The Divine Exchange: Trading Your Plans for God’s PurposeSample

The Suffering That Sanctifies

No one ever warns you that obedience sometimes comes with blisters. When I said yes to God’s leading, I imagined a peaceful stroll beside still waters. What I got instead was a hike up a steep mountain — with occasional thunderstorms and zero signage.

The truth is, following Jesus costs something. I lost opportunities, friends, and a sense of predictability. There were days when the same people who once applauded my success whispered, “What happened to her?” I wanted to answer, “Sanctification happened!” — but that would have sounded too spiritual (and slightly defensive).

It took a while to accept that the struggle wasn’t punishment; it was pruning. Like gold in fire, my faith was being refined. God was burning away pride, fear, and self-reliance — things I hadn’t even realised had quietly settled in.

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade that season. Pain became the scalpel God used to heal what applause had numbed. Somewhere in the breaking, I found beauty — the kind that doesn’t fade when the lights go out.

Lesson
Suffering sanctifies. It purifies your motives, clarifies your calling, and deepens your dependence on God. Don’t waste your pain; let it teach you what comfort never could. What looks like loss may actually be God doing deep renovation work — one you’ll later thank Him for.