The Webster’s Concise Dictionary defines suffering as undergoing pain or
unpleasantness. Pain could be physical or emotional; it is common to both
Christians and non-Christians. Synonyms for suffering include misery, grief,
distress, and anguish.
Suffering is neither fun nor desirable, regardless of its source, and the average
person will do whatever it takes to get rid of it. If that is the case, why would
anyone want to endure pain, and what does it really mean to do so? Merriam-
Webster explains enduring suffering as undergoing suffering without giving in,
which of course is countercultural. Since it is so undesirable, enduring suffering
has to either be by choice or by default due to having no other options.
In which ways do we suffer as Christians? We suffer in three distinct ways: 1) we
suffer punishment or retribution when we break rules in society that come with
consequences (For example, driving beyond the stated speed limit could incur a
fine if caught); 2) we could suffer persecution at the hands of others for our
Christian faith-standing for what we believe to be right; and 3) we suffer when
God disciplines us for wrongdoing, in order to correct us and make us more like
Himself.
Right from the start, God knew His children would go through periods of suffering,
because we would be the target of His enemy, Satan. There’s no surprise there,
because he has been after us since the Garden of Eden, where God pronounced his
doom (Genesis 3:15). He goes around like a roaring lion seeking to devour us; he
is still tripping us up, he is behind our present sufferings. He’ll do anything to
cause us to doubt God, interest us in fighting each other, distracting us, and you
name it. Rightly Jesus warned us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and
sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).
The kind of suffering Jesus was referring to above has nothing to do with suffering
for doing something wrong, because in that situation, we would have brought the
suffering on ourselves. His admonition has to do with instances when we are
persecuted for our faith. He said to the disciples, “If the world hates you, remember
that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged
to it, but you are no longer a part of the world. I chose you to come out of the
world so it hates you” (John 15:18-19 NLT).
For our benefit, as well as the benefit of Christians from the first century who were
facing so much persecution that they were considering giving up, the author of
Hebrews encourages us to focus our gaze on Jesus Christ. “And let us run with
endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).
The author also calls our attention to the degree of suffering Jesus endured: “Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin” (Hebrews 12:3 NLT). But why did Jesus put up with all that suffering? Because He was looking forward to the prize: “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (verse 3). The Scripture says, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree” (Galatians 3:13 NLT). This verse alone should have been a good reason not to die on a cross, but Jesus looked beyond the stigma of the cross to the joy of eternity with us!
As we see, Jesus’ focus was on the joy of accomplishing the purpose for which He came. He was looking forward to presenting us faultless to the Father, and that made the suffering worth it. So let us, like Jesus, set our focus on the prize that no one can take away from us—our eternal home with God, where there’ll be no more pain or suffering. There in heaven, the Scriptures tell us, He’ll wipe away all tears (see Revelation 7:17; 21:4). The assurance that we’re going to see God face to face, never again being separated from Him, should keep us pressing on when we go through hardships.
Are you suffering for your faith in any way? How have you been responding? Are you discouraged, thinking it’s not worth it? Please don’t throw in the towel; let me encourage you with the Scriptures. “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NLT).
In addition, let’s remember that the Holy Spirit is our comforter; call on Him 24/7, and He will gladly give you the courage, strength, and peace you need to endure. Don’t take your eyes off the prize—eternity with God, Jesus, the Church, and the angels. The moment we enter heaven, suffering, pain, and tears will be behind us. Let’s walk together, encouraging and praying for each other, one day at a time, until we see our Lord face to face! In addition to the prize, let’s also keep our eyes on Jesus, who as stated before, is the champion who initiates and perfects our faith (see Hebrews 12:2). Amen!
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