The Purpose of Struggles:
Why God Allows Us to Go Through Pain
Why do we face struggles? Discover 10 profound reasons God allows pain, and how struggles can become spiritual stepping stones to your greatest purpose.
Introduction: The Reality of Struggles
✧ “Why me?”
✦ “When will this end?”
✺ “Is God even listening?”
Struggles. They are universal. From the silent tears behind closed doors to the loud cries of injustice, each of us—whether rich or poor, believer or skeptic—face hardship. But what if struggles are not punishments, but invitations? What if they are not the end, but the beginning?
This article dives deep into the spiritual purpose of struggles and reveals 10 biblical reasons God allows us to face them. Let’s walk through this valley of tears with hope in our hearts and clarity in our souls.
1. ✵ Struggles Deepen Our Dependence on God
Struggles remind us that we are not in control. They shatter the illusion of self-sufficiency and push us to the feet of Christ.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
When everything is stripped away, we find that God is enough.
2. ✹ Struggles Purify Our Hearts
Just as gold is refined in fire, so too are our hearts purified through suffering.
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” – Malachi 3:3
God uses pain not to harm us, but to remove impurities from our soul—pride, greed, self-righteousness—so we reflect His image.
3. ✦ Struggles Strengthen Our Character
“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
True character is not built on comfort but on confrontation—with fear, doubt, and temptation. The struggle shapes us for spiritual maturity.
4. ✷ Struggles Equip Us to Help Others
“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble…” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
Pain teaches empathy. When you’ve walked through fire, you can walk others through it too.
5. ✪ Struggles Drive Us to Prayer
Often, it’s in our lowest valleys that we learn how to truly cry out to God. Suffering opens a deeper line of communication.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3
6. ✺ Struggles Reveal What We Worship
When everything else is taken, we learn what we truly trust—money, status, people, or Christ alone.
“You shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3
Struggles expose idols and help us return to authentic faith.
7. ✧ Struggles Prepare Us for Eternal Glory
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
Suffering reminds us that this world is not our home. Every hardship is a preparation for eternal reward.
8. ✩ Struggles Test Our Faith
God doesn’t test us to see us fail, but to refine and prove our faith.
“These trials will show that your faith is genuine.” – 1 Peter 1:7
9. ✦ Struggles Are Part of Christ’s Journey
Even Jesus—the sinless Son of God—faced betrayal, loneliness, and the cross.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Struggles don’t mean you’re abandoned. They mean you’re walking the path Jesus walked.
10. ✷ Struggles Unlock Our True Purpose
Many people discover their life’s mission only after going through pain.
Joseph was sold, falsely accused, and imprisoned—but it led to his destiny as a leader of nations (Genesis 50:20).
Your story of struggle could become someone else’s reason to believe.
Discussion Questions:
- What has been your greatest struggle, and how has it shaped your faith?
- In what area of life is God calling you to trust Him more deeply?
- Can you think of a time God used your pain for someone else’s healing?
External Links for Further Reading:
Call to Action:
If this article blessed you, please share it with someone facing a battle.
Comment below your thoughts or testimonies—your words could be a lifeline for another soul.
May the love, grace, and peace of Christ be with you always.
You are not alone. The struggle has a purpose, and the story is not over yet.