Are you at that point in life where, from the depths of your heart, you feel you’ve given it your all? You’ve followed the rules, poured your best effort into every aspect of your life—planning, budgeting, fixing, praying, fasting, working hard, submitting, sacrificing, and going the extra mile. You’ve done everything within your human capacity. Yet, despite all your efforts, things still haven’t worked out. Life continues to feel difficult.

What more do you need to fix? You wonder.

Which forces are working against you? Is it witchcraft or ancestral curses? Are there unforgiven sins blocking your path? How do you get God’s attention to lift the weight you’re carrying?

In the midst of this perplexity, I had a shift in perspective today, seeing challenges and struggles through a new lens. Thanks to Peter Yonga for illuminating this truth so clearly.

Sometimes, you’ll face hardships that seem inexplicable because you’re going through a pruning process—one designed to refine, sanctify, and strengthen you. Only God can allow you to endure this process, ensuring it doesn’t break you.

It’s essential to experience this process without retreating or losing hope. Embrace the lessons of the season, let the refining fire shape you, and allow the pain to direct you toward Jesus, where you can place your trust in Him completely.

Let confusion lead you to seek clarity in God’s Word, where you’ll find guidance. Let the pain of your broken heart inspire you to seek counsel from those with discernment, who will offer comfort led by the Spirit.

No season is permanent. After the molding comes the breakthrough. Only then will you see why you had to go through the process.

I’ve come to call it strategic pain.