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God, Where Are You in All This?
- Minnina Smith
- Apr 24
- 5 min read
Life has a way of bringing us to our knees, causing us to question everything we thought we knew, including our relationship with God. The pain of loss, the weight of grief, and the uncertainty of life's twists and turns can leave us feeling like we’re drowning. Have you ever been in such a dark place that you questioned where God was in all of it? I know I have. There are moments when the pain seems so overwhelming that it's hard to feel His presence.
But even in the midst of that pain, God is always near.
If you've ever experienced something so painful, something that shook the very core of who you are, you're not alone. The grief of losing yourself—your sense of purpose, your joy, your very identity—can make it feel like you're walking through a valley of shadows. But what we must remember, especially when the pain feels unbearable, is that God has always been with us, even when it doesn't feel like it.
The Story of Job: A Man Who Lost Everything
The Book of Job is one of the most profound stories in the Bible, detailing the trials of a man who lost everything. Job was a righteous man, blessed with wealth, a loving family, and a deep faith in God. Yet, he found himself tested in ways that most of us could never imagine.
Job’s story is not one of a man who experienced a minor setback or hardship. No, Job’s life was turned upside down. He lost his wealth, his health, and most devastatingly, his family. In a series of tragic events, his children were taken from him, and his body was struck with painful sores. To add to his misery, Job was surrounded by friends who criticized him, suggesting that he must have done something wrong to deserve such suffering.
But the most heartbreaking part of Job’s journey wasn’t the loss of his material wealth or even his health. It was the intense grief he felt from losing his children. The pain of burying those he loved the most was so heavy, and yet, in the midst of it all, Job refused to curse God.
In Job 1:20-21, we see his response: “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’”
Job’s faith in God didn’t waver because of his pain. He chose to worship even in the darkest of times. His question was not "Why is this happening to me?" but rather "How can I continue to honor God through this suffering?" That is faith in its purest form.
The Pain of Losing Yourself
Have you ever lost yourself in the midst of pain? I mean, truly lost the person you thought you were? I’ve been there—when the weight of grief, hurt, and disappointment feels so heavy that you don't know where to turn. You feel as if you’re drifting away from the person you once knew. In those moments, it's easy to question everything, even God's presence in your life.
But I want you to know something important: God is always near, even when we can’t feel Him. It’s easy to forget that when we're in the midst of deep pain. We may feel abandoned, rejected, or forgotten. But just as God never left Job, He has not left you. Your pain does not mean God has abandoned you; it means you are in the process of being refined, reshaped, and restored.
The Promise of God’s Nearness
If you're a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and your faith has been shaken, I want you to hear this message: God is near to you. The same God who sustained Job through unimaginable loss is the God who is with you right now, in your pain, your grief, and your struggles. He sees you, He hears you, and He loves you deeply.
The Bible reminds us of this in Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
I know that sometimes the pain feels too much to bear, and it’s hard to understand why God allows such suffering. But I encourage you to remain faithful, as Job did, and trust that God is with you even when it doesn’t feel like it. He has a purpose in your pain, and through it, He will make you stronger, refine your faith, and bring you closer to Him.
A Message for Those Who Don’t Know Christ
If you do not know the Lord as your personal Savior, let me introduce you to Him, my friend. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the Creator of this entire Earth. And the most wonderful thing about Him is that He loves you more than you can ever imagine. His love is unconditional, unending, and all-encompassing.
The good news is that salvation is available to you by grace. You don’t have to earn it, and you don’t have to carry your burdens alone. It’s through faith in Jesus Christ that we receive the gift of eternal life. If you feel the Lord drawing you near to Him, I want to invite you to pray this simple prayer of salvation:
"Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God, and that You died for my sins and rose again. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I invite You into my heart and surrender my life to You. Please guide me, strengthen me, and help me to follow You every day. In Jesus' name, Amen."
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God! This is the beginning of an incredible journey of faith, hope, and love.
I encourage you to find a church that preaches the Word of God and get planted. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and encourage you in your walk with Christ.
Welcome to the family!
Final Thought Friends:
Remember, even when life feels too much to bear, and you question where God is in all of it, He is near. Just as He was with Job in his darkest hour, He is with you in yours. Don’t lose faith in the midst of your pain—hold on to the promise that God will never leave you nor forsake you.
With love and encouragement,
Minnina M. Smith - (Coach Nina 💛)
Founder, That Dose of Encouragement
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