The Purpose in Your Suffering
Scripture:
Genesis 15:13-14
“Then the Lord said to Abram, ‘Know this for certain: Your offspring will be foreigners in a land that does not belong to them; they will be enslaved and oppressed 400 years. However, I will judge the nation they serve, and afterward they will go out with many possessions.’”
Exodus 1:11
“So the Egyptians assigned taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor.”
Devotional:
Suffering isn’t usually part of our plans. In fact, most of us spend significant time and energy trying to avoid it. Yet, in the Exodus story, we see something surprising: suffering was a part of God’s plan. Before it even happened, God had told Abraham that his descendants would endure oppression.
This truth is uncomfortable because it pushes us to ask difficult questions: Why would God intentionally allow suffering? And how could something as painful as suffering fit into His perfect plan?
But the suffering the Israelites endured wasn’t meaningless—it was part of God’s protective purpose. During their 400-year struggle, God shielded Israel from cultural assimilation and tribal warfare. He turned their hardship into a sanctuary that allowed them to grow from a family into a nation.
In your own life, you may not see why God allows certain hardships. Maybe you’re enduring a difficult season, facing loss, battling health issues, or struggling in relationships. But what if, just like the Israelites, God is using your suffering for your protection, or even for the protection of those who will come after you?
Your suffering is never meaningless to God. Even if it feels like a burden right now, trust that God sees it, understands it, and can redeem it.
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you ever considered that your suffering might serve a greater purpose in God's plan?
- In what areas of your life might God be protecting you—even through hardship?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, suffering is hard, and I don’t always understand why it happens. Help me trust that You have a purpose in my pain. Give me eyes to see how You might be protecting me or preparing me, even in the midst of trials. Remind me of Your faithful love today. In Jesus' name, amen.
Daily Application:
Reflect today on a past season of suffering. Can you identify any ways God may have used that difficulty for your protection or growth? Write it down as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.