Read these verses and note what each one says about suffering, so as to think clearly and Scripturally. Look for the main point or two from each verse. You might want to take  some notes and write down what the verse teaches specifically about suffering from the verse.

Also choose one verse and commit it to MEMORY. You could write it out and place somewhere you can be reminded regularly  of it, for example on a bathroom mirror, where you brush your teeth you can read, re-read, word by word, phrase by phrase and if you did this for a week, you would find yourself with the Spirit of God’s help memorize it. MEDITATE UPON IT… word for word, phrase by phrase and as you hide it in your heart, the Holy Spirit can use to recall when you need it and also  for you to share and comfort, strengthen, help others.

APPLY IT to your circumstances, for example in Romans 5:3-4, when suffering or going through difficult times he says we can “glory” some translations say “exult… boast” the word means to  be “joyfully confident ” and the reason is because of what we “know,” this word means to be “fully aware!” We are fully aware of what God is desiring to do through these tribulations, sufferings as He tells us He is producing, bringing about three virtues, perseverance, proven character, hope, as a result. So we can boast, be joyfully confident not in the pain or difficulty but because of what we know, the end is… we will be changed, developed, strengthened, spiritually matured in perseverance, proven character and hope!  So we see from the verse “suffering produces…” In the follower of Christ’s life suffering, some translations say “tribulations,” is productive, not wasteful, irrelevant of no consequence but of benefit to the believer. That is hope in your pain. God is involved and He is working even your pain, difficulties, sufferings for good as He promises because you love Him and are called of Him -{Read Romans 8:28-29}.

 

God uses your sufferings, tribulations, trials, troubles, difficulties, For you, not against you! Hallelujah!

1 Peter 4:12 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;…”

2 Timothy 3:12 – ” Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Romans 5:3-5 – “Not only so, but we  also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Matthew 5:10-12 -“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Acts 9:15 -16 – “But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Phil 1:29 -“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

1 Peter 1:6-7 “ In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed {mental anguish} by various trials, 7 SO THAT the proof {Genuineness} of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1 Peter 4:16 – “but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”

1 Peter 4:13 – “but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”