The Glory in Longsuffering

To be longsuffering is to have patience and self-restraint while one is in a challenge. Romans 5:3-4 adds, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

Rejoicing in our sufferings is not usually our first response. It truly takes an eternal perspective to remember that God works all things for good, leading us closer to God’s perfect will for our lives and the lives of those around us.

Consider these trials endured by pillars of the faith found in the Bible:

• Abraham and Sarah had been trying to get pregnant. At 90 years old it seemed impossible.
• Caleb wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and was mocked for trusting God.
• Paul was attacked and left for dead, and was in prison for many years.
• Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den.
• Job lost his possessions, children, and health.
• Joseph was sold into slavery and imprisoned.
• Jesus was persecuted and hung on a cross.

If you are currently in a season of suffering, I encourage you to think back on the times God has walked you through a trial and consider the eternal perspective of why you may be going through one now. I can honestly say I’m grateful for what God has accomplished in my life, and I’m confident these biblical examples  would all say the same. Each trusted God through their trials and the outcomes proved it.

• Abraham became the father of many nations.
• Caleb entered the promised land.
• Paul continued to teach and write about God, even from prison.
• The lion’s mouth was shut and Daniel was not harmed.
• The Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
• Joseph was elevated to a position of prominence in Egypt, and rescued many nations (including his own family) from famine.
• Jesus is resurrected and saves all who choose to follow Him.

Periods of longsuffering give us greater stamina to pray for others and more compassion for the hurting. It removes some of the blinders that this world creates, such as busyness and desires for earthly things. I pray that your trial is doing these things for you, too, as you lay your burdens down at His feet.

“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10).

—Debbie Ryan, adapted from https://www.medishare.com/blog/longsuffering