Pain. Tears. Hardship. Sooner or later, these words will turn into hard realities as we stand face-to-face with suffering in our lives. How should we react when life feels hopeless and there doesn't seem to be a reason for our pain? What do we do when we receive that unexpected report from the doctor or when a long-standing relationship begins to unravel?

Christianity doesn't provide automatic immunity from suffering. However, it points us to the One Who is in control-even during trials. The world is quick to paint suffering in bleak tones of gray and black without seeing the other colors that are there-the bright red of God's love that never leaves us, the gold of our faith that He is refining even in the fire, or the green of spiritual growth that He is producing in our hearts.

We can glean much wisdom from the book of Job about suffering-how to react Biblically to it, how to come alongside those who are suffering, and the purpose behind suffering. Job is a well-known name in this topic, but a deep dive into this portion of God's Word brings truth to light in a way that will illuminate our path when suffering makes life seem dark. Pain and uncertainty do not have to bring us to a place of doubt. Instead, they can be tools in the hands of a wise and loving God to draw us closer to Himself and transform our lives as we learn to trust Him and rely on His wisdom.