Today’s a new day! If we’re being honest, suffering is not fun. None of us wake up in the morning and say, “I hope I suffer today.” We don’t ask for pain, hardship, sickness, loss, or trials. We naturally seek comfort, peace, and stability.
Yet suffering has a way of finding all of us.
As I have walked through my own health journey, I have come to a simple conclusion: if I have to walk through suffering, I am going to do it with Jesus by my side.
The reality is that suffering can either draw us closer to God or push us away from Him. We can become bitter, or we can become better. We can focus solely on our pain, or we can allow God to use that pain to shape us into the people He is calling us to be.
While I would never choose suffering, I have discovered that some of life’s greatest lessons are learned in the valleys, not on the mountaintops.
In the difficult seasons, we learn dependence. We learn patience. We learn endurance. We learn that God’s presence is often most real when everything else around us seems uncertain. The fruit that grows during suffering is often fruit that could not have grown any other way.
One of the greatest examples of this is found in Acts chapter 7.
Stephen, a faithful follower of Christ, was falsely accused and brought before religious leaders. He boldly proclaimed the truth of God’s Word and testified about Jesus. His reward was not comfort, applause, or promotion. Instead, he faced persecution and ultimately martyrdom.
As stones were thrown at him, Stephen displayed something remarkable. Rather than responding with hatred, he responded with grace. Rather than seeking revenge, he prayed for those who were attacking him. Scripture tells us that he looked into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father.
Even in the middle of unimaginable suffering, Stephen’s eyes remained fixed on Jesus.
What a powerful lesson for us today.
Our suffering may look different. It may be a health battle, financial hardship, broken relationships, grief, disappointment, or uncertainty about the future. Yet the same principle remains true: when our eyes stay fixed on Jesus, suffering does not have the final word.
God often does some of His deepest work in our lives during our hardest seasons.
The suffering we face today may be producing a stronger faith tomorrow. It may be teaching us compassion for others. It may be preparing us for a ministry we never imagined. It may be revealing God’s faithfulness in ways we would never have recognized otherwise.
I would never say I enjoy suffering. I don’t.
But I can say this: when suffering comes, I want to walk through it with Jesus.
Because sometimes the sweetest moments of God’s presence, the greatest growth in our character, and the most valuable lessons of our lives are found right in the middle of the struggle.
If you are suffering today, don’t walk through it alone. Lean into Christ. Talk to Him. Trust Him. Hold on to Him.
Like Stephen, keep your eyes on Jesus.
The suffering may be real, but so is the Savior who walks beside you through it. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 
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