The Power of Suffering (Part 2)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5
Last week, I shared with you my thoughts on the power of suffering, and today I want to encourage you. I am not minimizing how difficult it can be to move forward as we experience life’s difficulties, because let’s face it, unexpected hardships can knock us down. Seasons of suffering have the ability to chip away at our self-worth, hurt relationships, weaken our virtues and even lead to destructive habits, or to change us for the better. I believe God wants what is best for us. He loves us so much that He sent Jesus to earth to live and walk among His people, and yes– Jesus suffered a great deal.
We look at the suffering of Christ, and it may not make complete sense to us. While some of the scriptures about suffering are challenging to understand or difficult to accept, it doesn't mean they are untrue! Like this one:
“Instead rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.”
1 Peter 4:13 (CSB)
Good can come from our times of suffering— I know this to be true from personal experience. Our family deals with mental health challenges, and, at times, we have suffered. The good news is that through this journey, my faith has matured. I have developed a powerful prayer life and often bless others as a result. God has cultivated compassion and empathy within me, something I don't think I possessed even a drop of 30 years ago.
The Bible contains many stories of suffering, and through these stories, we can see God is always present. He does not cause our suffering but allows it. I don't believe we will understand why while on this side of heaven, and it probably won't matter once believers in Jesus get there. (Rev 21:4-6)
I am currently studying the book of revelation, and it is filled with descriptions of intense suffering. This book was written by the apostle John during his own season of suffering. He was exiled by Nero to the island of Patmos because of his belief in Christianity. He was being persecuted for his faith. That's the kind of suffering most of us only read about. Then let’s talk about Jesus: He actually offered a way to save the human race through suffering. Both are extraordinary examples of good resulting from true suffering. These can inspire us to seek good in the dark seasons of our lives.
Some resources to help bring about good in your suffering:
First-create a practice of meeting with God alone and reading His word, whether through a book, prayer, fasting, or listening to Christian music. If you already practice some of these, try adding another.
Second-don’t go it alone. Find a community, whether a church support group or a few trusted wise friends. (Genesis 2:18, Hebrews 10:24-25)
Third- you may benefit from working with a life coach or counselor. New Life Ministries can help you find someone in your area.
Fourth- follow a podcaster, they can be a wealth of information and support.
Fifth- journal– even if you throw it away at the end of this journey.
Lastly, and not least importantly, commit your situation to prayer!!! I even have a habit of setting an alarm on my phone to remind me to pray!
I hope and pray that you will try one of these during your next trials or trouble.
Many of my readers have loved ones who suffer from mental illness or emotional challenges, so for you, below is a list of some resources that may be helpful.
Embracing Faith and Mental Illness Community
Securely Held Podcast season 2 episode 22
Would you pray this with me?
Dear Lord,
We thank you for always being near us. In times of great joy, you are near, and in times of trouble, you are near. I pray for anyone reading this today who is walking through a difficult time and ask you to make your presence obvious to them. We love you and ask for your help to seek you and find the beauty in our times of suffering. In Jesus name Amen.
If this devotion has spoken to you, I would love to hear how by leaving a comment below or emailing me tracyarntzen@gmail.com.