Growing Through SufferingSample

Suffering Wisely

How do you respond to the suffering in your life? Can you view trials as an opportunity for joy?

Jesus promised that we will suffer in this world (John 16:33). While we cannot always avoid suffering, we can decide how we will respond to it. We can waste our suffering by turning away from God and his purposes, or we can choose to suffer wisely.

Wisdom is applied knowledge. It is the ability to take the truth of God and make it practical for our daily lives. When we ask God for wisdom, we are asking for discernment to view and respond to our circumstances in accordance with his will and ways (James 1:5; 4:2). “Suffering wisely” involves understanding that trials have the capacity to spark a powerful chain reaction in our lives: When our faith is tested by suffering, our endurance grows, and when our endurance is fully developed, we become “complete” (James 1:3-4). Completeness is manifested by, among other characteristics, a spirit of “great joy” (James 1:2).

Joy is far richer and more stable than our notion of mere happiness. Joy is a supernaturally-produced state of wellness that is not dependent on our circumstances. Joy does not just happen; it must be cultivated through a relationship with God. The closer we draw to God, the more his joy will inevitably “rub off” on us. Joy grows through the habits of trust and thankfulness. We cling to our faith in him, even when we cannot see God or understand what he is doing. Our gratitude is displayed as we choose to praise and affirm the character of God, even when we seem to have no earthly reason to.

Joy also grows when we set our minds on God’s future promises (2 Corinthians 4:17). God promises to give the “crown of life” to those who patiently endure testing and temptation (James 1:12). We can look forward to being lavishly recompensed for whatever we have suffered.

While we cannot avoid suffering in this life, we can choose to respond wisely. As we discover and grow in joy, we will experience a “glorious [and] inexpressible” blessing that will never be taken away from us (John 16:22; 1 Peter 1:8).