Approach to Suffering

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                 Romans 5:3-4

A man’s joy in suffering is a continual theme in the New Testament. Paul explains that we ought to “rejoice in our sufferings.” How should we think about suffering as a man? Paul was not reflecting on self-inflicted wounds from poor choices. Paul’s reflection has more to do with the unpleasant effects of the brokenness that we experience in this world. The suffering Jesus endured during His ministry is a perfect example. Why does Paul say to rejoice in that?

We rejoice in suffering not because we enjoy it in some strange way. We rejoice in suffering because we know that God can do something with suffering. We believe that God works behind the scenes and nothing goes to waste in the His economy. In any man’s life, God can use suffering in a powerful way. Perseverance, character, and hope are the fruit of suffering.

The next time you experience the ill-effects of a broken world and suffer because of it, consider how God might be using that build you as a man. Approach suffering with joy.

DO THIS TODAY: Thank God for suffering in your life. Pray that God uses suffering to produce fruit.