When Suffering Is Granted by God
Why would God allow suffering in the life of a believer? Philippians 1:29 starts answering that question and teaches that both faith and suffering are granted by God, inviting us to trust His sovereignty even in pain.
I want to admit something: I don’t naturally love this verse.
If I’m honest, I like the first half: “it has been granted… to believe in Him.” Yes, Lord, thank You for saving me. Thank You for opening my eyes, softening my heart, drawing me to Christ.
But then Paul says something that catches in my throat: it has also been granted “to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29).
Granted: Given. Bestowed. What? Not accidentally permitted. Not overlooked. Granted.
This doesn’t mean suffering is good in itself. Evil is evil, and sin is sin. Tears are real. Scripture never calls suffering pleasant, but it does insist that suffering is never pointless for the child of God.
Suffering Within God’s Sovereign Care
Paul is teaching us that suffering belongs inside God’s wise providence. It is not outside His fatherly care. This is where faith becomes very practical. We have two choices when suffering hits:
We can interpret it as abandonment: God must not love me.
Or we can interpret it through the cross: God loves me so much He gave His Son for me; therefore, even this pain must be under His hand.
A Credible Witness to Suffering
Paul adds, “having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me” (Philippians 1:30). Paul isn’t giving armchair theology. He is suffering while he writes. I don’t know about you, but I want to know that anyone who tells me suffering has been “granted” to me knows suffering. I want a credible witness to the faithfulness of God. Paul’s suffering matters. It means we can’t dismiss him by saying, “You don’t understand.”
Friends, some of you are tired. You are doing the hard work of faith with a heart that feels bruised. This verse is not meant to scold you, rather it is meant to stabilize you.
Suffering Is Not Random
If suffering is granted, then it is also measured, and it is not random. It becomes, mysteriously, a servant of God’s purposes. I have wrestled with the Lord over this mystery. I have struggled to reconcile His love with His sovereignty. Numerous times the Lord turned my eyes and heart toward Jesus for proof God can take what is evil and turn it toward redemption. He tells me again and again - look at Jesus.
The Father did not spare His beloved Son from suffering, but through that suffering He purchased salvation for sinners. Jesus was rejected so that you could be accepted. Jesus was brought near. You have access to the throne of grace because of a cross.
Faith That Speaks in the Dark
So when suffering comes, faith doesn’t say, “This is easy.” Faith says, “This is so hard, and it is not meaningless. Jesus, help me.”
Those words may be whispered as we sob and cry out to Jesus for help, desperate for His touch and comfort. I write these words with tears, remembering my own desperation and cry for the unending ache in my chest to ease. I don’t want anyone reading this to think I am being cavalier or superficial in my words. Like Paul and so many others who walked this pathway before me, these are the times I learned the darkness is where joy can begin - not bubbly happiness, but the steady joy of being able to say, “Even here, Christ is mine. Even here, my Father is near and will finish what He started.”
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
• When hardship hits, pray: “Father, help me interpret this through the cross.”
• Ask God to show you one way He might be strengthening your faith through trial.
• Share your struggle with a trusted believer. Suffering grows heavier in secrecy.
PRAYER
Lord, I don’t ask for suffering, but I confess that You are Lord over it. When pain comes, keep me from believing lies about Your love. Anchor me in the cross of Jesus Christ and remind me that I am Yours. Give me faith to endure, and joy that cannot be stolen. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.
