Get the appWhere Are You? A Theology of SufferingSample
Treasures in the Darkness
Life brings moments when we cry, “God, where are You?” It’s a question that returns again and again through pain, confusion, and loss. Scripture offers a promise for such seasons:
“I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness - secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.” - Isaiah 45:3
There are things God allows us to walk through that show us what we may never have learned when life is easy.
As Tim Keller wrote, “Nothing is more important than to learn how to maintain a life of purpose in the midst of painful adversity.”
Joseph’s Journey
In Genesis, a young man named Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. For over a decade, he lived in exile and prison before becoming second only to Pharaoh. His best years were spent in darkness. Yet when he finally faced the brothers who betrayed him, he said:
“Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done - the saving of many lives.” - Genesis 50:19–20
Joseph’s words show that what was meant for harm became the very thing God used for redemption.
Responding to Suffering
How we respond to suffering shapes what we believe and who we become. Some remain trapped in affliction; others find strength to rebuild. Psychologists describe post-traumatic growth - a change in identity from victim to survivor.
Faith teaches the same transformation: If I have survived this, I can handle anything.
Trust That God Is With You
The lesson from Joseph’s life is simple yet powerful: trust that God is with you.
Genesis 39 repeats this truth again and again:
- “The Lord was with Joseph.”
- “The Lord was with him in prison.”
- “The Lord caused everything he did to succeed.”
Even when we don’t feel Him, He is present.
Nothing is as powerful as knowing we are not alone.
When life feels barren or silent, the truth that God is still with us becomes the difference between despair and endurance.
About this Plan
It’s a question we’ve all asked in moments of grief, confusion, or suffering. Pain is never easy - and often, God feels far away. But what if He is closer than we think? In this Bible plan, we’ll take a raw and hopeful look at faith in the midst of hardship. Together, we’ll explore a biblical “theology of pain” - discovering how God meets us in suffering, how hope can rise in darkness, and how His presence carries us when life hurts the most.
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