Does strength through suffering sound appealing? I’m not talking about the suffering in working your physical body to make it strong but suffering through hardships that produce eternal benefits. And to be honest, though I wanted something flashier and more inspiring the Lord kept drawing me back to this topic of strength acquired through suffering. Repeatedly, the Scriptures declare the trials, the hardships, and the suffering grows us strong!

Many are suffering with a disease or from devastating tornadoes and hurricanes. Many are suffering through a lack of finances, broken homes, or relationships. Many are suffering persecution because of their faith. But it is through the sufferings of this life that God calls us to grow. However, we gain strength through suffering only by “the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). The grace of Christ Jesus is sufficient for us even as Christ Himself suffered victoriously, having risen from the dead (v. 8). Yet, we are commanded to “be strong” (v. 1) and we are commanded to “suffer hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (v. 3). In this way, have we become part of God’s spiritual army believing in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

And through the grace of Christ which is continually at our disposal we grow in strength (2 Timothy 2:1).

We are so programed to turn away from the hard and not accept this gift that God uses for our good (Romans 8:28). And we can easily be lured into looking for the sparkle of this world instead. Devastatingly often, the world’s sparkle equates to temporary pleasures that always end in bitter disappointment. God calls His children to suffer and even gives incentive to sparkle through the sufferings of this life because we know our destination will be a prize that never fades and a sparkle which will never grow dim (1 Corinthians 9:25; Revelation 21:10-11, 18-21; 22:1).

Stand strong and assume our armor daily, because the great struggle whereby we find our footing against the devil’s schemes will build internal strength and might! (2 Timothy 2:1-3; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Peter 5:10; Isaiah 43:2; John 16:33; Philippians 3:10; Romans 5:3)

Can you say with me, I will not fear; I will remain confident? (Psalm 27:3)