Ponder This: How Can Suffering Deepen, Not Weaken, Faith?
Scripture To Consider: "Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." -Romans 5:3-5
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Tom's Response:
Jesus shared with his followers in John 16:33 that in this world, you will have trouble. Suffering comes in many forms—pain and physical discomfort, emotional pain, victim suffering, and suffering from one's own choices. We have all been part of or know someone who has dealt with suffering. The hostages who were freed last week dealt with extreme physical discomfort, psychological distress, and persecution for over 2 years in underground tunnels and caves. We see so much more suffering today than we did 20 years ago, with the 24-hour news cycle, the internet, and social media. This overconsumption of distressing content is negatively impacting society's mental health.
My favorite character in the bible, David, went from shepherd to court musician to the warrior who killed a giant. He was anointed by Samuel to be king of Israel, and he married Saul's daughter. Then he lost it all. He lost his mentor, Samuel; his good friend, Jonathan; his job; his income; his security; and his wife. He had to run from Saul's army to hide with the enemy, and when that didn't work out, he moved into a cave. He was on the run for nearly 10 years. David was a straight shooter with God, even after all of these troubles. He wrote Psalm 57 and Psalm 142. In Psalm 142:1-2, David says to the Lord, "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble." This is a psalm of lament; the most frequent of the psalms were complaints. David owned his failures and begged God to help him.
Samuel shared with Saul that David was a man after God's own heart in 1 Samuel 13:14. Psalm 57:7, David declares his total confidence in God's protection. "My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music." After 10 years of suffering, David (a man after God's own heart) continues to love the Lord. This is a man who went through physical discomfort, emotional pain, and unjust persecution. He went from a hero who slayed a giant to living in a cave, yet he clung to God. He shared his discouragement with God. This discouragement could weaken many people's faith. David encouraged himself in the Lord. He took refuge in the shadow of God's wings, he praised God, He sang to God, and he shared his troubles.
At some point in our lives, many of us will grow closer to God through hard times. We look to John 16:33 and take heart that Jesus has overcome the world. We know the suffering will come to an end, whether that is now or when we go to be with Jesus in heaven. When you are going through difficult times, write a psalm to God. Share your complaint. Let Him know you have total confidence in His plan, that you love Him with all your heart, and that you seek to discern His will.
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Karen's Response:
In John 16, Jesus pours his heart out to his disciples. He wants to ensure that their faith will deepen despite all the pain and suffering they will soon face. At the end of the discussion, he wraps it up so thoughtfully, when he shares in verse 33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
In these few sentences, three main points stand out to me.
- On earth, we will all face hard things.
- Through Jesus, we will be able to have peace through it all.
- Jesus is our Victory - set our eyes on this.
His words are not just a prediction of suffering, but a reassurance of His victory and the peace He offers. In times of suffering, if we keep our eyes on Jesus, it can be well with our souls. What a beautiful promise!
Actually, in scripture, we repeatedly read the promise that God is near us when we are afraid, brokenhearted, and weary. Really, God wants us to know He is always near. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His constant presence is a source of comfort and reassurance. Often, when things are good, we roll through life, thinking we can handle it on our own. Then storms come, and we turn to Him and desire His help in our times of suffering. Or, we call out to Him in moments of desperation, when we can't face the situation on our own. Because He is always near and He is always faithful, He hears our prayer, invites us back into His presence, and He gives us what we need. It isn't a promise of a quick fix, but a promise to be by our side, walk with us through the situation, and bless us with a peace that passes all understanding.
In my life, I have lived this truth. In my suffering, my faith has deepened. Through my suffering, I have been transformed. I now recognize my total dependence and need for Jesus. I have a deeper appreciation of God's amazing love for me. I have also come to really grasp that I am a temple of the Holy Spirit of God, who offers me so many wonderful gifts and blessings. One being peace in times of trouble, allowing it to be well with my soul on the best days and the hardest days.
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Mary Ann's Response:
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you… For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed… Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”
— 2 Timothy 1:6–8
Most of us, even the most faithful, have faced moments when suffering we question our belief in God. In times of pain, grief, or uncertainty often lead us to ask, “Why, God?” or “When will this end?”
Suffering is uncomfortable, painful and deeply human. It’s so much easier to hold on to faith when life is going great. But the truth is, suffering will test the depth of our faith like nothing else can. I often listen to Christian music on my drive to work. Time and again, I'm reminded that even in our darkest moments, God is right beside us and that suffering isn’t a detour from faith; it's often the very place where our faith grows strongest.
Paul’s words to Timothy remind us that the Spirit of God within us is not one of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. We are called to “join in suffering for the gospel,” not to avoid pain, but to walk through it empowered by the Spirit.
Even Jesus, in His greatest moment of suffering, remained in communion with the Father. He never promised us a life without trials — but He did promise that we wouldn’t go through them alone.
My mother-in-law, who suffers from debilitating arthritis, recently experienced a moment that reminded her that even in her pain, God is present.
After her much-hoped-for spine surgery was canceled due to complications, she was devastated. She had endured so much and just wanted relief. She was later sent into NYC for treatment to strengthen her bones, in hopes the surgery could be rescheduled.
That day, lost in the city and unsure where to go, my in-laws sat in the car confused and overwhelmed. Then, a woman knocked on the window and said, “You look like you might be lost.” This stranger not only directed them to the right parking garage but returned moments later, walked my mother-in-law into the building, and guided her straight to the correct office.
She didn’t work for the hospital. She wasn’t a city employee. She was simply there. My mother-in-law was moved to tears, believing wholeheartedly that this woman was placed in her path by the Holy Spirit — a reminder that she is not alone, and that God sees her suffering.
Being raised Catholic I often turn to the saints as well as scripture when praying
One of my favorite reminders comes from Isaiah 43:19:
“Do not lose hope in times of trouble, for God is working in the unseen. His hand is steady, and His timing is perfect in bringing good out of difficulty.”
Faith doesn’t always bring answers, but it offers the promise that our pain is not wasted because God is always along our side.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” suffered quietly throughout her short life. And would say. “I do not want to be a saint by halves. I’m not afraid to suffer for You. I fear only one thing — to keep my own will.” She understood that suffering, when covered in God's love, becomes a holy offering — one that deepens our intimacy with Christ. She also reminds us that “Not my own will, but God’s will”
There is another story in the bible about a woman named Esther. It ultimately reminds us to fully rely on God’s plans, even when the outcome is uncertain. Like Esther, we are all called to trust God in the unknown. Suffering may strip us of comfort, but it clothes us in courage.
Suffering doesn’t have to weaken our faith. It can make it stronger, it draws us closer to the heart of God, renewing our trust, and teaching us to walk in grace even when the path is unclear.
