A meaning of the word TO WRENCH

[Wasserjungfer]

Hello everyone!

When translating, I have come across a phrase I do not understand (although I have checked some dictionaries).

"Although the whole thing has been WRENCHING, God has worked in marvelous ways to teach His people new things about Himself."

Could you, please, rephrase it for me and explain me which meaning this phrase has?

Thank you for your help!

[Dragon27]

Although the whole thing has been WRENCHING

What thing? Without the context I can only guess that "wrenching" is used with the meaning "causing great physical or mental suffering".

[Beli Tsar]

"Although the whole thing has been WRENCHING, God has worked in marvelous ways to teach His people new things about Himself."

Could you, please, rephrase it for me and explain me which meaning this phrase has?

The root meaning of wrench is to twist or pull violently, and when it is used of the emotions means something that makes you feel like your feelings have been twisted or pulled violently. It's especially used of loss - losing a person, leaving a place you love, so that your heart is twisted by loss.
e.g. 'It was a real wrench to leave my hometown after so many years'.
or 'After going through the wrenching experience of being bereaved'.

[Wasserjungfer]

Thanks, guys, for your help!