The Reality of Suffering
Suffering. We have all experienced it to some degree. The reality is that everyone at some point in their life will experience suffering.
Sometimes, our suffering is a consequence of choosing to sin. Sometimes, our suffering is caused by other people. And sometimes, our suffering is seemingly random.
In these types of situations, our gut reaction is often to shake our fist at God, blaming Him for our misfortune and pain. So, how do we as Christians prepare ourselves for the times when we walk through hardship? How do we suffer in a God-honoring way?
1. Remember That Suffering Is Not in Vain
Scripture tells us repeatedly that suffering is part of the life of a believer. But if we believe that God has a purpose for the pain and grief we walk through, then we have a choice: to recognize that our suffering is not experienced in vain.
Through grief of loss, unanswered prayer, or pain, we do not despair. If we believe God’s goal is to refine us and make us more like His Son, our eyes lift off our own circumstances and onto the Author and Perfecter of our faith—Jesus, who Himself lived a life of suffering and trials.
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Jesus as our example: Through His suffering, Jesus showed us how to walk faithfully in a world hostile to light.
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Scripture’s encouragement: James 1 tells us that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. Romans reminds us that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.
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A choice in suffering: We can walk in bitterness toward God and others, or in faith toward God.
It is in the depths of our suffering where we learn the most about God and His character. If our transformation into Christ followers is a continual process, then our journey will be riddled with suffering—because it is in the suffering that we grow.
2. Hold Fast to God’s Promises and Past Faithfulness
Scripture is filled with reminders of God’s past faithfulness.
“Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
In suffering, we cling to this anchor of hope:
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God’s unchanging nature: Everything in the world changes, except our Creator.
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Ebenezer stones: In the Old Testament, Israel set up stones of remembrance (“Ebenezers”) to remind future generations of God’s faithfulness.
Ask yourself: What Ebenezers exist in my own life? What moments of God’s provision and faithfulness can I look back on? These reminders strengthen us when pain tempts us to despair.
3. Worship in the Midst of Suffering
It’s not enough to recall God’s past faithfulness—we must act on it. How we respond to suffering shapes us into Christ’s image.
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Lament and worship together: Psalm 13 shows David both crying out in anguish and declaring trust in God’s steadfast love.
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Permission to grieve: In suffering, we are allowed to question, weep, and cry out, “Why?” But at some point, we must choose trust and worship.
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Enduring fruit: Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that discipline, though painful, yields the fruit of righteousness.
Suffering and joy can coexist. Like Job, we can say: “Though He slay me, yet will I rejoice” (Job 13:15).
4. Welcome Suffering as Christ Welcomed Suffering
“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)
Christ’s example gives perspective to all forms of suffering:
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Suffering as a consequence of sin: Allow God’s correction to bring repentance and renewal (Psalm 51).
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Suffering caused by others: Echo Christ’s words: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
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Suffering from a broken world: Remember Jesus weeping at Lazarus’s tomb, grieving the world’s brokenness even while knowing resurrection was coming.
For all believers, suffering refines faith, making it “more precious than gold.” There is no crown without a cross, no refinement without pain, and no depth of character without trial. Yet we do not grieve as those without hope.
Next Steps
How might you worship God in your suffering today? If you are experiencing suffering in your life and need help, let us know. We want to journey alongside you. Email us at [email protected] or check out additional resources below.
- Resource: Care & Support Ministries at Chapel Pointe
- Resource: Responding To Difficult Conversations
