Dear Dr. B,
I just don’t understand. Life is so terribly hard. Why doesn’t God protect us from pain? Why doesn’t God shelter us from more? Doesn’t He care?
Sincerely,
Pained and Wondering
Dear Wondering,
I’m so sorry for your pain. It’s never fun to be in pain, and so often we want God to rescue us from pain.
Sometimes pain comes as a consequence to our own behavior. Sometimes it comes as an attack from the enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). And sometimes, we won’t know why it comes. But there is still reason to maintain your hope even in the midst of pain.
10 Bible Verses to Help Maintain Hope in the Midst of Pain
1. Genesis 50:20
God promises that what the enemy intends for our harm, God can and will use for good.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
2. Jeremiah 31:3
God loves you with an everlasting love. He is a kind God. He doesn’t do things to hurt you.
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
3. Psalm 91:1-3
Sometimes God does rescue us from difficulty, but other times, He allows our difficult circumstances to help develop our character or to trust in Him.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.” (Psalm 91:1-3)
4. Psalm 34:6-7
“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:6-7)
5. Psalm 91:14-16
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)
6. John 16:33
The Bible tells us that in this world, we can expect to have trouble, but God assures us that He has overcome it all, and because of that, we can stay at peace.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
7. Isaiah 43:2
I’m comforted by His promises that even though we will go through difficult times, painful times, that won’t be the end of us, and He will be with us.
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
8. Romans 8:28
Even when God allows us to go through difficult times, we have the assurance that He will work all things—even our pain, for our good and for His glory.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)
9. Joshua 1:9
God is not cruel. He doesn’t delight in seeing us struggle. And He promises that we won’t go through the pain alone.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
10. James 1:2-4
We can take comfort in knowing that even when He doesn’t rescue us from the pain, it has a purpose in our lives. Because of that, we can take joy and be thankful.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
While I’m sorry that you are experiencing pain, I am thankful that it does serve a purpose, and that God in His faithfulness will see you through it so that you don’t have to face it alone. And when you come out on the other side of this painful circumstance, you will be able to comfort others with the same comfort God is showing you.
“who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)
Can I have the honor of praying for you?
Father, I pray for the one who is reading this right now, who is in great pain. Lord, I don’t have to know all the details, but you know and you care. Father, I ask that you will extend comfort to their heart, and peace to their mind. Assure them of your presence, and of your ability to work all things together for our good, even when we do not understand. We love you, Lord, and thank you in advance for how you will work this out for their good and your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Resources to Overcome Worry, Fear, and Anxiety
- Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
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Dr. B, From personal experience, I know pain is from the enemy, We have to speak God’s word over it. That said, there is some pain that we go through while healing. Isaiah 53 tells us what He took for us. And I receive that prayer, I have tired myself out hese past couple of weeks which brings on symptoms.
Speaking God’s word is our greatest defense. Keep fighting friend!! You ARE victorious in Christ Jesus! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Amen! XO
I’m grateful for God’s protection and His comfort in times of adversity. In times of challenge, when the pain is great, my prayer is to reach out and keep my focus on God and His promises, not my pain or circumstances. It’ not always easy but God gives me the strength! My favorite verse for times such as these (you shared above), 2 Corinthians 1:4, “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Thank you for sharing!
You’re so right–it isn’t easy. But it wasn’t easy for Christ on the cross either, but because He died on the cross, we can have peace despite our circumstances. And we can know that God is trustworthy and all His promises are yes and Amen!
Amen! He is faithful no matter what and will see us through. Even though we can’t always see it, He sees the big picture and knows how he will use it for good … especially, to conform us the the image of His Son. Thanks for speaking this truth here.
Donna, thanks for your affirmation. You’re a treasure! God bless.
Excellent post, Michelle! This is a question that haunts so many people and seriously hinders their faith. Good job answering with compassion and clarity.
Thanks for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
I totally agree with you that when God does not rescue us from pain it has a purpose in our lives because we can see from Paul’s life that when God did not remove that messenger from satan that was a thorn in his flesh, it was to stop him from becoming exalted above measure. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
However, that been said, there are other reasons for pain persisting in a person’s life and the best course of action is to find out from God himself the reason and what you should do about it.
Tremendous message!! How often I have asked this question as I have watched you and others suffer pain with no relief. I have cried and agonized in pain seeking release for those suffering and often the relief and release has not come AS I THOUGHT IT SHOULD but I do NOT see the big picture. I see only a small glimmer of the situation and want it fixed. God’s plans and purposes have greater value in that person’s life that what I can see. SO I will trust Him and KNOW that He is caring for you and others that are suffering. Feel loved and wrapped in prayer always as I lay you and others in pain at God’s throne and trust Him with you. Thanks again for this message! My heart is at peace.
Beautiful words of encouragement, thank you. Faith on Fire link-up #15
Such a tough, age-old question and your response is beautiful and points us all straight to Jesus. Thank you for sharing the hope that never fails