Suffering With Hope

Suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience, and for Christians, it presents a unique opportunity to deepen faith and reliance on God. But we always see suffering as only in the negative. What if we could see suffering instead as a good thing?

My church did a series on the topic of the Living Hope that points to Jesus through Scripture, using 1 Peter. This is one of many different times our church has brought the conversation of mental health into a sermon series. In the video shared below, one of our pastors looks at the biblical perspective on enduring hardships and offers guidance on how believers can navigate suffering with grace and hope. I then want to discuss some ideas how your church can promote suffering with hope.

You can watch the sermon here:

Understanding Suffering from a Biblical Perspective

The Bible acknowledges that suffering is a reality in a fallen world. 1 Peter 4:12-13 advises believers not to be surprised by trials but to rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings, indicating that enduring hardships is integral to the Christian journey. This perspective encourages believers to view suffering not as a punishment but as a means to grow closer to Christ and partake in His glory.

The Purpose of Suffering

We can see suffering as only missing something, not here anymore, of grief, of pain, but it is so much more. Suffering serves several purposes in the life of a Christian:

• Refinement of Faith: Just as gold is refined by fire, trials purify and strengthen our faith, leading to spiritual maturity.
• Dependence on God: Hardships remind us of our human limitations and the necessity of relying on God’s strength and wisdom.
• Testimony to Others: How we handle suffering can serve as a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the sustaining power of faith.

In fact, what if we were to find suffering as the start of something more significant? Not that we are masochists, but that we know God’s will is working within us. Further, we can welcome this season of suffering as an offering of ourselves for God’s purpose and find our relationship with Him strengthened and our purpose more defined.

Practical Steps to Suffer Well

We recommend a couple of ideas for suffering with hope.

1. Maintain a Heavenly Perspective: Romans 8:18 reminds us that present sufferings are insignificant compared to the glory that will be revealed. Keeping an eternal perspective helps in enduring current hardships.
2. Engage in Prayer and Scripture: Regular communication with God and immersion in His Word provide comfort, guidance, and the assurance of His promises during difficult times.
3. Seek Support from the Faith Community: Sharing burdens with fellow believers offers encouragement and practical assistance, reinforcing that you are not alone in your struggles.
4. Embrace God’s Sovereignty: Trust that God is in control and that He can bring good out of every situation, even when it’s not immediately apparent.

While challenging, suffering is an opportunity for Christians to deepen their faith and reliance on God. By understanding its purpose and implementing practical steps, believers can navigate hardships with hope and resilience, ultimately reflecting the character of Christ to the world.