suffering, but suffering is a necessary, normal part of the Christian life. In
fact, the Scripture says we can expect hardships and suffering to increase (2
Tim. 2:3; 3:1-4, 13), so we must be prepared.
We learn from the book of 2
Timothy that we may experience suffering as a result of our testimony, our godly
living, or our stand for truth,
when we are rejected or left alone (2 Tim. 1:15; 4:9-11;), or as a natural
consequence to our fleshly, worldly desires (2 Tim. 2:22).
Suffering will
indeed come, but God can give us grace and power to overcome every trial and to
fulfill our purpose and mission in His kingdom. In his second epistle to
Timothy, the Apostle Paul shares some important truths about how we can endure
suffering.
1. Don’t forget why you are suffering
Remember your
purpose and Whom you serve! The Apostle Paul said he was willing to suffer for
the proclamation of the Gospel, for the sake of the elect, and for the glory of
God. Our suffering, big or little, can be used to bring about the same purposes.
(2 Tim. 2:8–9)
2. Remember that you are a prisoner of Christ, not of
your circumstances or other people
2 Timothy 1:8: So do not be ashamed
of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in
suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
3. Keep going back to
the things you know to be true from God’s Word
Don’t doubt in the dark
what you have seen in the light. Remember what you received as a result of your
salvation in Christ (2 Tim. 1:5). Remember your calling and the grace of God (2
Tim. 1:1, 9-13).
4. Keep doing whatever God has called you to
do
Persevere, stay the course, and be faithful, regardless of any
opposition or hardship. (2 Tim. 4:1-5)
5. Trust God to deal with those
who oppose the truth
Don’t take matters into your own hands or become
bitter and argumentative. (2 Tim. 2:23–26)
6. Remember times in the
past when the Lord delivered or rescued you
Be quick to praise Him and
testify to others (2 Tim. 3:11; 4:16-17).
7. Rely on the resources God
has given you
8. Remember that you are not alone in your
suffering
It’s a phase, it will soon pass.
9. No matter how
difficult things are today, you can face the future with hope. Trust the truth
of Scripture.
It’s the truth.
10. In all your suffering,
remember Jesus Christ
Remember:
Expect suffering—it is
inevitable—but don’t forget the powerful resource that you have in Christ.
Entrust your life to His ever-present care and control. He loves you, and He
will help you endure.
[written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss]
