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3.30.2016

Why Do We Suffer?

Why does a loving God allow suffering? Why would God take those we love away from us? Why do we experience pain when we are following after God?

If you know me well you know that my life isn't perfect or pretty. Since I was young I've got my taste of suffering and heartaches. Suffering is a word I know pretty well and I've questioned God's plan for my life. I've often grown weary in remaining strong and finding good in the situations I've faced.

As some of you know, when I was 6 my dad passed away. At the time I don't think I understood fully how much it would affect my life in years to come. I'll never be the same as I was before He passed away. My life has changed so much, and although I may not always understand God's plan, I know that all the suffering, pain, struggling, grieving and loss was, and is, worth it. I've grown to experience God in my life in such an amazing way that I never could have if I had 2 parents and a stable family foundation.




After my dad passed away I lost most of my confidence, my outgoing personality and assurance that someone would always be there to protect me. I felt vulnerable and insecure. Because of my quiet and shy personality I grew isolated and withdrawn. I didn't have friends, and the friends I did have, they weren't loyal or steadfast, especially when things got hard. Everywhere I turned was unreliable and insecure. It was here that I turned to God. He became my friend when nobody else stood by my side. He listened when everyone else thought I was invisible. He remained with me even through the darkest of nights. He loved me when I didn't feel worthy of being loved.

Growing up with only a single mom bringing in the income really taught me how much God can provide. There were times that I didn't know where we'd get the money from, but God always provided and it was comforting knowing that God was there with my family even when it seemed like I was all alone. I've seen Him provide in so many ways and seeing Him work and provide truly has strengthened my faith, greater than if I didn't need to rely on Him for strength or provision.

You might be asking how we can find good in suffering and loss? It's strange, but in the hardest of nights, the darkest of days, I have seen and experienced God in such a deep sense that I never could experience if I felt confident, self-sufficient and secure. It's when I need God and seek Him that I grow closer to Him than ever before. I truly think God allows us to go through suffering and loss of loved ones to help strengthen and grow our faith. It's not about hurting or punishing us, but molding us into who He created us to be. Just as pottery needs to be molded by being put through the fire, we too are tested and refined by fire to show us how strong our faith truly is.

Without losing my dad when I was little and many of the other struggles I've faced in the years that followed would have never made me to be the person I am today. I may see flaws with who I've become and wish I could have had a normal life, but God sees the person He's created me to be all along. I still struggle with confidence, insecurity and shyness, but I am reminded that God loves me even when I don't always love myself. Having experienced heartache and struggles, I hope that when someone else is experiencing pain, I can relate, hopefully encourage them, and lead them to God.

Don't look at the pain and suffering that you are facing as a punishment or discouragement, but as a reminder that God loves you. He is molding and strengthening you in your relationship with Him, you just need to trust Him through it and follow after Him. One day you'll see the finished product, a beautiful piece of pottery molded by God, who was willing to be used and filled by Him.

8 comments:

  1. I love this Britt! I am so sorry you lost your father at such a young age! I can't imagine heart break like that! While I have never experienced anything anywhere near that devastating, I've had my share of ups and downs with feelings of depression, self-hate and all that stuff during my childhood. I see God always there, always walking beside me and holding my hand, as I look back on it. While I didn't see it at the time, reading my journals I know He was and it really is amazing to see how much God does for us despite all the ugliness and darkness in this world.
    Thank you for posting!!!! ♥

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    1. Thanks so much Kara for your comment! Sorry you have experienced those emotions before :( But like you said, God is always there and loves us no matter what! Thanks for dropping by!

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  2. Britt-I need to comment because I too lost my dad at a young age (almost 5). I know about it. I also felt God beside me and have experienced great insecurities and shyness in my life-but also a huge sense of His presence.
    I wanted to tell you what a beautiful young woman you are. You have such a sweet and powerful influence for Him.

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    1. Hello Debra! I hope you are doing well! Thanks for dropping by and leaving such a sweet and encouraging comment. I'm so sorry for your loss and all you must have gone through! I'm glad God was beside you and you felt His presence even through the pain, although it's hard, without God it would be so much harder! Thanks again for your comment!

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  3. I just found your blog, Britt - and have been blessed and encouraged by everything I've read. I'm definitely following!

    I also really relate to the things you said in this post. My father passed away when I was seven, so I've experienced similar things, and though it is hard to say this, you're right: the pain has brought our family closer to each other, and closer to God. God does turn everything around to be a blessing in some way.

    Keep allowing God to speak through your words, Britt - I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts in the future! xx

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    1. Thanks so much for your comment Jessica and dropping by my blog! I'm so glad that you could be encouraged :) I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, that must have been so difficult for you! If you ever need to talk with someone or share your feelings, I'm always here! :)

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  4. I rarely comment on blogs, but I had to comment on this post.

    My name is Chloe, my father also passed away when I was a little more than 4 years old. And it has affected my life in ways that I probably don't even know most of the time. I'm the oldest of 3 children, and as you said 'growing up with only a single mom bringing in the income really taught me about how much God can provide'. It's a wonderful thing to experience God's true care and love in your life! I know this is random but, how old are you?

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    1. Thanks so much Chloe for your comment! I'm so sorry to hear about your father passing away at such an early age as well! Thanks for sharing about your experiences, it's nice knowing someone else knows what it feels like! Sure, no problem! I'm 23 years old. Thanks for dropping by and commenting!

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