Encouragement During Suffering

How do we endure suffering? Our earthly difficulties pale by comparison to the future enjoyment of God’s eternal presence and splendor of Heaven. Let’s examine how God’s grace undertakes for us.

1. Know that suffering is only for a little while, but heavenly glory is eternal. (Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 1:6)

2. Know that God’s grace is sufficient to carry you through suffering. 2 Corinthians 1:4)
• “The God of all grace” means that God is the Source and Giver of all kinds of grace.
• God’s grace is God’s kindness and help to those who are undeserving, unwarranted, and completely unable to earn it. (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)
• God’s grace ministers to us.
- We are saved by God’s grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- We are sanctified by God’s grace. (2 Peter 3:18)
- We serve by God’s grace (2 Timothy 2:1-7)
- We endure suffering by God’s grace. (1 Peter 2:10)

3. Know that God’s ultimate end and purpose for your life is to be in His presence and bring Him glory.
• “To His eternal glory in Christ” points to our being in heaven in the presence of our glorious God.
• Heaven is a place that is eternal, imperishable, untainted, uncorrupted, marvelous, completely satisfying, divine, celestial, and absolutely glorious.
• Heaven is full of God’s glory, and God’s glory is the purpose and end of all things.

4. Know that God Himself is at work during suffering to prepare you for His eternal glory.
• God will perfect you and make you what you ought to be: Christ-like. (1 John 3:3-4)
• God will prop you up and stabilize you so you can stand firm. (James 4:6)
• God will give you strength to say “no” to sin and Satan and “yes” to righteousness. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• God will be your firm foundation on which you can rest.

5. Knowing these things causes us to praise God during suffering. (1 Peter 5:11)