Suffering
by Madonna Bennett




"Everything that happens in our Christian life draws us nearer to Christ. God will take our suffering and turn it into something good..."








"Trust in His love. God will always give us the grace and strength if we ask." 







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It is difficult to avoid suffering in this world. Most of us have experienced some kind of misery or hardship. However, the way we handle our suffering can be beneficial to us and to others. What we do with this suffering is so important.

As followers of Christ, we keep in mind that our suffering is only temporary and that it will help us to achieve the eternal glory that God calls us to share in. "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you." 1Peter 5:10. This is such an uplifting and encouraging scripture to rely on when we are in the midst of suffering. Jesus is always with us. He never leaves us. Everything that happens in our Christian life draws us nearer to Christ. God will take our suffering and turn it into something good. "We know that all things work together for the good for those who love him." Romans 8:28

Jesus was able to see the big picture in his suffering. That picture includes our salvation. Unfortunately, we cannot always see the reason for our suffering … God can. If you don’t understand the purpose of your hardship, remember that suffering purifies your soul and prepares you for heaven. There is nothing that God cannot see you through because He is in control of all things. You simply have to trust in God.

The saints are good examples of how we can deal with suffering. They were joyful in their suffering because they knew it would draw them closer to God. "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

There are many benefits that can come from suffering. This may be difficult to accept. However, the truth is that our sufferings purifies our soul and helps us to become more holy in God’s eyes. Through our faithfulness in our suffering, we become witnesses to Christ for other people. In our humility and need, we draw closer to Christ.

These are all wonderful things that we can experience through our suffering. We just have to let God be God.

God’s love for us is endless. Trust in His love. God will always give us the grace and strength if we ask. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Here are some suggestions that can be useful when one is suffering:


  • Pray and participate in the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confession.
 
  • Give praise to the Lord in your darkest hour and connect with others of faith.
 
  • Trust in the Lord.
 
  • Give thanks to God for being part of His divine plan.
 
  • Offer up your sufferings to the Lord for people in need: the dying, the holy souls in purgatory, for conversions, for your family or for your caregivers. Put your suffering to good use. Don’t waste it. Your suffering can help others.


"Our Lord sometimes makes you feel the weight of the cross. This weight seems unbearable but you carry it because in His love and mercy, the Lord helps you and gives you strength." St. Padre Pio.

If you would like prayer for yourself or someone you know, click here “prayer request”  and send your intentions. We are happy to pray for you.


Reflection by Madonna Bennett​    May 25, 2020