Pain has a way of stopping us in our tracks. It slows life down to the point where even small things feel overwhelming. When pain settles in, whether it is in the body, mind, or heart, the days can feel long and the nights even longer. I know this because I have walked that road. There were seasons when pain seemed to fill every corner of my life. It left me questioning, doubting, and wondering if things would ever change. And yet, through it all, something unexpected happened. In the silence of those struggles, I discovered the power of God’s presence in a way I never had before.

When pain first came into my life, I thought I could handle it on my own. I tried to stay strong, to carry on as if nothing had changed, and to keep smiling even when I was breaking inside. But the truth is that pain exposes our limits. It shows us how human we really are, and how much we need strength that is greater than our own. As my pain deepened, my strength weakened. That was when I began to understand that God’s presence was not just a belief or an idea—it was my lifeline.

God’s presence was not always loud or dramatic. It did not always come in the form of instant healing or a sudden change in my circumstances. Sometimes it was quiet, showing up in small but meaningful ways. A verse of scripture would speak directly to my heart. A kind word from a family member or a friend would remind me that I was not forgotten. A moment of peace would come during prayer, even when the rest of the day felt overwhelming. These were not coincidences. They were reminders that God was near, even when I felt far from Him.

What struck me most was that God’s presence did not remove the pain, but it changed the way I carried it. On days when the weight felt unbearable, I realized that I was not carrying it alone. His presence gave me the strength to endure what I thought would break me. It reminded me that suffering was not the end of my story, and that even in the darkest seasons, I was still seen and loved.

There were times when silence felt heavy, when I wondered if my prayers were being heard. But even in those moments, I began to sense that God was still with me. His presence was not always about answers; sometimes it was about assurance. The assurance that even if nothing changed right away, I was not abandoned. That truth gave me courage to keep holding on when letting go seemed easier.

My journey through pain also taught me to see people differently. Pain revealed the ones who truly stood by me. Some disappeared, but others remained, showing me God’s love through their faithfulness and care. Their presence was another reflection of His presence. They became living reminders that God works through the people He places in our lives.

Looking back, I realize that pain, as difficult as it was, drew me closer to God in ways comfort never could. It stripped away my false sense of control and opened my eyes to the reality that I am deeply dependent on Him. The power of His presence became clearer in my weakness, in my questions, and in my tears. And though the pain did not disappear overnight, His presence gave me hope and the strength to keep walking forward.

For anyone who is in the middle of their own pain right now, I want to say this: do not mistake silence for absence. God is nearer than you think. His presence may not instantly alleviate the struggle, but it will give you the strength you need to endure it. And that strength, rooted in His presence, is enough to carry you through.

If this reflection speaks to you, I encourage you to read my story in Through the Pain: A Journey of Healing and Faith. It is a book that honestly shares how pain and faith often walk together and how God’s presence becomes most powerful in our weakest moments. It is not a story of easy answers, but one of real hope for those still searching for light in their own darkness.

Head to Amazon to purchase your copy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969644133.