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A s the sermon ended, my 7 year old daughter leaned over and whispered, “Is it the truth, Momma? Is everything he just said the truth?” “Yes, baby, of course, what the preacher just said is the truth,” I replied, not really sure where this was going. Then she said, “even the part about the 5 year old dying?”

Exhale… she’d really been paying attention. “Yes, sweetheart, it is true that a 5 year old, her parents and her siblings all died in that car wreck. But it’s also true that God was there by their side and and God is present and walking alongside all those who grieve the loss.”

The sermon was focused on the question of “why does God allow pain and suffering?” A deep one this week, yet one of the questions I think we all wrestle with at some point. Where is God when young families are killed in car wrecks on their way home from church? Where is God when children are dying from cancer? Where is God when wars break out, terrorists execute innocents, and natural disasters wipe out entire communities?

It’s a lot for a 7 year old to wrap her head around – and it’s still a lot for most adults to comprehend. We’ve all been experienced pain and suffering at some level – some more than others – and haven’t you wondered where is God in my loneliness, my grief, the emptiness in my heart that doesn’t seem to have an end?

The truth is we live in a broken, human world. We have evil in our midst. People make poor choices that lead to bad things. Children get sick and die. The unthinkable happens and we are left to grapple for answers and a way forward.

I remember being shaken the morning that sweet family was killed and I didn’t even know them. I’m shaken nearly every time I watch the news of so many horrific acts of violence around the world. I’ve felt the bottom fall out of my own world and I’ve walked through the valley of suffering.

The truth we heard this morning – and the truth I believe because I’ve experienced it myself – is that God is with us every step. He doesn’t always intervene to prevent the pain, but He is in our midst to walk us through the darkness and to strengthen us through the process. God is ever by our side waiting for us to reach out our hand and ask Him to help. He’s present and waiting to hold us tight and carry us through whatever we’re facing.

When pain and suffering come, all I can do is call out to God in prayer to be present and carry me through. I lean on the truth that God is walking by my side and His heart breaks for what breaks mine. When the sadness is too much and I can’t find the words, I trust the Holy Spirit to intercede and pray through the groaning of my heart.

So, yes, sweetheart, it’s all the truth. The world is a hard place, full of pain and suffering. Full of illness, death, evil acts, accidents, and more. But the world is also full of God and He is present in your life if you’ll only let Him in. When pain and suffering comes – and as much as I pray to protect you, I know someday you’ll be there – call out for God. Get on your knees in prayer and ask Him to carry you through and you’ll find out just how true these words are.

Click HERE to hear the sermon that sparked this conversation with my daughter. Maybe it’ll offer additional hope to you as you wrestle with this question of “where is God in my pain and suffering?”

When Storms Are On The Horizon

Learning to Brave the Storm

Even After The Worst Storms, The Sun Will Shine Again

For Hope in the Storm: Call On The Holy Spirit

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

Marianne says: September 28, 2015 at 7:47 am I understand we all go through this but sometimes you look around and others are untouched by a storm.I wonder why I seem to be going through a trial more often ? Reply Kathryn says: September 29, 2015 at 5:00 am It does seem unfair – and it’s hard to see past our own storms. One thing God’s been working on with me is to look deeper at those around me. He’s been showing how they’ve walked their own storms – are still in the storms – even when they look like they have it all together from the outside. Take heart – you’re not alone in your pain. Hold fast to the truth that even if you feel alone, God is by your side. Saying a prayer for you this morning for the storms to pass and the sun to shine on you again. Reply Marianne says: September 29, 2015 at 11:45 am Thank you, I am looking for that sunshine….. Reply

I understand we all go through this but sometimes you look around and others are untouched by a storm.I wonder why I seem to be going through a trial more often ?

Kathryn says: September 29, 2015 at 5:00 am It does seem unfair – and it’s hard to see past our own storms. One thing God’s been working on with me is to look deeper at those around me. He’s been showing how they’ve walked their own storms – are still in the storms – even when they look like they have it all together from the outside. Take heart – you’re not alone in your pain. Hold fast to the truth that even if you feel alone, God is by your side. Saying a prayer for you this morning for the storms to pass and the sun to shine on you again. Reply Marianne says: September 29, 2015 at 11:45 am Thank you, I am looking for that sunshine….. Reply

It does seem unfair – and it’s hard to see past our own storms. One thing God’s been working on with me is to look deeper at those around me. He’s been showing how they’ve walked their own storms – are still in the storms – even when they look like they have it all together from the outside. Take heart – you’re not alone in your pain. Hold fast to the truth that even if you feel alone, God is by your side. Saying a prayer for you this morning for the storms to pass and the sun to shine on you again.

Marianne says: September 29, 2015 at 11:45 am Thank you, I am looking for that sunshine….. Reply

Thank you, I am looking for that sunshine…..

Mary Geisen says: September 29, 2015 at 6:31 am Beautiful words to begin my day! Your daughter learned a huge lesson that truly affects all of us. Knowing God is present in our pain and suffering makes the news of the world just a little more bearable. We are confronted with images and stories daily that are horrific and senseless. The truth for us is that God will always be in our everything and all we need do is invite Him into our everyday. Thank you for these words! Love them! Reply Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:25 am It’s a difficult question to answer and to truly trust in as we see the unthinkable happen all around us. Grateful for the opportunity to enter the conversation with my daughter – and to keep working through it for myself. Reply

Beautiful words to begin my day! Your daughter learned a huge lesson that truly affects all of us. Knowing God is present in our pain and suffering makes the news of the world just a little more bearable. We are confronted with images and stories daily that are horrific and senseless. The truth for us is that God will always be in our everything and all we need do is invite Him into our everyday. Thank you for these words! Love them!

Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:25 am It’s a difficult question to answer and to truly trust in as we see the unthinkable happen all around us. Grateful for the opportunity to enter the conversation with my daughter – and to keep working through it for myself. Reply

It’s a difficult question to answer and to truly trust in as we see the unthinkable happen all around us. Grateful for the opportunity to enter the conversation with my daughter – and to keep working through it for myself.

Tiffany Parry says: September 29, 2015 at 10:40 am He is a very present help in our times of trouble. It is SO hard to explain suffering and to try to wrap our minds around the good that God can weave out of it. So grateful that we have a God who focuses on the eternal and often makes us walk through the hard things to bring us to His best – but NEVER leaves our side. You’ve pointed us so beautifully to God, who surely carries us through. Reply Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:27 am This one is so difficult and I know I don’t have all the answers, but I have experienced God by my side through my darkest hours. I know He’s there, even if we don’t feel Him or even know Him. Reply

He is a very present help in our times of trouble. It is SO hard to explain suffering and to try to wrap our minds around the good that God can weave out of it. So grateful that we have a God who focuses on the eternal and often makes us walk through the hard things to bring us to His best – but NEVER leaves our side. You’ve pointed us so beautifully to God, who surely carries us through.

Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:27 am This one is so difficult and I know I don’t have all the answers, but I have experienced God by my side through my darkest hours. I know He’s there, even if we don’t feel Him or even know Him. Reply

This one is so difficult and I know I don’t have all the answers, but I have experienced God by my side through my darkest hours. I know He’s there, even if we don’t feel Him or even know Him.

Angela Parlin says: September 29, 2015 at 3:41 pm Yes, this world is a hard place, but God is with us. Such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing with us at #RaRaLinkup today! Reply Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:31 am So grateful God walks by our side through it all! Reply

Yes, this world is a hard place, but God is with us. Such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing with us at #RaRaLinkup today!

Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:31 am So grateful God walks by our side through it all! Reply

So grateful God walks by our side through it all!

Beth Willis Miller says: September 29, 2015 at 7:53 pm Kathryn, I love the warm and compassionate way you approached this topic with your sweet little girl, especially this quote, “When pain and suffering come, all I can do is call out to God in prayer to be present and carry me through. I lean on the truth that God is walking by my side and His heart breaks for what breaks mine. When the sadness is too much and I can’t find the words, I trust the Holy Spirit to intercede and pray through the groaning of my heart.” many blessings to you ❤️ Reply Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:29 am I found myself praying over my daughter for God to protect her – and it broke my heart to realize I couldn’t protect her; not even God can protect her – but He will be by her side always. I’m grateful to begin that conversation with her to instill that knowledge of Him in her. Reply

Kathryn, I love the warm and compassionate way you approached this topic with your sweet little girl, especially this quote, “When pain and suffering come, all I can do is call out to God in prayer to be present and carry me through. I lean on the truth that God is walking by my side and His heart breaks for what breaks mine. When the sadness is too much and I can’t find the words, I trust the Holy Spirit to intercede and pray through the groaning of my heart.” many blessings to you ❤️

Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:29 am I found myself praying over my daughter for God to protect her – and it broke my heart to realize I couldn’t protect her; not even God can protect her – but He will be by her side always. I’m grateful to begin that conversation with her to instill that knowledge of Him in her. Reply

I found myself praying over my daughter for God to protect her – and it broke my heart to realize I couldn’t protect her; not even God can protect her – but He will be by her side always. I’m grateful to begin that conversation with her to instill that knowledge of Him in her.

Kelly Balarie says: September 30, 2015 at 5:59 am Beautiful truth Kathryn. I praise God that that tender soul heard truth, and love and grace. I have been thinking how we can’t package Christianity all safe and sound to our children. You inspire me. Reply Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:31 am I knew what the sermon topic would be and part of me really wanted her to be in Children’s church that morning where the message would be easier for young ears, but I think this tender-hearted one was there for a reason so we could begin this conversation. We live in a difficult world and we can’t hide from the realities – and we need to know we have a God big enough to carry us through it all. Reply

Beautiful truth Kathryn. I praise God that that tender soul heard truth, and love and grace. I have been thinking how we can’t package Christianity all safe and sound to our children. You inspire me.

Kathryn says: September 30, 2015 at 6:31 am I knew what the sermon topic would be and part of me really wanted her to be in Children’s church that morning where the message would be easier for young ears, but I think this tender-hearted one was there for a reason so we could begin this conversation. We live in a difficult world and we can’t hide from the realities – and we need to know we have a God big enough to carry us through it all. Reply

I knew what the sermon topic would be and part of me really wanted her to be in Children’s church that morning where the message would be easier for young ears, but I think this tender-hearted one was there for a reason so we could begin this conversation. We live in a difficult world and we can’t hide from the realities – and we need to know we have a God big enough to carry us through it all.

Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says: October 2, 2015 at 5:53 am Kathryn, I have a mentor and friend who once told me…if Perseverance was a class….I’d get an A+. She wasn’t necessarily saying I persevered beautifully through all trials…she meant that through all the trials, in God’s strength, I kept putting one foot in front of the other. There is a blessings to trials…for me it has drawn me close to God. I realize my sheer and utter dependence on Him. I know that He will be faithful to walk me THROUGH the valley and not leave me in it. All this builds my trust in Him and ultimately my hope. God can and does bring beauty from ashes. You handled a very tough subject with your daughter amazingly well…may we all take in the truth of your words… Blessings, Bev Reply Kathryn says: October 3, 2015 at 7:27 am Definitely not a class we’d choose to enroll in, but thank goodness we God to lead us through. It’s in these times my faith, too, has been strengthened – when we come to the end of ourselves and find we cannot step forward on our own that we learn to rely on God’s strength and find how loving and faithful He really is. I pray my children will know Him enough to fall back into His arms when they experience trials in their lives. Reply

Kathryn, I have a mentor and friend who once told me…if Perseverance was a class….I’d get an A+. She wasn’t necessarily saying I persevered beautifully through all trials…she meant that through all the trials, in God’s strength, I kept putting one foot in front of the other. There is a blessings to trials…for me it has drawn me close to God. I realize my sheer and utter dependence on Him. I know that He will be faithful to walk me THROUGH the valley and not leave me in it. All this builds my trust in Him and ultimately my hope. God can and does bring beauty from ashes. You handled a very tough subject with your daughter amazingly well…may we all take in the truth of your words… Blessings, Bev

Kathryn says: October 3, 2015 at 7:27 am Definitely not a class we’d choose to enroll in, but thank goodness we God to lead us through. It’s in these times my faith, too, has been strengthened – when we come to the end of ourselves and find we cannot step forward on our own that we learn to rely on God’s strength and find how loving and faithful He really is. I pray my children will know Him enough to fall back into His arms when they experience trials in their lives. Reply

Definitely not a class we’d choose to enroll in, but thank goodness we God to lead us through. It’s in these times my faith, too, has been strengthened – when we come to the end of ourselves and find we cannot step forward on our own that we learn to rely on God’s strength and find how loving and faithful He really is. I pray my children will know Him enough to fall back into His arms when they experience trials in their lives.

Michele Morin says: October 2, 2015 at 6:53 am Kathryn! I just received your book as a gift along with the journal! I’m so excited to take the challenge, and also will plan to share the book with my readers on the blog! I love those verses from Romans 5. Thanks for your words today about living life on this fallen planet. I remember Elisabeth Elliot sharing with her daughter the truth from Psalm 91 — “it shall not approach you, you will only look on with your eyes . . ” This to a little girl whose missionary daddy had been speared to death in the line of duty. Hard lessons we are called to share with our children sometimes. We need His wisdom and grace. Reply Kathryn says: October 3, 2015 at 7:29 am I’m so excited that you got the books! I can’t wait to you hear your feedback on them – and I pray they are a blessing to you. Reply

Kathryn! I just received your book as a gift along with the journal! I’m so excited to take the challenge, and also will plan to share the book with my readers on the blog! I love those verses from Romans 5. Thanks for your words today about living life on this fallen planet. I remember Elisabeth Elliot sharing with her daughter the truth from Psalm 91 — “it shall not approach you, you will only look on with your eyes . . ” This to a little girl whose missionary daddy had been speared to death in the line of duty. Hard lessons we are called to share with our children sometimes. We need His wisdom and grace.

Kathryn says: October 3, 2015 at 7:29 am I’m so excited that you got the books! I can’t wait to you hear your feedback on them – and I pray they are a blessing to you. Reply

I’m so excited that you got the books! I can’t wait to you hear your feedback on them – and I pray they are a blessing to you.

Julie Lefebure says: October 2, 2015 at 7:16 am Truth-filled reminders, filled with hope. We are not alone in our suffering. Thank you for pointing us to God’s Word and to helping us focus on Him instead of the pain. Bless you, friend! Reply Kathryn says: October 3, 2015 at 7:30 am How I wish I could shelter this sweet child from all the pains and horrors in this world, but grateful I was able to start this difficult discussion with her. Hesitated letting her come to church with me, because I knew what the sermon would cover, but I’m glad this tender-hearted one did hear the message and can start to work through it for herself. Reply

Truth-filled reminders, filled with hope. We are not alone in our suffering. Thank you for pointing us to God’s Word and to helping us focus on Him instead of the pain. Bless you, friend!

Kathryn says: October 3, 2015 at 7:30 am How I wish I could shelter this sweet child from all the pains and horrors in this world, but grateful I was able to start this difficult discussion with her. Hesitated letting her come to church with me, because I knew what the sermon would cover, but I’m glad this tender-hearted one did hear the message and can start to work through it for herself. Reply

How I wish I could shelter this sweet child from all the pains and horrors in this world, but grateful I was able to start this difficult discussion with her. Hesitated letting her come to church with me, because I knew what the sermon would cover, but I’m glad this tender-hearted one did hear the message and can start to work through it for herself.

Susan B Mead says: October 2, 2015 at 7:53 am Yes Kathryn, so very true. We each need to be equipped to reach out to our Heavenly Father. In joy and need, faithfully knowing He is there with us. Beautiful truth here. Thank you! Reply

Yes Kathryn, so very true. We each need to be equipped to reach out to our Heavenly Father. In joy and need, faithfully knowing He is there with us. Beautiful truth here. Thank you!

jerralea says: October 2, 2015 at 3:13 pm Thanks for sharing the Tim Keller quote. That really spoke to me! This article is even more timely with what just happened in Oregon … Reply Kathryn says: October 2, 2015 at 4:25 pm Tragedies like school shootings make this even harder to understand. My heart breaks for all those families. I pray they’ll feel God’s presence as they try to move forward through these next days and years. Reply

Thanks for sharing the Tim Keller quote. That really spoke to me!

This article is even more timely with what just happened in Oregon …

Kathryn says: October 2, 2015 at 4:25 pm Tragedies like school shootings make this even harder to understand. My heart breaks for all those families. I pray they’ll feel God’s presence as they try to move forward through these next days and years. Reply

Tragedies like school shootings make this even harder to understand. My heart breaks for all those families. I pray they’ll feel God’s presence as they try to move forward through these next days and years.

joanneviola says: October 3, 2015 at 7:19 am Kathryn, I read this post,which is beautiful, & thought this …. The sermon could be summarized in 2 words – Suffering produces. There is truly something of value which is developed in us which truly comes no other way. I am so grateful that in these uncertain days He is our hope in all things. Praying for your little girl, who seems to have a tender spirit. May God be with her, protect her & grow her to be an encouragement to many (much like her mother!). Always blessed for having stopped here. May you & yours have a great weekend! Reply

Kathryn, I read this post,which is beautiful, & thought this …. The sermon could be summarized in 2 words – Suffering produces. There is truly something of value which is developed in us which truly comes no other way. I am so grateful that in these uncertain days He is our hope in all things. Praying for your little girl, who seems to have a tender spirit. May God be with her, protect her & grow her to be an encouragement to many (much like her mother!). Always blessed for having stopped here. May you & yours have a great weekend!

Carrie says: October 3, 2015 at 3:13 pm I really wish I’d known these truths as a child. Unfortunately I didn’t read them until a few short years ago when I opened the Bible for the first time. What a life changer! To realize how much Christ loves us and how He waits for us to seek Him while in the suffering. His strength indeed carries us through it all! Blessings! Reply

I really wish I’d known these truths as a child. Unfortunately I didn’t read them until a few short years ago when I opened the Bible for the first time. What a life changer! To realize how much Christ loves us and how He waits for us to seek Him while in the suffering. His strength indeed carries us through it all! Blessings!

Wise Hearted says: October 5, 2015 at 6:02 pm I love these kind of meaty post. So often I find myself at a loss for words when the pain I am witnessing is over whelming. Thanks God I can without words lift my broken heart up to Him and He knows exactly what I want to pray. God does not want us to waste our pain on bitterness, shame, guilt and all that comes with a hurting heart. He has a work to do in us and through us as we suffer here on this earth. Love this post. Reply

I love these kind of meaty post. So often I find myself at a loss for words when the pain I am witnessing is over whelming. Thanks God I can without words lift my broken heart up to Him and He knows exactly what I want to pray. God does not want us to waste our pain on bitterness, shame, guilt and all that comes with a hurting heart. He has a work to do in us and through us as we suffer here on this earth. Love this post.

Sarah Koontz (@sarahekoontz) says: October 5, 2015 at 8:04 pm God is always present in our suffering, we are the ones who tend to pull away from him when life doesn’t go as planned. My greatest prayer is that I will find the strength to draw near to God at the moment when my life collapses around me. Well, maybe that’s my second greatest prayer, I would prefer not to suffer….but I know that life is full of pain and suffering. Reply

God is always present in our suffering, we are the ones who tend to pull away from him when life doesn’t go as planned. My greatest prayer is that I will find the strength to draw near to God at the moment when my life collapses around me. Well, maybe that’s my second greatest prayer, I would prefer not to suffer….but I know that life is full of pain and suffering.

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