2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 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.
God’s way of leading our lives is often very different from what we expect. Scripture reminds us, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). All things include not only blessings but also trials, temptations, and hardships. When we fail to understand this divine principle, we grow restless, anxious, and discouraged—eventually falling into unbelief. Yet what seems painful or confusing in the moment is often the very tool God uses to shape our faith and deepen our dependence on Him.
The testing of faith is never without purpose: “You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:3). Hardships refine our faith like fire purifies gold, teaching us to wait, to pray, and to cling to God’s promises. In the midst of trouble, we encounter “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:3). This is the mystery of suffering—that in our weakness, we come to know His strength. Through our pain, we receive His comfort, so that we in turn can comfort others with the same comfort we have received (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Every hardship allowed by God carries a purpose. The writer of Hebrews explains, “Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves… God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:6–10). What feels painful in the moment produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). God allows such seasons not to crush us but to bless us.
When we yield to God’s process, our trials begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Like Job, we may lose much, but we never lose our identity in Him. In every hardship, we acknowledge His sovereignty: “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
No suffering is wasted. As with Joseph, what others intend for harm, God intends for good (Genesis 50:20). Every event, every person, and every challenge in your life has been allowed by God as part of His plan to advance the gospel through you. When temptations come, do not despair—look for the hidden purpose of God and the greater work He is preparing to reveal.
Hold fast to His promise: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind… and when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). After you have suffered a little while, “the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).
Prayer. Father, I thank You for being with me in every hardship. I believe You are shaping me for Your greater purpose. Mold my heart, renew my mind, and make me into a vessel You can use. Prepare me to do every good work You have planned for me, and let my life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.