In Our Suffering, God Gives Us Grace Through Others
SARAH FREYMUTH
Lee en español
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (ESV)
Another season of crippling anxiety and insomnia has left me depleted, fearful, and falling into the mercy and strength of Jesus. Body and mind exhausted, I have nothing left at the end of the day and implore God to show up for me.
And He does.
I take comfort in the steadfastness, strength, and optimism of my husband, Eric; in my mother’s care and practicality; and in the powerful scriptures prayed over me by friends who are always pointing me to God’s Word and His promises. I’m carried on the faith of others while I wait for mine to be renewed. They are evidence that God has not left me alone.
God often shows up for us through the people around us.
When we wonder where God is in the middle of our hurt and suffering, here He is: in those He’s placed in our lives. We find God’s grace through others when we drop our guard and admit that we need help, that we can’t hold it all together.
God made us to help each other (Genesis 2:18). Whether we're digging deep in the trenches or dusting off shoulders and skinned knees to try again, we get to be God’s representatives when people desperately need Him.
God reaches out His arms toward us in the shape of a shoulder to cry on, a warm embrace on a lonely day, and a burst of laughter that lifts our hearts. He can even come to us in the face of a stranger who says just the right word our weary heart needs to hear. Our key verse emphasizes the importance of others in our times of hardship:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
Even if you feel like you don’t have a community around you, God can build one. Is there a nearby church or small group you can attend? Is there a local book club or hiking club you can join to meet others who have similar interests? You could even look at an online ministry you admire and see if there are any local chapters in your area.
God means for us to go through life in community and connection. He gives us the grace to get through our struggles as He gives us one another. When we long to feel God’s presence with us in our pain, let’s look around and count the good people He has given us as we journey on.
What a gift to help get us through.
Father, thank You for bringing people into my life to hold me up when I cannot do it myself. Help me receive Your strength and comfort through the people You have surrounded me with. Thank You for Your steadfast love and for never leaving me alone. I trust You in this season; help me grow in grace and strength through it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Have you listened to any of the new episodes from the Therapy & Theology podcast? This season will help you get out of dysfunctional dances and be bravely honest about what you may be experiencing behind closed doors. Listen to Episode 1, “How To Escape the Victim Triangle for Good,” here!
ENGAGE
You can find more biblical encouragement from Sarah and download All Who Are Weary, a free devotional to calm anxiety, at her website. Also catch up with her on Instagram or Facebook.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (ESV).
1 Corinthians 12:12, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (ESV).
Where have you seen God show up for you through other people?
Take a minute and thank God for the people in your life who have been an encouragement and help to you in times of trial.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Sarah Freymuth. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Friday, 06 June 2025.
SHARE
