How Can I Benefit From My Pain?
Turning Suffering into Spiritual Growth 💔➡️🙏
Life can feel overwhelming when pain hits—whether it’s physical, emotional, relational, or circumstantial. The Bible doesn’t shy away from this reality. In Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 (ESV), we read:
What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.
And in Galatians 3:4 (ESV), Paul asks the churches:
Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
These verses remind us that pain is real and often feels pointless. But Scripture offers hope: God doesn’t waste our pain. As Romans 8:28 (ESV) promises:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
While we may not always understand why a good God allows suffering (often tied to human freedom and a fallen world), we can choose how to respond. Your response determines whether pain becomes a tool for growth or remains wasted. Here are 5 powerful ways to benefit from any kind of pain, drawn straight from God’s Word.
1. Use Your Pain to Draw Closer to God in Worship 🙌
Pain often strips away our illusions of self-sufficiency and forces us to rely on God alone.
For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. — 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (ESV)
And in 2 Corinthians 7:9 (ESV):
As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief…
Bold takeaway: Pain can be a divine invitation to deeper worship and dependence on God.
Action Step: Right now, if you’re hurting, find a quiet spot. Pour out your pain to God in prayer. Ask Him: “How are You using this in my life? Use it to draw me closer to You in worship.”
2. Use Your Pain to Draw Closer to Others in Fellowship 🤝
Isolation makes pain heavier—sharing it builds community.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. —
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
When we open up about our struggles, we obey Christ’s command to love one another and invite others to pray and support us.
Action Step: Reflect on your closest relationships or small group. Have you been hiding your pain? Take a risk—share vulnerably. Let others carry the load with you and pray for healing.
3. Use Your Pain to Grow More Like Jesus in Discipleship 🌱
Suffering often becomes the classroom where God shapes our character.
Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner parts of the body. — Proverbs 20:30 (ESV) (a vivid picture of pain’s refining work)
Jesus Himself learned obedience through suffering:
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. — Hebrews 5:8 (ESV)
And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him… — Hebrews 5:9 (ESV)
Paul describes the transformation:
…we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair… always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV) (see also Paul’s full list of sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28)
And the beautiful outcome in 2 Corinthians 7:11 (ESV, MSG paraphrase vibe)—pain produces earnestness, eagerness to clear yourself, and more Christlike qualities.
Finally:
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison… — 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
4. Use Your Pain to Become More Sensitive in Serving Others ❤️🩹
God comforts us so we can comfort others.
…who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. — 2 Corinthians 1:4-6 (ESV)
Your pain equips you with empathy to serve those hurting around you.
5. Use Your Pain to Witness to the World 📖
Even in hardship, pain can advance the gospel.
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel… — Philippians 1:12 (ESV) (Paul writing from prison!)
…but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities… — 2 Corinthians 6:4 (ESV)
Don’t Waste Your Pain—Homework Challenge! 📝
Grab a journal in a quiet place. List your four most painful experiences. Use the 5 ways above (plus reflections from any prior study) as a checklist:
- How has God drawn you closer to Him?
- How has it deepened your relationships?
- What Christlike growth came from it?
- How has it made you more compassionate in serving?
- How can it become a testimony to others?
Share your insights with the next generation—your kids, mentees, or small group. Turn pain into purpose!
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that no pain is wasted in Your hands. When life hurts and we feel crushed, remind us of Romans 8:28—You work all things for good for those who love You. Help us choose faith over despair. Draw us closer to You in worship, knit us tighter to others in fellowship, shape us more like Jesus through discipleship, make us tender-hearted servants, and use our stories to shine Your light in a hurting world. Give us strength to endure and hope in Your eternal glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.Why You Need Others in Tough Times: Finding Strength in Community
Life can hit hard. Setbacks—whether they’re financial struggles, health crises, or personal losses—can leave you feeling isolated and weak. Your instinct might be to pull back, build walls, and go it alone. But here’s the truth: that’s the worst thing you can do. God created us for community, and in tough times, you need others to lift you up, pray for you, and point you back to Him. Let’s unpack why leaning on others is the key to overcoming setbacks, with practical steps to make it happen. 💪
The Danger of Going Solo 🚶♂️
When life gets tough, our natural response is often our worst response: withdrawing. We push people away, thinking we can handle it alone. But isolation only deepens the pain. The Bible warns against this:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
When your faith feels shaky, you need others to trust God for you. Think of Job, who faced unimaginable loss—his family, wealth, and health. In his pain, a friend gave him this advice:
“Do not let your heart be troubled by the injustice you have suffered, and do not be swayed by the wealth of the wicked… Behold, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him?”
(Job 36:18, 22, ESV, adapted)
Job’s friend urged him to join others in praising God despite the pain. That’s a game-changer. Instead of bitterness, lean into community for support, prayer, and worship. 🙌
Why Community Matters in Setbacks 🌟
You weren’t meant to face life’s storms alone. Here’s why connecting with others is crucial:
- Others Can Pray for You
When Paul was imprisoned, he leaned on the prayers of God’s people:
“For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.”
(Philippians 1:19, ESV)
Their prayers gave him hope and strength. Your church family can do the same for you. - Worship Shifts Your Perspective
Gathering with others to worship reminds you of God’s goodness, even in hard times.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!”
(Psalm 95:6, ESV)
Singing, praying, and hearing God’s Word together can reframe your setback as a setup for a comeback. - Small Groups Build Real Connection
Big church services are great, but real relationships happen in smaller settings. A Bible study group of 10-12 people lets you share your struggles, pray together, and grow in faith.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”
(Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Practical Steps to Lean on Others 🛠️
Ready to break out of isolation? Here’s how to build a support system:
- Join a Local Church
Find a Bible-believing church where you can worship with others. Regular worship services will remind you of God’s promises and surround you with people who care. - Get in a Small Group
Sign up for a small group or Bible study at your church. These groups are perfect for sharing your struggles, studying God’s Word, and praying together. Don’t just attend—be real about what you’re facing. - Ask for Prayer
Don’t be afraid to tell trusted friends or your small group, “I’m struggling—will you pray for me?” Specific prayer requests invite others to carry your burdens with you. - Stay Connected
Text a friend, call a mentor, or grab coffee with someone from church. Even small interactions can remind you you’re not alone.
Your Setback Is Temporary ⏳
With the support of God’s people, your tough times won’t last forever. Paul’s confidence in his prison cell came from knowing others were praying for him. Your comeback starts when you let others in.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
(Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Your church family, small group, or Christian friends can help you focus on God’s promises. Your best days are ahead, and community is the bridge to get there. 🌈
A Prayer for Strength in Community 🙏
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for creating us for community. In my tough times, help me resist the urge to withdraw. Lead me to a church family and friends who will pray for me, worship with me, and remind me of Your goodness. Give me courage to share my struggles and trust others to carry my burdens. I believe You’re working through my setbacks for my deliverance. Thank You for Your faithfulness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Talk About It
- Do you tend to withdraw or seek others when times are tough? Why do you think that is?
- How has the support of other Christians helped you through past setbacks?
- Who in your life right now can you lean on during difficult days?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and share this post with someone who needs a reminder they’re not alone! 💬