We are supposed to suffer because suffering makes us complete. Jesus said: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:38, NIV). (The idea of taking up our cross is also found in Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23 and Luke 14:27.) To take up our cross is to suffer. We need the benefits of suffering. Hebrews 2:10 declares that God made our savior “perfect through what he suffered” (NIV). How much suffering will it take to perfect you? You might need more suffering than Jesus to reach completion because you have an old corrupt self, which he did not have.
Our suffering only lasts for this life; in the next life God will reward us for it. Since the new covenant of the kingdom fulfilled the old covenant, the followers of God no longer need material or political success in this world in order to fulfill the mission of God in this first phase. His mission is to make disciples of his Son, and he is doing this through his Spirit in people’s hearts (instead of external blessings) before he establishes a political kingdom of Christformed people. We fulfill God’s mission knowing that he has promised us a new earth that far surpasses anything in this world. Our mission is to let God Christform us, bring his light to the world and accept the suffering that comes with this mission.
Following is a meditation to help us embrace suffering. Apply this meditation to your present suffering.
- Absorb Scripture. Read Romans 8:17: “Together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering” (NLT). Also read James 1:2-4 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete” (NLT). What are Paul and James trying to accomplish in you with these words?
- Feelings and Emotions Reflection. Are you ever able to feel joy in the midst of troubles? Ask yourself: What feelings or emotions did I experience while absorbing these passages?
- Truth Commitment. Invite God to reveal your heart then ask yourself: How much do I believe that suffering will be necessary for my future growth? How much do I believe that suffering is necessary to share in Christ’s glory?
- Virtue Commitment. Invite God to reveal your heart then ask yourself: To what extent do I rejoice in troubles and embrace suffering? If you are not able to handle suffering well, ask yourself: Why am I weak in this area?
- Reception (Contemplation.) Ask God to show you anything you have not fully embraced and anything else he desires to show you, or ask Jesus a question about this topic. Sit with a quiet and open heart for at least 60 seconds.
Did this change your attitude toward your suffering? What else would help to change your attitude?
