Our spiritual journey is often shaped by the trials we face and how we nurture our faith through them. God doesn’t discard us when we’re weak. Instead, our struggles become fertile ground where His Spirit works. Depending on Him is crucial. This journey isn’t about avoiding pain but embracing it, allowing it to bring us closer to God and fulfill our calling.

While tending to a struggling tomato plant, it becomes clear how much proper care and patience matter. This little plant, not in the best spot and facing many challenges, might look like it won’t make it. But there’s still life in it. With some dedicated care—new soil, nutrients, sunshine, and water—it has the potential to become what it’s meant to be. This process, which takes effort, patience, and hope, is a lot like our spiritual journey. Just like this plant, our faith and experiences are shaped by both our trials and how we nurture them. These tough and challenging moments build the foundation of who we are and how we connect with God.

Paul writes in Romans 8:22-27 about a deep, internal suffering that goes beyond external hardships. He offers insight into God’s plan for us. It’s a passage that speaks to our innermost suffering and how it connects us with God’s greater purpose. These verses highlight the groaning of all creation, as well as our own groaning as we await the fullness of God’s redemption. NT Wright describes this as our vocation—not merely to endure pain but to stand in prayer where the world is hurting, allowing God’s Spirit to intercede through us.

This perspective can shift how we view our struggles. Believing that God turns away from our pain can make us feel distant and anxious. However, God loves His creation deeply and wants to bring healing. Paul’s words offer a map of hope amid the world’s turmoil. He reminds us that hope is not about what we can see but about trusting in what we cannot yet see. Such hope sustains us as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Our weakness is where we recognize our need for Him. When we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes with wordless groans, bringing God’s good purposes to fruition. This help is crucial as we navigate through life’s challenges.

Reflecting on the story of Esther and other biblical figures, we see a pattern: God works through our suffering to bring about His redemptive purposes. Consider Esther’s story. She was an orphan in exile who became queen and was used by God to save her people. When faced with the threat of annihilation, Mordecai urged her to act. Initially, she hesitated, fearing for her life. But Mordecai’s words reminded her of her purpose: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) Esther’s eventual courage and willingness to risk her life for her people illustrate how God uses our pain and position for His greater plan. Her story is a powerful example of how God’s purposes are central, even amid chaos and suffering.

The Psalms, often used by Jesus in His lamenting, provide a framework for expressing deep sorrow and seeking God’s intervention. Our calling isn’t just to survive but to engage with the world’s pain through prayer and lament. We are meant to engage deeply with God’s work in the world. Through our pain and weakness, God’s Spirit works to fulfill His purposes.

If you want to live out your faith authentically, there are practical steps you can take:

First, embrace your beautifully broken self. Let God’s good work in you shine forth. Our assurance of no condemnation in Christ and His limitless love becomes a connecting point for all He longs to do in us and through us.

Second, fall on your face before God. Bring your pain and the world’s pain to Him. Sit with Him, cry out to Him, and let Him work in you to bring hope to the world. Be patient and expectant.

Third, share the gift of salvation. Our assurance of salvation isn’t just about waiting for the future. We are sent into the world to share Jesus’ love now. Our assurance is our calling, wherever we are.

Remember, your weakness is a gift. Don’t hide it. When we submit our weaknesses to God’s Spirit, He brings about His larger purposes. We have a unique journey and calling, and Jesus will guide us through it.