One of the most common reasons people cite for not believing in Christianity is the reality of suffering in the world. If a loving God exists, then why is there suffering? If only they looked deeper into the faith, and at the very question they’re asking. If there is no loving God, or a God at all, the question of suffering is irrelevant, a matter of preference. Yet, they also miss the point that the Christian faith indeed grapples with this question.
We, as believers, ask similarly of God. Why them or why us? Why allow school shootings, natural disasters, or political corruption?
Yet, as believers, we also recognize that the question of suffering has an answer - through suffering, we are refined into the image of Christ, who, too, endured on our behalf. That’s true whether we experience hardship first-hand or learn vicariously through another.
Alas, remembering this is not always easy. Our human nature leads us to want to escape hardship. We prefer the shortest, easiest path, but sometimes God envisions a Job-like season for our lives. As a result, we can be left doubting and questioning in a similar fashion to unbelievers.
Maybe that’s you today, struggling with your faith and wondering why. If you need help facing your current challenges, then consider these 15 verses to help you endure hardship.
15 Verses to Help You Endure Hardship
“And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
This verse speaks directly to the question of why we suffer. Though we may disagree during the interim, hardships serve as pivotal teaching opportunities, far more than seasons of abundance. Our character is refined, and we find hope, a kind that does not disappoint.
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Knowing the meaning of faith helps us understand that we endure in confident anticipation of what’s to come – God’s deliverance.
“For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)
Throughout life, we face trials and tribulations, but what’s been true since the beginning is God’s love for us. That enduring love serves as encouragement for whatever we face.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Sometimes our suffering is the result of an overreliance on ourselves. The solution is to turn to the Lord fully.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you’—this is the Lord’s declaration—'plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
A future and a hope await us, not calamity and destruction, so says the Lord. Now, not every situation on this side of life resolves amicably, but that doesn’t mean His goodness isn’t waiting for us in the next one.
“Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
The animals we see day to day aren’t able to maintain their resources in the same fashion as us. Yet, they find the sustenance they need. We matter more to God than them, so why would we not patiently wait for Him to provide?
“When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
Out of all of His creations, God made us in His likeness. He values us that much, something to remember during the hard times.
“I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
Just when we think we’re at the breaking point, Christ gives us the strength to carry on.
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. One who is righteous has many adversities, but the Lord rescues him from them all.” (Psalm 34:17-19)
When we suffer, our emotions tell us that God is far away from us, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“The person who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
This verse speaks directly to nature of enduring suffering. When we put confidence in God, we aren’t concerned about what comes our way because He has our backs.
“Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans.” (Psalm 37:7)
Sometimes we find ourselves upset because of the unhealthy comparisons we make with others. Why does God seem to bless them, but not us? Rest assured; He is always intimately involved in your life, even when what you feel says otherwise.
“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
When the going gets rough, we face the temptation to give up even when enduring is a good thing. This is a reminder to keep going.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
All the good and all the bad play a purpose in conforming you to the image of Christ.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Though we live in this present day, we are called to live with hopeful anticipation about what is to come. There is undoubtedly suffering in the world, but one day we will all experience a new Earth and a new Heaven devoid of any malady.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus didn’t promise an easy life, but he did promise to be with us throughout everything we encounter.
Let that serve as an encouragement when you find yourself in the valley, suffering from this unpredictable, long-lasting, and seemingly unfair. God has a plan for us, and He’s given His word that we can always count on that love.
Endure your trials. You’ll be glad you did.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Kamonwan Wankaew
Aaron D'Anthony Brown is a freelance writer, hip-hop dance teacher, and visual artist, living in Virginia. He currently contributes to Salem Web Network’s Crosswalk platform and supports various clients through the freelancing website Upwork. He's an outside-the-box thinker with a penchant for challenging the status quo.
Get in touch with him at aarondanthony.com and check out his debut short story anthology Honey Dreams on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.