Suffering for the Benefit of Others

Do you ever seem to have “rare” problems or situations frequently happening to you or in your realm of influence? Then, of course you’re going to be the one to stand up and do something about it, take a stand for the right thing, or even advocate for the cause and benefit of others. Do you ever seem to be the one that is constantly having to fight the battles or go through stuff that others seem to be immune to for some reason? Or does it seem like that you are always the one having to point something out?

You can’t help but ask, “Why don’t these things happen to other people? Why am I the only one to witness or notice something which needs attention? How is it that I always have to deal with these types of people? Why do these kinds of problems always happen to me or on my watch? Why am I always the one suffering?”

This seems to happen to me quite often. It just sometimes seems like I’m frequently the one holding my ground, solving the problem, fighting the fight, seeking better communication, pointing out wrongs, and/or advocating for others, and so on.

I find myself sarcastically saying things like…

“Of course it’s my kid…”

“Of course that rare instance happened in my class…”

“I’m not surprised that I’m the only one who didn’t get that or who noticed that…”

Is it just me?

These situations seem very rare and the fact I’m having to deal with “rare” situations quite often feels very isolating. I’m sure I’m not alone in dealing with this, but it feels that way at times (as I’m sure it does for you too). Even though these situations often result in the good and benefit of others, I can’t help but question why these kinds of things are always happening to me.

A good friend of mine frequently tells me it’s because God knows I can handle it. He knows I’m strong, and he knows that I’ll do something about it. I typically respond, “Well, why can’t he pick someone else!?” I even said the other day, “I’m just going to say that I’m not strong enough, and I can’t handle it.” To which she replied something like, “Yeah that’s the thing…you can’t fool God.”

Sometimes I would prefer that somebody else just address things or handle problems. Unfortunately for me it’s not in my nature to turn a blind eye. For some crazy reason, God built in me a problem solving, championing, crusader-like character trait. I will stand and fight for the right thing even when it’s exhausting…even when I feel ill-equipped…even when the end results don’t always go my way. Are you this way too?

Seeing suffering through a different lens

I guess to me it almost feels like a burden or punishment of some kind with the “Why me, God?” question flailing around. However, this past weekend in church I had a shift in perspective. Our sermon wasn’t necessarily related to this topic exactly, but the Holy Spirit just works that way sometimes. I saw suffering like this through a different lens.

Something stood out to me about the story in Acts 16 where Paul and Silas are thrown into prison after being falsely accused and severely beaten. They were in this crazy predicament, and instead of saying “Why does this kind of thing always happen to us?” they chose to pray and to worship.

“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Acts 16:25 (NLT)

Our pastor, in his message, described what he imagined Paul and Silas must have been saying to one another… “This feels like Jesus. This must be similar to what he felt.” All of a sudden the verses came to mind where Paul speaks about sharing, participating and partnering in the suffering of Christ.

“I want to know Christ–yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” Philippians 3:10 (NIV)

“I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church.” Colossians 1:24 (NLT)

“Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” 1 Peter 4:13 (NLT)

“And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:17-18 (NLT)

“This is why I am suffering now. But I am not ashamed! I know the one I have faith in, and I am sure he can guard until the last day what he has trusted me with.” 2 Timothy 1:12 (CEV)

Paul saw suffering as a privilege instead of a burden. He understood what an honor it was to be picked for this job, to be chosen by God to be the one whom he trusts to fulfill this task of suffering so that others might benefit. God knows fully who can handle certain challenges and what a compliment it is to be trusted in this way. Then I remembered my friend’s comment about God knowing I could handle certain suffering. All of a sudden, I felt so humbled that God would trust someone like me enough to suffer for the benefit of others.

Continuing what Jesus did through suffering of my own

Maybe through some of my “sufferings” and inconveniences, I am continuing what Jesus did in his own suffering and sacrifice for the sake and good of others.

“I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church.” Colossians 1:24 (NLT)

I would love to get to the point as Paul did of being able to say that I’m glad to do this, and I will happily endure suffering if it benefits someone else or if it helps to point people to God in some way.

“So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.” 2 Timothy 2:10 (NLT)

God still uses me, but oh what more could he do with a grateful and willing participant! My goal moving forward is to see things and respond through this lens.

My prayer and challenge is that you will too!

Take Some Practical Steps to Participate in Suffering for the Benefit of Others:

• First, realize that you really aren’t the only one suffering. This is just a lie the devil wants you to believe.

It might feel like you are the only one having to deal with this kind of stuff all the time, but you really aren’t. I often feel this way, but I can guarantee that several people reading this can relate and have felt the exact same way…which tells me I’m NOT the only one. God has a lot of fighters and champions out there! 😉 Also remember, you are in good company! All throughout scripture people suffered for the cause of Christ and the benefit of others. Most importantly, Jesus did this for us.

• Then, see suffering as a privilege an honor instead of burden.

Take it as a compliment that God knows you can handle it and that he trusts you with this. You are VERY special!!

“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” Philippians 1:29 (NLT)

• Finally, know that you will never suffer alone or without help and comfort.

God may trust you to handle whatever you are going through, but he doesn’t expect you to do it alone or without HIS help, support, and comfort throughout and after the process. The positive is that even though we must share in suffering from time to time, we will also have access to abundant comfort and help from God through Jesus.

“For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:5 (NIV)

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” 1 Peter 1:6 (NLT)

Have you had to endure suffering for the benefit of others? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are rude, disrespectful, sarcastic, offensive, or off-topic.  By posting on this site you agree to my Comment Policy.

P.S.  If you liked this post, you might enjoy receiving new posts delivered right to your inbox each week!  Sign up here. 

If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward!  Share this post via the sharing links below.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)