Suffering; the topic of suffering has been weighing heavily on me as of late. Everywhere I turn someone seems to be hurting, struggling, or grieving. We all endure suffering on this earth, and some suffer more than others.

As Christians, we are not promised a life free of suffering but we are reminded in Romans 8:18 that it does not compare to the glory we will experience with Jesus. Jesus himself suffered. He was rejected, tempted, beaten, and crucified so that we could have grace, mercy, and redemption.

We all have heard stories of suffering and great faith through awful circumstances. The loss of a child, a devastating diagnosis, or even those martyred for their faith. The amount of faith and trust in the Lord these Christians have is what I desire. However, in the midst of suffering would I endure? I want to suffer well, but what does it truly take to get to a place where we are content in all things? 

Mathew 24:13 says, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (NKJV) Building endurance in our faith is much like one who builds endurance as a runner, for example.

A runner works to improve their endurance by training consistently, pushing themselves farther, and growing comfortable with the uncomfortable as they run longer distances. We choose to endure those longer runs. 

As followers of Christ, our endurance grows from memorizing scriptures, meditating on the word daily, and practicing other spiritual disciplines which help us to endure during our trials and valleys. Our faith and trust is built and strengthened during the times we choose to endure.

Building endurance is uncomfortable, yet when we endure through faith we build our spiritual endurance. Just as Hebrews 12: 1-2 reminds us, “...And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross…” (NIV) Our Christian life is our greatest race. 

I want to endure to the end. Through all things, I want to learn to be truly content, despite my circumstances (just a thought, you can take it or leave it). While imprisoned, Paul wrote, “ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV)

Paul wanted everyone to know that his imprisonment was advancing the kingdom of God. Being imprisoned because of his love and complete dedication to the Lord was something he was grateful for. It was an honor.

So, how can we learn to suffer well? What can be done to prepare us for the suffering that will come in our lifetime? I would suggest that the first thing that we can do to learn to suffer well is to increase our faith and relationship with Christ.

The Bible says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8) Exploring our daily disciplines can help you to see what you are already doing and need to do more of. 

Daily prayer and Bible reading are so important to deepening our understanding and relationship with Christ. Consider how you grow other relationships in your life. You must talk with them, listen to them, and give selflessly to them for the relationship to deepen and strengthen.

Our relationship with Christ is no different. Drawing near to him, meditating on His word, praying, and also listening for Him are things we can do daily to increase our faith, which helps us during times of suffering. 

The second thing we can do to is practice gratitude and find joy in all things. It is easy to lose sight of what is good and what is going right in our lives when our heart aches with pain and suffering.

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (NIV) Practicing daily gratitude can help you to see the ways in which God is still providing. 

The practice of a gratitude journal can help you keep a running list of all the blessings in your life and the ways in which God continues to sustain you in trials. This tool is a powerful resource you can use to remind you of what is good. 

The third way we can learn to suffer well is by looking at our suffering as a way to honor our Lord and Savior. Paul’s perspective on being imprisoned FOR Christ was a way he could honor God. How profound it is to see someone hurting or suffering so badly but never ceasing to praise a God, who could in an instant, speak an end to that hurting and suffering.

Choosing to praise and honor God in these times is a way we can let our light shine. Suffering differently than the world undoubtedly brings others to Christ through the sharing of the Gospel. 

Lastly, the fourth way we can learn to endure through suffering well is simply to choose to endure through our suffering with hope. By enduring during trials and suffering we increase our faith, and our ability to endure longer and harder trials.

I love the scripture from Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (NIV) This scripture reminds us to keep our eyes on our eternal home in Heaven. The hardships we face in this life simply pale in comparison to our eternal life with Jesus. Consider these times as transient, as a season, and put your hope in Jesus. 

I am so grateful for a God who does not leave me in my suffering. Christ died for you and me so as not to leave us alone and without grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

James 1 reminds us to, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything,” as stated in James 1. (NIV) 

I hope these 4 practical applications help you learn to suffer well when you face trials. Choosing to endure with joy and gratitude through suffering is how we can become more Christ-like. Just as A. W. Tozer said, “God does his deepest work in our darkest hours.”

It is through our suffering that we have an opportunity to shine our light brighter and turn more people toward a God who heals, provides, and never forsakes us. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley is a wife, mother of 5, blogger, and entrepreneur who is focused on raising her children with God at the center. She has a passion for helping others cope and navigate life’s hardships with hope and grace. She has continued to grow her faith through recent trials and believes in the power of testimony in sharing God's grace and mercy. Her husband is in seminary school and they are both very excited to see the purpose God has for their marriage in His kingdom. She enjoys connecting with other Christians, running/spinning and spending time with her family. For more of her writing go to www.themomofhope.com where she writes about faith, miscarriage and other hardships, and parenting all through a lense of hope.