The Honor of Suffering
By Doreen Virtue
Excerpted from Praise God in the Storm devotional for Christian women
“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.”
— 1 Peter 2:21–23
While it may not feel like an honor as you endure suffering, the Bible shares important insights and examples about why it’s an honor to suffer for Christ’s sake.
Now, this is not the self-inflicted type of suffering that happens as a result of making unwise choices (which we’ve all done – no judgment here). This is the type of suffering that accompanies being a Christian, such as losing loved ones who disagree with your Biblical stance, or a job loss, imprisonment, persecution, slander, and so forth because you’ve shared the Gospel.
Just as our Lord and Savior suffered and died for us, so too are we willing to suffer and die for His sake.
Jesus on the Blessing of Suffering
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:10–12
The Apostles’ Example
We see a clear example when Peter and John were arrested for preaching the Gospel. After they were flogged and released, the apostles rejoiced:
“Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.”
— Acts 5:41
Peter and John saw it as an honor to suffer for Christ’s name. How many of us can have this view in the moment of suffering? Perhaps afterward, when we look back we can see it.
And of course, this is not to berate us when we’re already down. It’s more about being encouraged and inspired by the apostles’ example. We may not reach their level of trust, yet we can appreciate their example.
Paul and Barnabas: Bold Amid Hardship
In fact, Paul and Barnabas faced severe persecution as they traveled to share the Gospel, including being stoned which is normally an experience leading to death. Yet, despite their hardships, they told the believers who were listening to them:
“It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
— Acts 14:22
What do you think about this statement? It’s in the Bible, so we trust that it’s divinely inspired truth.
Yet, I can recall having the belief (before I was saved) that we could escape earthly troubles if we just stayed positive. Many people sadly hold this belief that they can somehow manipulate God’s will to extract blessings.
Yet, the Bible clearly states that God is sovereign and in control. It’s His will, His way, and His timing. We’re encouraged to express our desires to God in prayer, yet ultimately it’s up to Him and we are to trust Him.
Paul and Barnabas emphasized that Christians will face hardships until Jesus returns or calls us home to Heaven. The narrow path is not easy, yet He is with us and uses our difficulties for our growth and His glory. Each time we endure a hardship we come out the other side with refined faith and increased trust and dependence on God.
Enduring Like Good Soil
This recalls the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1–23) in which only the seeds survive and grow which are in good soil, representing those who hear the Gospel and accept it and go on to bear a harvest of fruit for God’s kingdom.
This is in contrast to the seeds landing on thorns, which represents people who initially claim to believe the Gospel only to later turn away because of worldly cares. Those who are truly saved are able to withstand the storms, because the roots of our faith run deep.
Paul and Silas in Prison
Continuing with our examples of the apostles, one of the most remarkable is when Paul and Silas were thrown into prison. Instead of complaining, they prayed and sang hymns to God while other prisoners listened to them (Acts 16:25).
And that’s an important point for us to remember: other people are watching what we do in the face of suffering. New Christians and unbelievers will notice how we react to our trials, so it’s an important opportunity to share our faith and openly praise God in the storm so that all may hear us give glory to God.
John Harper and the Titanic
I’m thinking of the Scottish Christian man, John Harper, who went down with the Titanic. As the ship was sinking, Harper swam from person to person in the icy water to share the Gospel with other passengers who were in the water. Harper encouraged them to repent and believe in Jesus Christ.
A survivor of the Titanic testified that Harper swam to him and asked, “Are you saved?” The man replied that he was not, and Harper led him to the Lord right there in the freezing water. The man was rescued and he credited Harper’s evangelism with his conversion to Christianity.
Harper perished that night. As he was on the edge of drowning, he selflessly thought of how he could help others in the most important way that there is. After all, Harper knew where his soul was going. What a beautiful loving act of self-sacrifice he displayed. What an inspiration that we can apply to our own lives as we meet people who need to hear about Jesus.
Suffering with Christ Is a Privilege
While suffering can feel isolating and overwhelming, there’s an honor that comes with it:
“And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
— Romans 8:17
Jesus suffered on our behalf. It’s an honor and privilege to suffer for His sake, and to suffer with Him by your side. Philippians 3:10 calls this a “fellowship of His sufferings,” in which our trials draw us closer to Christ.
When our earthly resources don’t seem to help, we have no choice but to depend completely on God. Talk with Him throughout the day, and tell Him how you feel and what you need. He is there to give you strength and wisdom, dear sister. Remember that you’re never alone.
Reflection Questions
- Looking back on trials that you’ve previously endured because of your Christian faith, what blessings can you see that happened as a result?
- Has there ever been a time when you felt so alone, that God was the only One you felt you could talk to? What was occurring at that time, and have you continued to share your heart with God in conversations and prayers?
- In what way do you feel honored to suffer for your Christian faith?
- How does suffering mold and shape us to be more Christ-like?
