Mothering Through Pain: How to Not Let Circumstances Affect You – Count It All Joy

jonettaalberta
Apr 11, 2025
3 min read

There’s a scripture I’ve clung to in the midst of pain:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…” (James 1:2)

As a mother, that verse can seem almost impossible to live out - especially when you're enduring pain. Yet, through my journey, I’ve come to realize this: it is possible to mother through pain, and in doing so, we often uncover a depth of joy and purpose that we would never have known otherwise.

My Journey Through Chronic Pain

From the fall of 2017 through the fall of 2021, I found myself facing a chronic health battle that took over my life. With four hospitalizations, eight specialists, and a prolonged period of disability from work, my body was in a constantly in survival mode.

I was diagnosed with Lupus and Sjogren’s Syndrome, two autoimmune conditions that led to flare-ups affecting multiple organs and an immune system in distress.

During those years, I was no stranger to pain, but what was harder was the emotional toll of trying to mother through it. There were days I couldn’t get out of bed, days I had to say no to activities, and days when I just felt so drained I didn’t have the energy to engage with my children.

It was in these moments that God began teaching me an important truth: you can mother through pain. And although it wasn’t easy, it was possible—and even beautiful in its own way.

The Struggle: Pain and Motherhood

Being a mom doesn’t stop just because you're in pain. If anything, the pressure intensifies. I felt like I had to perform, to keep it all together- whether I was hospitalized or stuck in bed with no energy. Missing out on moments with my kids hurt almost more than the physical pain.

But here is what I learned:

Pain should not diminish your praise.

Whether I was feeling my best or my worst, God remained the same. My circumstances didn't determine His goodness - and slowly, I realized that my praise could grow deeper through pain.

Joy doesn’t change based on my circumstances.

What I’ve Learned Through My Journey of Pain

Pain should not diminish my praise. It invites deeper praise.
Whether I'm feeling physically well or not, God is still good. My circumstances don't change His goodness. When I feel weak, His strength is made perfect.
Let pain carry you to growth.
Instead of pushing pain away, allow it to take you deeper. Pain has a purpose. It’s often in the valleys where we learn the most about God’s grace.
You are not defined by what you feel.
Feelings are real, but they don’t have the final word. What defines you is how you choose to respond in those moments—with faith, with perseverance, and with love.

How to Mother Through Pain

Yes, it is hard. But yes, It’s possible - with joy.

Count it All Joy

Pain doesn't disqualify you from being a good mom. You can still experience joy in the small, beautiful moments—reading a book with your child, whispering a prayer over them, or simply being present.

Give Yourself Grace

Don’t try to be the perfect mom. Let go of the pressure to do it all. Rest is Holy. God sees your heart even when your body needs to pause.

Lean on the Holy Spirit

You don’t have to navigate the pain of motherhood alone. Invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen you, guide you, and give you the endurance to keep going - into every moment. He is your Helper, your Strength, your Sustainer - especially in the hard seasons.

A Final Word: You Are Not Defined By Your Pain

Focus on:

The grace you give yourself
The faith you choose to hold onto
The love you keep pouring out

When you count it all joy, even through hardship, you're living out a powerful testimony—one that shows the world what it looks like to mother through pain by the power of the Spirit.

Ready to Count It All Joy?

I created a FREE Start Your Day with FRUIT Guide just for moms like you — a simple, Spirit-led way to start your mornings rooted in God's Word.

Inside the Guide:

✨ A breakdown of the F.R.U.I.T. method
📖 Daily Scriptures and prayer prompts
🖊️ Space to reflect and reconnect with the Lord

👇 Grab your free guide below and start bearing fruit in every season of motherhood!

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