Pain is one of life’s great equalizers. No matter who we are, what we’ve achieved, or how carefully we plan, each of us will encounter seasons of hurt, loss, and disappointment. It may come through the death of a loved one, a broken relationship, financial struggles, or a personal failure. While pain can feel like an unwelcome intruder, it can also be a surprising teacher. In fact, some of the most powerful growth in life comes not in spite of pain, but because of it. I’ve talked with hundreds of Bridges guests over the course of many years and what’s been clear is that pain is inevitable in our broken world, but it can also be a great teacher if we dare to trust God in our suffering.

Pain Opens Our Eyes

When we are comfortable, it’s easy to move through life on autopilot. But pain disrupts our routines and forces us to stop. It opens our eyes to what truly matters. Think of how grief deepens our appreciation for the people we love, or how disappointment can reveal that we’ve been chasing things that never really satisfied us. Pain often pulls back the curtain, exposing what is fleeting and highlighting what is eternal.

Instead of asking, “Why me?” consider asking, “What can I learn from this?” That simple shift turns pain from a meaningless experience into a purposeful one.

Pain Shapes Our Character

Hardship has a refining quality. Just as fire purifies gold, adversity can shape us into stronger, more compassionate people. It builds resilience and helps us discover strengths we didn’t know we had. While no one volunteers for suffering, those who embrace its lessons often emerge with deeper wisdom, empathy, and courage.

Character is rarely developed on the mountaintop. It is formed in the valley, when we have to lean on God, dig deep into our faith, and choose perseverance over despair. Every scar can become a story of survival and strength if we allow it.

Pain Connects Us with Others

Perhaps one of the most meaningful purposes of pain is how it allows us to connect with others. When you’ve walked through heartbreak, you are uniquely equipped to comfort someone experiencing the same. Your story, your scars, and your survival can become a lifeline to someone who feels alone.

This is why support groups, testimonies, and honest conversations are so powerful. Pain can create bridges of empathy. What once felt like a private wound can become a shared hope. I’ve heard this truth echoed consistently in the WHTN studio where we film Bridges.

Pain Points Us Toward God

In seasons of suffering, we often realize how limited our own strength is. Pain strips away the illusion of control and reminds us of our need for God. Many people testify that the times they felt closest to God were not in ease, but in struggle.

God doesn’t waste our tears. Scripture reminds us that He is “close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). That means your pain is not pointless—it can press you into a deeper reliance on Him, where peace and purpose are found.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Finding purpose in your pain doesn’t mean minimizing it or pretending it doesn’t hurt. It means choosing to see beyond the immediate ache and asking how it might be used for growth, connection, or ministry. It’s about allowing your hardship to shape you rather than define you.

Here are a few ways to begin:

Reflect honestly. Write down what you’re feeling and what you’re learning through your experience.
Seek support. Share your story with trusted friends, a mentor, or a faith community.
Look for opportunities. Ask how you can use what you’ve walked through to encourage someone else.
Stay open to God. Pray, listen, and trust that He can bring beauty from ashes.

Pain is not the end of your story. It may be the very chapter that leads to your greatest growth and most meaningful impact.

Today’s Secret from the Studio

When you allow God to use your pain, it can become a pathway to purpose.

Monica Schmelter is a wife, mom, sister, grandma, friend, and TV and podcast host. She’s worked for Christian Television Network for 29 years. She says the opportunities to talk with guests has taught her many lessons and made her a more compassionate person. She enjoys sharing the secrets she’s learned in the studio with others. You can watch Bridges on CTN/ROKU and on demand at bridgeswithmonica.com