These days, there’s a pair of boxing gloves resting on the passenger’s seat of my car, and it makes me entirely giddy. While I’m certain I’m also improving my self defense skills and I hope to intimidate all those around me at the sight of my gloves, that’s not why I have them at all. I recently joined a boxing gym with one of my coworkers. It’s something I never thought I’d do for a million reasons, and exactly why I love it so much.
You see, the past year I’ve battled opponents like chronic pain, fatigue, and depression, which wiped me out and put me on the sidelines for weeks-turned-months on end. I am still far from winning these matches, but I’m thankful that some of the very worst parts have lifted, leaving a little space for hopeful and fun activities like exercise—things I had missed immensely. So I guess you could say my jab-jab-cross-uppercut enthusiasm is fueled by gratefulness for my newfound health and the growing distance between me and long, sleepless nights. I am doing this for my former self who couldn’t.
Suffering can feel like a tough blow to the head or a punch right in the stomach, but Jesus has already fought for us and given us strength we could never muster for ourselves. And now, we suffer differently, for our former selves who couldn’t survive sin at all. Instead of backing down to pain, we rejoice when His glory is revealed, and even we “are ridiculed for the name of Christ, [we] are blessed” (1 Peter 4:13–14). We do not suffer in the same way others do because we know exactly how the battle ends.
One of the first things I learned in boxing was how to wrap my hands before putting them inside the gloves. Using a cloth bandage, I begin by wrapping my wrists, then criss-cross around my hand, covering each knuckle and protecting each finger. And because I do this, I know I’ll be safe, no matter how hard I hit the punching bag.
When we face hard times as children of God, we are given something to wrap around our hearts for protection: the truth of who He is. We cover our minds in Scripture, trusting that no matter what we face, we do not face it without our Father, who wears a belt of righteousness and a sash of faithfulness (Isaiah 11:5).
With these words, He makes sure all our doubts are answered and all our fears are covered by His love for us. So when we step into the ring of discomfort, we already know the outcome; we are called blessed by the Lord, our God. Thanks be to Him.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the humble,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.”
– Matthew 5:3–6
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35 thoughts on "Christian Suffering"
The way that we endure suffering as children of God can be powerful in displaying to all “a life being lived that demands a Gospel explanation”.
Requesting prayer. I’m 34 weeks pregnant and my husband had to move before me to start his new job while I wrap mine up. While we face transition, moves and a baby very soon on the way it’s easy for my brain to spiral into worry and fear. Please pray I find rest in Jesus during this time.
As a parent of kids with additional support needs, I find reflections like today hard. I know that eternity brings joy, but I find now so very difficult at times. I don’t know God’s purpose but I’m trying to trust him for today and the future.
Same. Thank you so much for sharing. I need Jesus to help me with my 2 amazing kids every day
Suffering for doing good is still a concept that I struggle to understand. Especially, that God would allow or maybe even create that situation. The one thing that gives me comfort is knowing that God loves me more than I could ever imagine.
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler” (1 Peter 4:15). Sometimes I feel like life is painful and then I realize that life is painful because I’ve made a bad decision or a poor choice. And I’m suffering the consequences of that decision or choice. Other times life is painful because the world is broken. It truly isn’t supposed to be this way. And there may be suffering because of a stand we take as a result of our faith. Peter is encouraging the believers to make sure we are not suffering because of personal sin we have committed.
In answer to Debryn’s question about who said “Courage dear heart,” it was CS Lewis from the Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Narnia series). I only know that because I just read it today in another devotional I have!
Rachel, a quote our church uses when serving in the community is, “They don’t care what we know until they know that we care” which is so true. This quote is a great reminder as we connect with those who are far from the Lord.
It’s so reassuring to know I can cover my mind with scripture when I’m facing hardships, knowing God is at my side; I am never alone!
vs. 14 “If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
Today when I read that verse I realized, when I am ridiculed living for Christ, it is because Christ is seen in me.
That is a blessing.
That is what we live for, right – for Christ to be seen in us.
We live to be His Love.
We live to shine His Light.
Someone who sees Jesus in me and fights against what they see, fights against Christ and His love.
Someone who sees Jesus in me fights because The Light is breaking through their darkness, and it has made them uncomfortable.
Instead of being caught up in the wrongness of being ridiculed for Christ,
which is really just caught up in “me”
I want to focus on the blessing that someone who needs Jesus
saw Him,
and God used me in the tiniest part of it.
vs. 19 “So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.”
1 Peter 3:15 is noted today. In to worship Christ as Lord of my life. And, in response to the one who asks, I’m to be ready to explain about the hope I have as a believer. Which reminds me that my life should reflect the hope I have, that it must be so noticeable to others that they would be curious enough to ask about it. Is my life a magnet for others to be drawn to a curiosity about what /Whom I have?
In my circle of friends, some are referring to themselves as Believers rather than Christian since Christian tends to bring a negative response.
Rachel, last week we read, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” 1 Peter 3:15 NASB. We are to be ready to make a defense to everyone who ASKS. And this is to be done with gentleness and reverence. We are not to go out looking for an argument or debate to win. That said, I do believe we need to be bold for Christ. We are to be praying for God to bring people to us whom He wants us to share Christ with.
To Rachel M., very good question. As a nurse, I have learned the hard truth that all doctors will actually contribute to a death of a patient. Likewise, I think it is possible that everyone will be hurt by a Christian. I think of myself, being way too severe on our firstborn. I can only apologize which I have done. I was deeply hurt while part of CCC while in college. Now I am talking about it. Now we are in a relationship oriented church with an emphasis on the working of the Holy Spirit. If our motive isn’t love, empowered by the Spirit, I remind myself to keep my mouth shut. I also find a quiet courage and testimony when the time is right. Courage, dear hearts. Do you know who said that?
Unfortunately in my experience you mention the word “Christian” around a non-believer their walls automatically go up. The conversation changes and the tension rises. I feel like it can be such a delicate situation sharing your faith. Building that rapport with someone is really important to showing Jesus through you, without “shoving it” in their face. At the same time, we are not here to please people and dance around things that actually matter. We are here to please God and share His love. Any thoughts on this topic?
Since I am a day behind, I don’t know if you will see this. Your question made me think of what my former pastor (now retired) said, which is that you have to develop the relationship, the friendship, before they are likely to actually listen to what you share about Jesus. Why would they listen if they have no idea who you are? But we should also live so that those around us are drawn to Who is in us & are curious about the hope we have.
I too have a pair of brand new boxing gloves in my car. I just joined Rock Steady Boxing which is a therapy program for people with Parkinson’s disease. I was just diagnosed 2 months ago with early onset Parkinson’s at the age of 49. My world has been shaken as I strive to fight the worry and fear of the road that lies ahead.
Kathy, my heart desires to reflect what you said – ” I want to walk through my suffering in such a way that no one can question His presence in my life”. I want to be willing for God to use this suffering in my life to bring Him glory and impact lives around me. I have been using SRT for several years but have never commented but I am so thankful for an online community of Godly women to connect with for daily reassurance, reminders, and challenges to help me stay focused on Him and His purpose for me and not on my struggles in this world that need to be daily relinquished to Him. He’s in control no matter how out of control I feel.
Psalm 34:4-8
I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and rescued me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant with joy;
their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him from all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!
So when I step into the ring of discomfort, I already know the outcome, I am called, blessed by the Lord our God. Thank you Kaitlyn for these words. I made them personal by using “I” statements for me. I will be stepping into the ring of discomfort as most of you know I go to court Friday, March 1. I know God is with me. I’ve been reading God’s word and being comforted by HIM. Why human nature is scared, but I know God is with me.
“My”
The most intense experience I had with opposition against Jesus yet was when a friend of mine & his brother took part in a bandcontest (in Germany) with their very Christian songs. I was so surprised how they got great feedback for their music and passed one round after the other without any loud opposition. Then in the finale there were fans of other bands who said such loud ‘boo’s’, had so much hatred in their face, showed middle fingers, people saying in their face they shouldn’t be there, a grown man spitting on the floor to show disrespect towards a teenage fan. My friend & his brother won the contest, the haters left and the evening ended with shouts for Jesus from all Christians there. I’m sure many people started to think about ‘these Christians’ & why we are being Christians because of that night. I shouldn’t be surprised it stirred up such hatred. But HIS love always wins over hate ❤️.
Amen!!!!!
I am so thankful God is SO much more capable than me! I will lean on your strength and wisdom in all situations!
SRT sisters, I ask that you would uphold my daughter in prayer. Her name is Janice. Thank you!
Blessed are You oh Lord, God of the universe, for you have given us the ability to love and with that ability we often times feel worried and concerned. Thank You that You love us all more than we will ever be able to comprehend. Help us to hold firm to Your love. Amen.
Amen! Praying for you, sister. ❤️
It has been three weeks since my mom died. My head knows that she is in the presence of Jesus, happy, healthy, and whole, but my heart is shattered. In the midst of this suffering however, this is what I have realized. God’s presence has been overwhelming. It has been stronger than all the pain in my heart and while I would love to see and talk to my mom one more time I wouldn’t trade this sense of His presence for anything.
These verses say “when” you suffer, not “if” you suffer. There will be suffering. I just pray that I will always entrust myself to my faithful Creator. I want to walk through my suffering in such a way that no one can question His presence in my life.
“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” (Charles Spurgeon)
Be blessed, sweet sisters.
Kathy, this is beautiful. I love how God has been overwhelming you with His presence during this difficult time. Enjoy every minute, sister.
Kathy, praying for you. Please be comforted by all of us who are praying for you. And please know that this is not the end of the story. Because we are all children of God one day we will all be reunited. God is good! It’s not goodbye, it’s “see you later“
Praying for you ❤️ I know this is probably the last thing you want to hear, but I came across this sermon recently about death and I think it might bring some small comfort to your heart in your grief. https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/christ-umc-rockford-il-sermons/id987293644?mt=2&i=1000429583246
Thanks for sharing your beautiful heart and I’m sorry for your loss. The quote is amazing too by the way, I’ve never heard it before ❤️ so powerful.
It’s the most beautiful thing when God turns such tragedies into life-changing completion. His love, his presence, his fulfilling of his promises, completes us. I’m praying for you as you endure this heart wrenching time. But I pray that you never stop feeling His presence around you. ❤️
When I was growing up my faith was strong and my witness was established. My friends and the students in my public high school accepted me as the girl who attended church, Sunday School, weekly prayer breakfasts, and dragged them to church for missionary breakfasts and youth group activities, and sang Christian songs at our senior class banquet. I was never ridiculed—at least to my face. I never imagined that in living out my faith in the United States I would face any challenge to my faith the way Christians had In the other countries that I’d heard about at those missionary breakfasts and at my Good News club. My community accepted my faith. How things have changed! Now when I turn on the news, I listen to sound bites of politicians talking about my faith as “someone’s fiction”. It breaks my heart. I may not have experienced this attack on my faith face-to-face YET, but the reality is that suffering for the name Christian is here and is now, but so is the Spirit of the Lord who lives in us. What a privilege to be able to reflect the glory of God through suffering for His name. After all, it is nothing compared to the suffering he endured for me. Be strengthened, Sisters in Christ. Our world may have changed, but our God hasn’t!
In my city, I have heard many close friends and Christian leaders say that they “are distancing themselves from the word Christian” because people find it offensive. They now opt for the word “spirituality”, and it is breaking my heart. I see the effect of this in their hearts and lives. I see the effect of it in their influence of younger adults (and their young kids who I love). I’m trying not to see this as MY suffering, but truthfully it hurts also to know that my closest friends find the deepest, surest part of me offensive…my very identity in Christ.
I love this and couldn’t have said it better. In a world that in many ways is crumbling apart we must remember our God saves and His great love and hope is unshaken! Let us be able to show that in the way we live our lives everyday
It is interesting to look at the blessings we have to do the “little things” and compare them to our times when all we had we dark days. I am grateful that I have not only the Free Will of God to make my own decisions but also that I live in a society that let’s practice my religion, spiritual activities, etc. without fear of being censored or punished. There are people in the world who cannot freely be Christian or wear whatever clothes they want. I have to remember those little things when I am so focused on what seems like a big issue to me. In the grand scheme of things, it may not be as big.
Nice pieces! Thanks dear. The LORD increase you in grace. Amen