Why Suffering Is Part of the Christian Life
Why does God allow suffering in the life of a believer? If you haven’t asked the question, you will no doubt. Philippians 1:29 reveals that both faith and suffering are gifts from God, shaping us to know Christ more deeply.
A Truth We Would Not Choose
There are some verses we underline quickly and return to often. Others we read more slowly, almost hesitantly.
I think possibly Philippians 1:29 might be one of those verses for some of us.
“For it has been granted to you… not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.” Is that a gift? If we are honest, we gladly receive the first part. Faith in Christ feels like a gift of grace. But suffering? That is not something we would naturally place in the same category.
Faith and Suffering: Both Are Gifts
Yet Paul does. He uses the same word—granted—for both believing and suffering.
This shifts our perspective. It reminds us that suffering is not random, not outside of God’s care, and not meaningless. It is given within the purposes of a sovereign and loving God.
This does not make suffering easy. It does not remove the pain. But it does anchor it in something deeper than circumstance.
Following Christ Includes Sharing in His Suffering
To follow Christ is to be united with Him. We share in His life, His righteousness, His hope — and, in some measure, His suffering.
This is not a popular message, but it is a consistent one throughout Scripture. Jesus Himself told His disciples that following Him would involve hardship. Paul echoes that truth here with clarity and tenderness.
Suffering That Draws Us Closer to Christ
There is a fellowship in suffering that cannot be experienced any other way.
When life is easy, we can drift into self-reliance. We may speak of needing the Lord, but we do not always feel it deeply. Suffering changes that. It presses us into dependence. It exposes our need. It invites us to draw near to Christ in ways we might not otherwise choose.
Paul understood this personally. He did not speak about suffering from a distance. He lived it. And through it, he came to know Christ more deeply.
Strength in the Midst of Struggle
Suffering does not mean God has stepped away. It often means He is drawing near in ways we cannot yet see.
There is a strength that is formed in the midst of struggle. Not a strength that makes us self-sufficient, but one that teaches us to rely more fully on the Lord.
This kind of strength grows quietly. It develops as we continue to trust, even when answers are not clear.
A Different Measure of Blessing
We often measure blessing by comfort, ease, or visible success.
But Scripture invites us to a different perspective. Blessing is found in knowing Christ, in being shaped into His likeness, and in experiencing His presence — even in suffering.
This does not diminish the weight of hardship. It reframes it within God’s greater purposes.
Living with Trust in Hard Places
So what does this look like in your life today?
It may look like bringing your honest questions to the Lord.
It may look like choosing to trust Him when you cannot understand what He is doing.
It may look like continuing to walk by faith, even when the path feels heavy.
These are not small acts. They are expressions of a faith that is being refined and strengthened.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
• When suffering feels overwhelming, remind yourself: “This is not outside of God’s care.”
• Ask the Lord to help you see how He is drawing you closer to Him.
• Take one step of trust today, even if it feels small.
God is present, even here.
PRAYER
Father, this is a hard truth to receive. Thank You for the gift of faith, and help me to trust You even in suffering. Draw me closer to You in the hard places. Teach me to rely on You more fully. Give me strength to keep walking by faith, and remind me that You are present and at work, even when I cannot see it clearly. 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.
