Learn to Suffer Well

 Learn to endure suffering gracefully. This phrase occasionally crosses my mind, but how can I learn to endure suffering well? What does that even mean?

Jesus experienced rejection, mockery, laughter, and being called insane. Despite these hardships, He refrained from retaliation or self-defense when falsely accused.

If I aspire to be like Jesus, shouldn’t I anticipate facing rejection, criticism, and belittling? Why do I believe I shouldn’t encounter trials and struggles in my own life if Jesus did?

While I may never endure suffering to the extent of Jesus, can I learn to “count it all joy”?

James 1:2 (ESV) states, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”

This can indeed be challenging and not always easy.

The verse assures us that trials and challenges will come, as it says, “when” or “whenever.” The key lies in our choice of response.

We can try to avoid or take the easy way out, but Jesus’ way is always through.

Isaiah 43:2-3 says, “when you pass through” and “when you walk through.” It doesn’t suggest avoiding these experiences. However, God’s promise is that He is with us! We will not be overcome, consumed, or fearful. Because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness and perseverance. Therefore, we can “count it all Joy” because we know God has a greater purpose and a plan for this “trial,” regardless of its nature.

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

“Our light and momentary troubles.” There it is, perspective. The troubles or difficulties I or we face are preparing or achieving something far greater than we might know. I may not always understand why things happen the way they do, or the lesson I’m supposed to learn, although patience does come to mind! And trusting in the Lord’s plan and ways, but I know this isn’t all there is—there’s something so much greater waiting for me on the other side. If I just learn to persevere, keep things in perspective, and know this too shall pass! Trusting that God is in control.

Hebrews 10:36 reminds us that we have need of endurance. So that we don’t let the circumstances of life cause us to run away, but instead to stand firm on the promises of God.

Patience, by definition, is the “capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” Endurance is, “ability to withstand hardship or adversity.” Neither word says anything about giving up, running away. No mention of “throwing in the towel” so to speak. No throwing up your hands and saying what’s the point. It’s not resignation or a defeatist attitude. But patient endurance, a willingness to keep moving forward; sticktoittiveness (not sure that’s a real word ☺), perseverance, trusting that God is in control, that He has a plan. Can’t help but wonder if Jesus ever felt like giving up? But He stayed the course, kept His eyes on His Father.

Jesus reminds us in John 16:33 that our peace is in Him. We can expect difficulties, but we shouldn’t lose heart because He has overcome!

And Colossians 1:11 reminds us that our strength comes from God.

Learn to endure suffering with joy, not because of the circumstances themselves, but because of the knowledge that you are not alone. God walks with you through the trials of life. Embrace suffering with joy, not by complaining and griping about your problems, but by finding joy in the knowledge that through them, you may learn valuable lessons from the Lord. These lessons will help you build character and become more like Jesus.

Therefore, I will continue to trust in God’s control. I will keep doing the next best thing. As Paul said, “We do not look to what is seen, but to what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).