Every Struggle Was Part of the Plan: How God Uses Our Pain for Purpose

Chasity Clouston
Jun 10, 2025
3 min read

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." — Romans 8:28

There are moments in life when we look back and wonder, Why did I have to go through that? The pain, the heartbreak, the setbacks, the poor choices—at the time, they felt like roadblocks, obstacles meant to destroy us. But what if they were actually part of the divine plan all along?

What if every struggle, every tear, every season of loss was actually the very thing designed to push you toward your purpose?

Our Testimony is the Key to Helping Others

"They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." — Revelation 12:11

We often think that our past disqualifies us, that the pain we’ve endured makes us broken beyond repair. But in God’s kingdom, our testimony is our power. It is what makes us relatable. It is what gives us the ability to reach out to others and say, “I’ve been where you are, and I know the way out.”

Think about the people you have been able to encourage because of your own journey. Your wounds become wisdom, and your setbacks become someone else's survival guide.

The single mother who once felt hopeless now encourages other single moms.
The person who overcame addiction now helps others find freedom.
The one who felt rejected and unloved now spreads God’s unconditional love to others.

Everything you have been through serves a greater purpose—it is not wasted.

Every Struggle is a Stepping Stone

"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." — Psalm 37:23-24

At times, it may have felt like you were at your breaking point, standing at the edge of a cliff with no way forward. But God always had a path for you—even if it was a hidden bridge, a secret ladder, or an unexpected hand reaching out.

Each trial was a stepping stone to the next level of your journey. Some were steady and secure; others were shaky and uncertain. Yet, every step you took was necessary. Without the struggle, there would be no strength. Without the test, there would be no testimony.

Ask yourself:

What lessons did I learn from my hardest seasons?
How did my pain push me toward purpose?
Who can I encourage because of what I’ve been through?

Honor the Journey, Give Glory to God

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

When we look back, we don’t just see pain—we see purpose. We don’t just see hardship—we see God’s hand guiding us through it. Every difficult season was a necessary chapter in your story, leading you closer to Him.

Instead of regretting or resenting the past, honor it. Honor what you have survived. Honor the transformation that took place. And most importantly, give God the glory for bringing you through it.

Steps to Walk Boldly in Your Purpose:

Reflect on Your Journey. Write down key moments in your life where you struggled, and then write how God used them for good.
Share Your Testimony. Whether with a friend, on social media, or in your community, don’t be afraid to share how God brought you through. You never know who needs to hear it.
Look for the Lesson. When facing a difficult situation, ask, What is God trying to teach me?
Encourage Someone Else. Use what you’ve learned to be a light for someone walking through a similar struggle.
Thank God for Every Season. Even when you don’t understand, trust that He is using every piece of your story for His glory.

Final Encouragement

What you thought was the end was just a turning point. What you believed would break you was actually shaping you. God wastes nothing. Every tear, every hardship, and every moment of struggle was a part of the divine blueprint for your life.

Embrace your journey. Own your testimony. And use it to shine God’s light onto others.