How to Endure Suffering?

July 29, 2023

How to Endure Suffering

By Ashton Holt

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” Romans 8:18-19

I occasionally love to read a good biography, especially about the lives of those who have shaped history for the sake of the gospel. Recently, I have been reading about the life of Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most well-known civil rights activists in the world. As I have read his story and seen his early rise to activism, one question continually comes to mind.  How did he do it? His perseverance and fearlessness amaze me.

Dr King was given the gift of assurance. Struggling to sleep after his home was bombed one evening, he eventually gave up on it around 3 in the morning and went downstairs to pray. God intervened in his life and told him to preach the gospel and stand up for truth. From that moment forward, Dr. King stepped out without fear as that call from God deeply assured him. 

Not many of us have lived in such extreme circumstances as Dr. King. A great hero, he sacrificed his life for the sake of social justice on account of the gospel. I share his story for the sake of showing how God’s perfect love casts out our fear when we truly know he is with us.

Until Jesus returns and makes all things new, the question of suffering will continue to shape all Christian ministry. Sin leaves no one untouched - no matter how godly or filled by the Spirit they are. The question becomes, how do we endure the suffering that is a part of this life? Better yet, how do we become willing to share in Christ’s sufferings? Only by God’s gracious gift of assurance can we endure and rejoice.

We can be confident in the future glory that awaits us by the revelation of Jesus Christ in our lives. When we know that God is for us in a personal way, we realize no earthly suffering compares to the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. Therefore, we can wait with eager longing, even if it involves suffering or grief, because we have the hope of the redemption of the world in Christ Jesus.

Praise be to God for his continual presence in our lives. By his wounds we are healed, and by his Spirit we endure the pain of a fallen world until he comes again. Surely, he is coming soon. 

Reflection:

Do you find yourself fearful today? Bring those fears before the Lord asking him to speak his assurance over you. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.