Part of a message I received from someone who recently lost a relative to cancer, barely a year after losing another to the same disease (and having lost her own mother to cancer as a teenager), reads:
“This loss has affected my faith. I sometimes don’t believe what I post about God. And I often wonder if God ever loved us.”
What life has taught me is that when we choose to walk with God, it should be because we desire to do right in life, not because we expect to be shielded from pain.
Walking with God does not guarantee immunity from life’s hardships. Rather, He gives us the strength to endure them. I believe pain serves as a reminder of life’s transient nature. This awareness should help us accept, however difficult, that when those we love depart, it is for an intended good—God knows best.
You and I will die. Loved ones will die. Everyone will die—at different ages and through both imaginable and unimaginable circumstances.
Of course, we would prefer that God spare us certain sorrows, especially when we feel we’ve already endured our share of pain. And we call His name constantly, hoping for protection. Yet, life will continue to unfold as only God has ordained it.
What I have found most helpful during my moments of sorrow is complete surrender to God’s will, holding tightly to Him for strength.
So, to anyone going through a painful phase right now:
May your pain never make you feel so helpless that you lose faith in God.
May you not grieve like those who have no hope.
Whatever you are feeling right now, God understands. Yet, it will gladden His heart when you refuse to let go of His hand in your trying moments. That is when He feels most invited to step in and take control.
Please, let it sink in that even when we walk with God, life is not a bed of roses without thorns.
So, should we push God’s hand away in anger and disappointment every time life happens to us?
I would rather we cling to Him— even when hot tears are streaming down our faces.
To me, this is what faith in God truly means. Perhaps, it’s how He Himself understands it too.
If I were God, it would break my heart if someone let a difficult phase make them forget the countless blessings they’ve experienced.
We are often unfair to God when we fail to accept that everything and everyone in this temporary life is not meant to last forever.
These days, I try to live with the end in mind—aware of the possibility of losing anyone, anytime. Yet, it’s a hard reality to contemplate.
But why do we hold it against God when a loved one departs this world?
Do we not believe they are in a better place?
I do. Since losing my mother, she has taken on angel wings in my life.
When the grief subsides, you will begin to see your departed loved ones differently.
But when we let the pain win—by losing our faith—it hurts God.
Why do we forget the sicknesses He has healed, His interventions, provisions, and guidance against all odds?
Why do we overlook the blessings that remain—family, friends, sources of income?
What is unfair to God is how we often let pain overshadow gratitude.
If you open your heart, you will see the hand of God in remarkable ways.
Here’s a small practice that might help:
Each morning, open your door or windows for a few minutes and let in the sun or fresh breeze.
As you do, believe you are releasing the negative energy that has accumulated in your heart.
Close the door or windows afterwards.
It’s also a powerful spiritual practice to pay attention to the struggles of others.
You will realise that many have faced even tougher battles.
You may not feel happy right now, but take conscious steps back to God.
You will heal in the process.
Many have been pushed into charity work by their pain, as it’s believed we heal by holding another’s hand.
May your pain stir up humanity in you.
