Participating in Christ’s Suffering: Understanding and Embracing Pain

Sharing in His suffering

Sometimes suffering for Jesus as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 4 looks like the persecution that the 1st century Christians suffered and so many brothers and sisters suffer all around the globe today. However, I have struggled with what this means for me and others who live in the West who do not suffer in this particular way. Sure some people do receive criticism and ostracization for their belief in Christ even here in the West, but most do not fear death or major suffering. So, what does it mean for us when Paul says “ Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies” (2 corinthians 4:10)

I have given serious prayer and contemplation to this matter because I, like Paul, desire to take part in the suffering of Christ so that I might experience the same power of the resurrection (Philippians 3:10-12). I know that all Christians will be raised in the last days but how can I tap into this in my daily life. How can I share in his suffering?

What is Suffering?

For me, I feel God has answered this through chronic illness. God has shown me through His word and prayer that in my life part of my suffering that lends to taking part in the suffering of Christ is serving Him through the suffering of chronic illness.  Let me explain, in my day-to-day life I deal with a great deal of pain and fatigue and it can be overwhelming. However, when I lean on Jesus he helps deal with the suffering that comes from this disease, because of Him the disease does not define me, in fact, it is the very thing that reveals His power in me. Like Paul says We are like jars of clay, we have a great light inside of us, a treasure, but because of our weakness it can be seen that the treasure and power are not of ourselves, but of God (2 Corinthians 4:7)

All for the Glory of God

We are also told whatever we do, do it unto the Lord(Colossians 3:23). So no matter what we are doing; serving at church or our families, no matter where God has placed us, and no matter what talents and abilities have been given we are working for the Lord. 

Sometimes in my life just doing the dishes can be taxing, but I know that I am serving my family for the Lord and that He sees the struggles I encounter while serving Him even in these small ways, like dishes, and He blesses me in suffering and pain that sometimes comes from this service.

So I wonder what in your life is a struggle? Is it loving someone hard to love? Is it forgiving someone who has deeply wounded you? Or maybe you too have a chronic health issue. Whatever your suffering and struggles look like know that you are not doing it just for those around you, to be of service, or to do the right thing. You are also doing it unto the Lord to serve Him and be a reflection of Him. He sees the pain, suffering, or struggles, and it’s all a part of living the Christian life, suffering as Jesus did.  The good news is one day we will rise just as Jesus did and there will come an end to our suffering and we will reach the eternal prize for running the race (Philippians 3:13-14)

Conclusion

I have found that by looking at all that I do as work for Christ it has made it easier to endure when the pain and fatigue is bad or when others do not notice or appreciate the effort I have made. I can also know that God does notice. He sees my pain, and suffering that I endure in order to serve Him, even in the smallest of ways.

contemplation

• Are there areas that, I need a perspective change? How can I look at suffering as a privilege?
• Pick out a verse or two to memorize to help you during times when you need to endure trials, pain, and suffering to serve the Lord.
• Pray for those who are persecuted . Praying for others who suffer helps us feel less alone and remember the blessing we do have,