Where Are You Jesus?
- Heather Bradley
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Finding Jesus in the Midst of Suffering
Suffering is something we all experience at some point in life. It comes in different forms—loss, pain, betrayal, hardship—but no matter the shape it takes, it always leaves a mark. As Christians, we often wonder why God allows suffering. But when we look at Jesus, we see that suffering is not meaningless. It has a purpose. And for me, it was through the deepest suffering of my life—the loss of my son—that I truly met Jesus.
Jesus Understands Our Suffering
When we think about suffering, Jesus is the ultimate example. He endured not only physical pain but emotional and spiritual agony as well. He was betrayed by a close friend (Luke 22:47-48), denied by Peter (Luke 22:61), abandoned by His followers (Matthew 26:56), and suffered the most brutal form of execution—crucifixion (Matthew 27:26-35). And beyond all of that, He carried the weight of the world’s sin, crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
Isaiah 53:3-5 describes Him as “a man of suffering, familiar with pain.” Jesus knows what it means to hurt. He knows what it means to grieve. He knows what it means to feel abandoned. And because He suffered, He can meet us in our suffering.
Meeting Jesus in My Own Suffering
I never imagined I would lose my child. It was a pain so deep, so unbearable, that I didn’t know how I would survive it. The grief was suffocating, and for a while, I felt lost in it. I wrestled with questions: Why, God? Why my son? Why this pain?
But in the midst of my heartbreak, something unexpected happened—I encountered Jesus in a way I never had before. He didn’t remove my suffering, but He met me in it. He reminded me that He, too, knew loss. He, too, had wept (John 11:35). He, too, had suffered beyond what words could express.
And in my brokenness, I found His presence. When I cried out in desperation, He was there. When I felt like I couldn’t take another breath, He sustained me. When I thought my faith was slipping, He held onto me. Slowly, I began to understand that suffering wasn’t the end of my story—it was a place where Jesus was meeting me, healing me, and drawing me closer to Him.
How We Relate to Jesus' Suffering
Suffering is Part of the Christian Walk
Jesus told us we would face trouble in this world, but He also gave us hope: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Our pain is not pointless—it is shaping us, refining us, and ultimately drawing us closer to Him.
Jesus Understands Our Pain
Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus is not distant from our suffering. He has walked this road before us, and He is walking it with us now.
Suffering Draws Us Closer to God
James 1:2-4 tells us to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials,” because through them, our faith is strengthened. I won’t pretend that losing my son felt like joy—but I can say that in my suffering, God has revealed Himself to me in ways I never expected.
There is Victory Through Suffering
Jesus’ suffering led to resurrection and victory, and the same is true for us. Romans 8:17-18 reminds us that if we share in His suffering, we will also share in His glory. Our suffering isn’t wasted—it is leading us somewhere greater.
Finding Hope in the Pain
Suffering isn’t easy. It never will be. But in my darkest valley, Jesus became my light. If you’re walking through a season of pain right now, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Jesus is with you. He understands. And He will carry you through.
Your suffering is not the end of your story. In Christ, it is the beginning of something beautiful. Just as His suffering led to redemption, yours can lead to healing, restoration, and a deeper relationship with Him.
Have you experienced Jesus in your suffering? How has He met you in your pain? I’d love to hear your story. Send me a message—I’d love to pray with you.
In Him,
Heather Bradley
Author of Unthinkable-Taking the hand of Jesus through pain and suffering into a life of freedom and purpose.
Find on Amazon Now!
Comentarios