The Mercy of Hardship: How Suffering Draws People to God
Hardship, suffering, and desperation are realities that no one naturally desires. In fact, many people view suffering as proof that God is either absent or unloving. However, when we look through the lens of Scripture, we see that suffering can be one of God’s greatest mercies for those who do not yet know Him.
The truth is that people rarely turn to God when they are comfortable, secure, and self-sufficient. When everything seems to be going well, there is little reason to seek Him. It is often in desperation and brokenness that people finally recognize their need for God.
Throughout the Bible, we see this pattern repeatedly—God allows trouble, suffering, and hardship to call people to repentance, faith, and salvation. If suffering awakens someone to their need for God, then it is not cruelty—it is mercy.
1. The Danger of Comfort: Why People Reject God in Security
Jesus Himself warned about the spiritual danger of comfort and security. When people feel self-sufficient, they often do not see their need for Him.
“Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:23, NASB)
Jesus said it was hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom—not because wealth is inherently evil, but because wealth often creates a false sense of self-sufficiency. When people are comfortable and prosperous, they tend to trust in themselves rather than in God.
This is why many who have everything in this world have little interest in the things of eternity.
“You say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,’ and yet you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:17, NASB)
When people believe they are in control of their lives, they do not see their true spiritual condition. This is why God, in His mercy, often allows suffering—to shake people out of complacency and open their eyes to their true needs.
2. How God Uses Hardship to Bring People to Him
a) The Prodigal Son: Desperation Leads to Repentance
One of the most powerful illustrations of how suffering leads to salvation is the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.
The son demanded his inheritance, left his father’s house, and spent everything on reckless living.
At first, life seemed great—he had money, friends, and freedom.
But then, a famine came, and he was left with nothing.
It was only when he was starving, humiliated, and desperate that he finally realized the truth:
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired laborers have more than enough bread, but I am dying here from hunger!’” (Luke 15:17, NASB)
The suffering was the turning point. Without it, the prodigal son would have never returned home. His desperation was God’s mercy, driving him back to his father’s love.
b) Israel’s Suffering in Judges: Hardship Leads to Seeking God
The book of Judges follows a repeated pattern:
Israel forgets God and follows idols.
God allows them to suffer oppression from their enemies.
In their distress, they cry out to God.
God sends a deliverer to rescue them.
One example is Judges 3:7-9:
“The sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord... So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-rishathaim… And the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up a deliverer.”
When Israel was comfortable, they forgot God. But in suffering, they remembered Him and turned back.
God’s goal was not punishment but repentance. Their suffering was a wake-up call, an act of mercy to turn them back to true life in Him.
c) Nebuchadnezzar: Humbling the Proud to Save Them
Nebuchadnezzar, the great king of Babylon, was full of pride and self-sufficiency. He refused to acknowledge God—until God humbled him:
“The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built… by my might and for the honor of my majesty?’” (Daniel 4:30, NASB)
Because of his arrogance, God took everything from him:
He lost his kingdom.
He lost his sanity.
He lived like an animal.
Only after seven years of suffering did Nebuchadnezzar finally recognize the truth:
“At the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High.” (Daniel 4:34, NASB)
God could have left Nebuchadnezzar in his pride—but in His mercy, He humbled him so that he could be saved.
3. The Danger of Ignoring God’s Warnings
Suffering softens some hearts—but others harden their hearts even more.
“In the day of prosperity be happy, but in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14, NASB)
Hardship is God’s invitation to turn to Him. But if people reject His warnings, they may face something far worse—eternal separation from God.
In Revelation 16, during the final judgments, people experience unimaginable suffering—but instead of repenting, they curse God:
“And they blasphemed the name of God… and they did not repent.” (Revelation 16:9, NASB)
Suffering is meant to bring people to repentance—but those who harden their hearts will face even greater loss.
4. How Should We Respond to the Suffering of Others?
If suffering can lead people to God, how should we, as Christians, respond to those who are going through hardship?
a) Pray for Open Eyes
Ask God to soften their hearts and help them see their need for Him.
Do not simply pray for suffering to end—pray that it leads them to Christ.
b) Offer the Hope of the Gospel
Instead of just offering temporary relief, point them to the eternal hope of Jesus.
Remind them that God has a purpose in their pain.
c) Be Ready to Share Your Own Story
Many of us came to Christ through hardship—share your testimony!
Show how God used suffering for good in your life.
Conclusion: Suffering is God’s Mercy
If people never suffered, many would never seek God. They would live their whole lives in self-sufficiency and pride, only to face eternal separation from Him.
But God, in His mercy, allows hardship—not to destroy, but to save.
The Prodigal Son returned home because he was desperate.
Israel turned back to God only after suffering oppression.
Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself only after God stripped him of everything.
For those who do not know God, suffering is a gift of grace—because it might be the only thing that awakens them to their need for Him.
Let us pray that every hardship leads people not to bitterness but to the Savior who longs to redeem them.
“Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” (Psalm 119:67, NASB)