Devotional on Suffering (2)

Embrace the Purpose in Suffering: James 1:2-4 encourages us to view trials as opportunities for joy, not because the pain itself is pleasant, but because of the growth it can produce. The testing of our faith leads to endurance, which in turn makes us mature and complete. When we face difficulties, we are given the chance to rely more deeply on God, strengthening our faith and character. It's in these moments that our true spiritual resilience is developed. Seeing suffering as a trial and a lesson helps us learn what the Lord is teaching us.

How has a recent trial in your life shaped your faith and character?

How can viewing trials as opportunities for growth change your perspective on suffering?

Application: Next time you face a trial, instead of focusing on the pain, ask God to show you how this situation can help you grow in faith and character. Write down ways in which past trials have strengthened you and keep this as a reminder of God's faithfulness.

Being Made Perfect Through Suffering: Hebrews 5:7-9 (TLV) states, “In the days of His life on earth, Yeshua offered up both prayers and pleas, with loud crying and tears, to the One able to save Him from death; and He was heard because of His reverence. Though He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered. And once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” This passage shows us that even Yeshua, the Son of God, underwent suffering to perfect His obedience. This does not mean He was imperfect, but that His faith and obedience were fully demonstrated through His trials. Our suffering can similarly perfect our faith, teaching us obedience and deepening our trust in God.

Does this passage say anything that’s surprising to anyone?

What does it mean for your faith to be perfected through suffering?

In what ways have your recent sufferings tested and strengthened your obedience to God?

Application: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. Identify specific lessons in obedience and faith that you learned through that experience. Consider how these lessons are making you more like Yeshua.

Romans 8:16–18 “16 The Ruach Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 17 And if children, also heirs—heirs of God and joint-heirs with Messiah—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed to us.”

So our faith in Yeshua is made perfect through suffering. But more than that, suffering allows us to identify with Messiah and the suffering He endured. Which allows to participate in His coming glory when He returns.

1 Peter 4:12–14 “12 Loved ones, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal taking place among you to test you—as though something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, rejoice insofar as you share in the sufferings of

Messiah, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be glad. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Messiah, you are fortunate, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”

How to Respond

Look to Yeshua as Our Example: Hebrews 12:2-3 (TLV) advises us to fix our eyes on Yeshua, the initiator and perfecter of faith. “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame; and He has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and lose heart.” Yeshua faced immense suffering with a focus on the joy and purpose beyond it. His endurance provides a powerful example for us. By keeping our focus on Yeshua and the joy that lies ahead, we can find the strength to endure our own hardships.

How does Yeshua's endurance inspire you to handle your own suffering?

What specific aspects of Yeshua's suffering and endurance resonate most with you?

Application: During your next trial, intentionally spend time reading about Yeshua’s endurance in the Gospels. Meditate on His perseverance and pray for the same strength and focus in your own life.

Pray with Earnestness and Submission: Yeshua faced His suffering with intense prayer, as described in Hebrews 5:7-9. His prayers were filled with loud cries and tears, demonstrating His deep reliance on God. This teaches us to approach our own suffering with earnest prayer, bringing our deepest struggles before God. By submitting to His will, we can find peace and strength, knowing that He hears us and is present with us in our pain.

How can earnest prayer and submission to God change your experience of suffering?

Is there any suffering right now you aren’t bringing to the Lord?

Application: Make a habit of turning to God in prayer as your first response to suffering. Pour out your heart to Him honestly and submit to His will, trusting that He hears you and is with you.

Trust in God’s Presence and Comfort: Psalm 34:19 (TLV) assures us, “Adonai is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.” In moments of deep suffering, God is especially near. His presence brings comfort and salvation, reminding us that we are not alone. This promise provides hope and reassurance that God is intimately aware of our struggles and is ready to offer His comfort and support.

How have you experienced God's presence and comfort during past trials?

What can you do to remind yourself of God's nearness when you feel overwhelmed?

Application: When you feel overwhelmed by suffering, take a moment to sit quietly in God’s presence. Remind yourself of His promise to be near to the brokenhearted and meditate on His love and comfort.

Find Rest in Yeshua: Yeshua extends an invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 (TLV), “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” When overwhelmed by suffering, we can find rest in Yeshua. He invites us to share our burdens with Him, offering a gentle and humble heart that provides true rest for our souls. We don’t even necessarily need to itemize every concern and pain we have. When the pain is overwhelming we can just go to Him for comfort without specificity.

Question: What does it mean to find rest in Yeshua during times of suffering?

Application: Accept Yeshua’s invitation to come to Him with your burdens. Spend time in prayer, laying your struggles at His feet, and ask Him to give you the rest and peace that only He can provide.

When you’re in the midst of suffering, remember that Yeshua has first endured your suffering and worse. It was through His suffering that His obedience was made perfect, and that salvation came to us.

Remember that the suffering is a trial the Lord has allowed to happen to teach you something and mature you in the faith. Learn to respond rightly by leaning into Messiah and not ourselves. Focus on Him and not on the problem. Earnestly pray to the Lord and bring to Him your pain.

Any suffering that leads you closer to God, is better than any comfort that leads you away from Him.