The Blessing of Suffering
Hebrews 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
Perfected Through Suffering
We are reminded in Scripture that the Captain of our salvation—Jesus Christ—was made perfect through suffering. If He, the sinless and perfect Son of God, endured hardship and pain, we who are sinful and flawed should not be surprised when trials come our way. Shall the Head be crowned with thorns, yet the members of His body expect to rest in comfort and ease? Should Christ journey through the deep pools of His own blood to secure the crown, while we hope to stroll into heaven with dry feet and silver slippers?
No, the experience of our Master reveals that suffering is not only unavoidable but also essential in the Christian life. The true-born child of God will not—would not—choose to escape suffering, even if it were possible, for it is a mark of our identity in Him.
The Comfort of Christ’s Sympathy
Yet, amid our struggles, there is deep comfort in the knowledge that Christ Himself was “made perfect through suffering.” Because He endured pain and sorrow, He can fully sympathize with us in our weakness. “He is not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” In Christ’s sympathy, we find a sustaining power that carries us through our darkest valleys.
One of the early martyrs once declared, “I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong.” Believer, let this truth steady your heart in every season of agony. Draw strength from the fact that Jesus walks with you, upholding you as you follow in His footsteps.
The Honor of Suffering for Christ
Find sweet support in His empathy and remember: to suffer is an honorable thing; to suffer for Christ is a glorious privilege. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name. In the measure that God grants us grace to endure hardships for Christ, in that measure does He honor us. The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The royal regalia of the kings whom God anoints are their troubles, sorrows, and griefs.
Let us not shy away from being honored in this way. Let us not turn aside from exaltation that comes through trial. Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us up. As the Scriptures promise: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.”
Lord Jesus, thank You for being a Savior who understands our pain and walks with us in our afflictions. Help us to embrace the trials You allow, knowing that through them, You are perfecting us, drawing us closer to Yourself, and preparing us to reign with You. May we find strength in Your sympathy and joy in the honor of suffering for Your sake. (Spurgeon)
