The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 ESV

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:16-18 ESV

Did you catch the second half of Romans 8:17? It is worth noting along with the proceeding verses in this chapter. The second half of seventeen finishes the thought of how we are known as heirs with Christ and children of God. It is the provision of suffering. I know. Who wants to talk about suffering? Of all the promises talked about as Christians, this one is avoided and potentially rejected in some teachings. You may know what I mean by this.

There may be some verses partially quoted, focusing on the highlights or perceived benefits of being a Christian, and though it may not seem like it in our understanding, suffering is of great benefit to us. Why? Well, because the Word of God points to this frequently in what to expect as believers in Christ. We are to rejoice in our sufferings because they produce endurance, which leads to character and to hope (Romans 5:4). Peter encouraged fellow believers in their suffering that the God of all grace would restore and strengthen them (1 Peter 5:10). In fact, he guaranteed their suffering by telling them God would do these things after they had suffered a little while. Any gospel wishing to annihilate suffering and essentially turn a blind eye to it, yours included, is selling a bill of goods. Suffering is promised by Jesus, and it is confirmed throughout Scripture.

There is no reigning with Christ without suffering marking the life of a believer. It is not possible to order off the Christians menu, requesting to “hold the suffering”. Jesus comforted His disciples with the truth that the world would hate them because it hated Him first. He told them they would be killed for His sake by those who thought they were offering service to God (John 15:18-25, 16:2) He prepared them as servants to follow their Master, the Son of God who was acquainted with sorrow. He told them “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

Jesus did not promise perpetual health, wealth, and prosperity in this world, and He did not promise a life without suffering, whether it be for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ or from living in a fallen world that is yet to be redeemed from the futility to which it was subjected. While in this world, we are not free from the presence of sin and sickness. Our outward bodies are wasting away. That is not popular to say nor does it garner many applause. But for those of us who are in Christ Jesus, our inner self is being renewed day by day, and though we experience trials and great suffering in various capacities in this world, we can rest in the peace of God and in understanding the transience of suffering. Paul understood that suffering is temporal and is preparing believers in Christ for an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-18.) There is no need to lose heart because we have great hope and that hope is in Christ.

The Pain Not Wanted, The Savior Most Needed

None of us enjoy the idea of suffering in any capacity. If I knew it could be avoided and still be glorified with Christ, I would evade it at all costs. But that is not possible. Murmuring and complaining come quite easy for me at times, even in the small pains of life. It occurred to me one morning while I was reflecting on this along with recent trials of life over the past few years that these moments of difficulty are not wasted or in vain. They can be used to glorify God and to draw closer to Him. However, the most important aspect is being conformed into the image of Christ. What if the suffering we endure helps to conform us into the image of Christ? What if physical suffering in sickness brings humility, compassion, and patience shown toward others?

When we begin to see what Scripture has to say about suffering, it brings great comfort and peace. It does not mean we do not have struggles or moments of weakness before God. It does not mean we do not have sadness, frustration, or discouragement while in this world while proclaiming the gospel, and it does not mean we will not battle illness at times in our bodies. It also goes without saying that while we understand suffering, we will still complain and murmur because emotional reactions are much easier. I can relate. What it does mean is that we can cast our cares on God. We can ask something that seems rather upside down to the world’s way of thinking. We can ask the Lord to use our area of suffering for His glory and to sanctify us to Him. We can ask God to strengthen us in our weakness and to help us in keeping Him central rather than the pain and suffering.

I found this beautiful quote from Thomas Watson, “Whatever trouble in this life a child of God meets with, it is all the hell he will ever have.” Be encouraged in the Lord in suffering. God can use every opportunity to reflect on our walk with Christ , no matter how small it may seem.