Finding Meaning in Suffering

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Exactly a year ago from today was the first time I considered possibly having clinical depression. Since then, it’s amazing how much of a difference God has made in my life in the span of a year. Every time I think of it, I am speechless.. completely in awe. I could cry from the joy I feel.

Only now, as I reflect on my experience, is it really sinking in of how blessed I am to have been put through that suffering. Only now do I realize how timely it had been–that the peak of my suffering occurred during Lent & Easter season … a chance for me to join Christ at Calvary, carrying my own cross along with Him.

I am in love with the beautiful contradiction that out of death comes life; that out of darkness comes light; that out of sorrow comes unexplainable joy. And I know this promise of joy, the way days of rain promise days of sunshine; I know it because I’ve witnessed it. And now that God has lifted the cloud from my head, I feel like it is only right for me to give back by sharing with you what I know is true.

THE TRUTH: THERE IS MEANING IN SUFFERING

We all suffer. It’s a fact. For some, this suffering is incredibly immense; for others, it’s fairly light. Yet most of us find ourselves fluctuating between the two. But hold on and keep your chin up: there is a greater purpose for our suffering.

“If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that he has great designs for you, and that he certainly intends to make you a saint.” – St. Ignatius of Loyola
“The saints suffered everything with joy, patience, and perseverance, because they loved.” – St. John of Vianney
“Your lot is indeed a beautiful one, since our Lord has chosen it for you … The greatest honor God can bestow upon a soul is not to give it great things, but to ask of it great things.” – St. Terese of Lisieux

As these saints have testified, suffering is the necessary prerequisite to growing in holiness. It is through our suffering that our character and faith are strengthened, the way a muscle grows stronger with more strain. It is through our suffering that we become spiritually helpless–more beautifully dependent–on God. It is through our suffering that we finally stop trying to hold ourselves together and allow God to do it the way he always wanted to. It is through our suffering that our walls come down, finally leaving us vulnerable to receive his love more fully. It is through our suffering that we learn who we really are and what our purpose is.

So if you are going through a rough patch, take courage: This will not be your forever. A beautiful Spring always emerges after a harsh Winter. Until then, remember that it is through your suffering that you are blessed.

Romans 5:3-5 // 1 Peter 4:12-19 // James 1:2-4 // 1 Peter:5-10

Category: Dealing with Hardships, Holidays

Published by Celine Diaz

I’m Celine Diaz, a motivational blogger and vlogger sharing insights on self-worth, strengthening your mental wellbeing, and finding the courage to pursue your passions. My lifelong struggle with low self-esteem, harsh self-criticism, anxiety, and perfectionism made it hard for me to feel truly comfortable in my own skin. As a result of these challenges, I embarked on a journey of healing, self-love, and maximizing my fullest potential—and now I share with you the wisdom I've learned along the way. Join me on the journey of living with intention and self-awareness; being the best versions of ourselves while accepting our quirks and imperfections; and uncovering the amazing lessons that life has to offer. For more about my story and what inspired me to start blogging, check out this video: https://celinediaz.com/my-story/ View all posts by Celine Diaz

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