This week is the third in a series on how to suffer. The first post presented ten suggestions as well as the second post. This week we present the last twelve suggestions.
- Accept your unwanted feelings and attitudes. After you have done what you can about your inner life you may still have anger, fear, sadness, impatience, and many other undesirable traits that you did not have much of before the suffering. This can be devastating to those who truly want to mature in Christ. But do not give in to the temptation of beating yourself up about it. You need to accept your lack of maturity and treat God and others the best you can. In other words, learn to “sit with your weeds.”
- Meditate on Jesus’ sufferings especially his last days up to the Cross.
- Troubles are temptations to doubt God but “he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13 ESV).
- Let go of everything you want and the way you want everything to be. This is one of the benefits of suffering; it pushes you to let go of your control over your life. Surrender all to God.
- Don’t waste suffering. We can waste it in many ways: by dwelling in anger, never directly dealing with it, refusing to let it transform us, or refusing to learn the lessons it can teach us.
- If the suffering is due to someone else, then forgive and love the offender. Go through the Guide to Deep Healing found on this page, in order to do deep forgiveness.
- Try to discern if there is any demonic oppression. Find someone with experience who will help you defeat any oppression.
- Remember that God used Job to display Job’s faithfulness in the face of Satan’s accusations. Your suffering may serve the same purpose.
- Let suffering produce humility.
- You may not have much desire for Scripture or prayer or fellowship. It is very hard to know how much of this to continue to do. If these activities actually become counterproductive then it is a sign that you may need to scale back. Sometimes, it is healthy to discontinue much of your normal Christian activities so that you can come back to them later with a different frame of mind. Thus, you may need time for the old ways to fade out of your soul.
- Consider seeing a professional counselor, especially if you don’t have anyone to talk with. Also, if a psychological disorder is apparent then definitely see a professional. Interview several and try to find one who will apply Christian principles of honesty, humility and surrender to God in your life. Avoid anyone who wants to encourage you to be a nice self-centered person. Be especially aware of depression, anger, anxiety even after the suffering is over.
- Take care of your body in every way possible. Eat healthy, exercise, try supplements, get rest, get sunlight, pursue hobbies, try alternative medical treatments such as massage.
We hope these suggestions have been helpful. Remember that God will provide a way for you to endure and keep your soul secure.
