1 Peter 4:13 “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.“

Suffering is not something we look forward too, but rather dread. However, God calls us to suffer and takes it a step further by asking us to rejoice in our sufferings. Why would God ask us to rejoice in our sufferings? Because our sufferings have a purpose.

As much as suffering can seem like an unnecessary waste of time, it really is not.

Your suffering has a purpose. God has a plan to use your suffering for His good.

When we suffer in accordance with the will of God, the end result will always glorify God. We can rejoice in our sufferings because we know it will lead to something greater. Suffering for Christ is not like suffering from partaking in sin. The suffering that comes from partaking in sin leads to death, while the suffering that comes from partaking in Christ leads to life. 

Just as Jesus’s suffering on the cross gave us salvation, so will our sufferings open the door of salvation for others. If you are going through a hard time, persevere because your suffering will produce a testimony that will lead others to find true life which is Jesus.

Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.” Your sufferings were meant to give hope to the world.

Jesus suffered so that you could have hope, and now he passes the duty along to you – to suffer for His glory.

Your suffering has purpose.