Not a Punishment, But a Purpose: Trusting God Through Life’s Challenges
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When I first heard the words “stage 3 cancer,” my heart sank. In a moment, life felt uncertain, fragile, and overwhelming. Questions flooded my mind: Why me? What did I do to deserve this? Is God punishing me? But as I’ve walked through this journey, I’ve realized something profound—our trials are not punishments from God but invitations to trust Him more deeply. Through His Word and His presence, I’ve discovered that every hardship carries a divine purpose.
Life’s Trials Are Not Punishments
It’s natural to think difficulties are God’s way of disciplining us for wrongdoing. Yet, the Bible paints a very different picture of who God is and how He works in our lives. In John 9:2-3, when the disciples asked Jesus whether a man’s blindness was due to sin, Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
God does not delight in our suffering, nor does He inflict pain as punishment. Instead, He uses trials to refine us, deepen our faith, and glorify His name. James 1:2-4 says, “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.”
God’s Faithfulness in My Journey
When I received my diagnosis, I wrestled with fear and doubt. But in those quiet moments of prayer, God reminded me of His faithfulness. One verse that has carried me is Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
There have been hard days, but I’ve seen God’s hand in ways I never expected. Friends have reached out at just the right moment, strangers have offered prayers, and Scripture has come alive like never before. God has used this season to draw me closer to Him and to remind me that He is in control, even when life feels chaotic.
Responding to Life’s Challenges
So, how should we respond when trials come our way? Here are three ways I’ve learned to walk through this season:
Trust in God’s Plan One of the hardest lessons is surrendering our need for control. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” I don’t know why I’m facing this battle, but I trust that God has a purpose. His plans are always for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
Seek God’s Presence During this journey, I’ve learned that peace isn’t the absence of hardship but the presence of God. Psalm 34:18 promises, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” On days when I feel weak, I’ve found strength in His Word and comfort in His presence. Time in prayer and worship has become my lifeline, reminding me that I’m not alone.
Use Your Story for His Glory Our trials give us a platform to share God’s faithfulness with others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
I’ve seen how sharing my story has encouraged others to trust God in their own struggles. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, God can use us to make a difference.
The Example of Jesus
The greatest example of finding purpose in suffering is Jesus. He endured the cross, not as a punishment for His sins—He was sinless—but as a sacrifice for ours. Hebrews 12:2 urges us to fix our eyes on Him: “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus’ suffering wasn’t the end of the story, and neither is ours. Our trials remind us that this life is temporary. We have the hope of eternity, where there will be no more pain or tears (Revelation 21:4).
Recommended Books to Further Study the Subject
If you’re walking through a difficult season, I want to encourage you: God is not punishing you. He sees your pain, He hears your prayers, and He is with you. Trust Him to use your story for His glory and your good. Lean on Him, seek His presence, and let your faith shine.
Life’s challenges are not the end—they are the beginning of a testimony that declares God’s faithfulness. He is writing a beautiful story through your life. Trust Him with every chapter.