Resilient: Powerful Hope in a Dangerous WorldSample

You are not a victim.

Our culture is obsessed with victimization and romanticizing suffering or trauma. In our culture, a victim is identified as someone who is focused on themselves, experiencing ongoing pain, stuck in the past, and paralyzed by fear.

And hear me when I say nothing justifies the behavior, actions, and abuse that hatred creates. Nothing justifies the atrocities that each of us experiences at some level. But there is so much more for those of us who have experienced suffering.

In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul juxtaposes suffering with coming glory: he calls suffering and pain “light and momentary” and glory as being heavy and weighty. For those of us who are stuck in pain, it seems as though the opposite is true. But the pain only feels heavy when we fail to recognize the imminence of eternity.

In 1 Peter, Peter reminds his audience that God will empower them and ultimately glorify those in the flock who are faithful and steadfast in the midst of suffering. Hardships don’t merit glory in and of themselves, but God does use them to display His strength in our weakness.

Jesus told us that we would have pain in this world, but in the end, victory is on the other side. We can face whatever this life tries to throw at us because we know we serve a victorious king, and He Himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. Jesus does, in fact, take what the enemy meant for evil, and He turns it for good.

Reflection Questions

1. How have you healed from the pain and suffering you have experienced?
2. Take a moment to leave your pain and hurt with Jesus. Ask Him for healing and ask Him for an eternal mindset – ask Him for freedom.
3. How have you seen God redeem pain and suffering in your life?
4. What does it look like for you to encourage those in your life who are going through various trials?