me?”
“Is there any purpose in what I’m walking through?”

Maybe you’ve asked those questions, too.

I know I have.

In fact, I’ve asked them recently—in the quiet moments when migraines flatten me, when old wounds from trauma or anxiety resurface, and when the weight of other people’s pain sits heavy on my spirit. And in those moments, I often find myself turning to the book of Job—not for answers, but for solidarity. For honesty. For the kind of raw, real faith that says:

“God, I believe You… but I’m struggling to understand You.”

---

The 7 Questions We All Ask in Suffering

In Job 14, we meet a man in the depths of despair. He doesn’t sugarcoat his grief. He doesn’t tie it up with a bow. He pours it out.

And through his words, we see seven timeless questions that echo through every human heart in pain:

The Seven Questions We Ask in Suffering:

1. Why is this happening to me?
2. Where is God in this?
3. Will this ever end?
4. Is there any purpose in my pain?
5. Who am I now that I’m suffering?
6. Am I alone in this?
7. Will God still love me if I’m a mess?

If you’ve asked any of these, friend, you’re not weak—you’re human. Even Job asked. Even Jesus cried out.

And God doesn’t silence those questions… He meets them.

---

What Job 14 Teaches Us About Pain

Job 14 is one of the most poetic and painful laments in Scripture. In it, Job reflects on the fragility of life, the finality of death, and the faint hope that maybe—just maybe—God will remember him again.

He says:

“You would call, and I would answer You.” (Job 14:15)
“You would long for the work of Your hands.” (v.15)
“My transgression would be sealed in a bag.” (v.17)

What Job longed for, Jesus fulfilled.

Because of Jesus:

• God does remember you.
• He calls your name, and one day you will rise and answer.
• Your sin is sealed up, covered by the cross.
• And your suffering is not wasted—it’s being woven into eternal glory. 

---

Why God Allows Suffering (Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense)

Here’s what I’ve come to believe—personally and professionally—after years of walking with people through unspeakable pain:

God does not delight in your suffering. But He does use it.

The Bible gives us a few glimpses into why suffering is allowed:

• To refine your faith like gold in fire (1 Peter 1:6–7)
• To deepen your dependence on His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• To equip you to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3–5)
• To fix your eyes on eternity (Romans 8:18)
  
  No, it doesn’t always feel like enough in the moment. But when we don’t have answers, we can still cling to God’s character.

---

🌱 What This Means for You

If you are walking through suffering right now—whether physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual—here’s what I want you to hear loud and clear:

✅ You are not being punished.
✅ You are not forgotten.
✅ You are not too messy to be loved.
✅ This pain is not the end of your story.

And you don’t have to walk through it alone.

---

🕊️ Take a Breath With Me

Here’s a breath prayer I often give my clients and speak over myself:

“Jesus, You see me. You sit with me. You are working—even in this.”

---

🎧 Listen to the Full Podcast Episode

If this post spoke to your heart, I’d love to invite you to listen to the full podcast episode:
🎙️ Episode 81 – God, Do You See My Suffering?
You’ll hear the full teaching, stories, and seven questions we all ask in suffering—and how God gently answers each one.

---

---

You Are Not Alone

If you need someone to walk with you in this season, I offer Biblical Counseling & Family Coaching sessions — for individuals, couples, and families.

📅 Book a session here

And if you’re looking for a space to rest, heal, and be renewed—join me for the upcoming Renew & Restore Women’s Retreat, happening February 13–16, 2026.

You are not forgotten.
You are not forsaken.
You are not unloved.
You are not without hope.

I see you.
And more importantly — God does, too.

In grace & healing,