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Suffering Precedes Glory

Writer's picture: Heather BradleyHeather Bradley

Suffering Well Like Jesus

Have you ever felt like your pain had no purpose? Like the weight of your circumstances was too much to bear? If you’ve been there (and honestly, who hasn’t?), let’s pause and talk about what it means to suffer well—like Jesus.

Jesus didn’t shy away from suffering. He embraced it, not because it was easy, but because He knew the purpose behind it. His suffering led to our freedom from sin and death.

Suffering is one of those things we’d all rather avoid, right? It’s uncomfortable, painful, and often feels endless. But when we look to Jesus, we see a different perspective—one that transforms suffering into something meaningful, even glorious.

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Jesus shows us that suffering isn’t just random or pointless. It’s a process. Just as His suffering preceded glory, so does ours when we walk with Him. It’s not about just getting through it—it’s about growing through it.

Arm Yourself with His Mindset

Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 4:1-2, "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God."

When we embrace the mindset of Christ, we stop seeing suffering as something to escape. Instead, we view it as an opportunity to let God refine us. Through pain, He shapes us, sanctifies us, and draws us closer to Him.

Let’s be honest—this is easier said than done. When you’re in the middle of heartbreak, loss, or pain, it’s tempting to think, Why me, God? But Jesus invites us to reframe that question: What are You teaching me, Lord? How are You using this for Your glory? 

Sometimes our suffering is beyond comprehension and all we can do is lean into Him and trust He will make a way through for us. This isn’t easy at all. We have real feelings and fears to work through. When my 4 month old baby boy died in my arms-that was just a mindset to bounce back from. That was an intense process of grief. Allowing Jesus to lead me through was why I came put the other side. He comforts us and stills us to heal us. Then He renews our mindset, brings us freedom and healing.

Suffering in Jesus, Not Just Through It

Here’s the beautiful truth: we don’t have to suffer alone. Jesus suffered well so that we could have Him right by our side in our struggles. He knows the weight of betrayal, the sting of rejection, and the ache of physical pain.

When we surrender our suffering to Him, He does something amazing. He transforms it. Our pain becomes a tool for sanctification, making us more like Him. It produces endurance, perseverance, and a steadfast faith that can withstand the storms of life.

We gain His freedom and His perspective, letting go of bitterness, fear, or hopelessness. As we take His hand, He brings us through our pain, producing fruit in our lives—peace, joy, and a deeper intimacy with Him.

What’s Your Story?

So, what’s your painful story? Is there something in your life that feels like a dead end—a situation where you feel stuck, hopeless, or lost?

Take the first step today. Invite Jesus into it. Lay it at His feet and ask Him to walk with you. Surrender your pain and let Him do what only He can do: bring life out of death, beauty out of ashes, and purpose out of suffering.

Remember, we don’t have to suffer just to suffer. Instead, we can suffer in Jesus, allowing Him to redeem our pain and use it for good. When we shift our perception of suffering, we open the door to transformation.

The Eternal Perspective

It’s easy to focus on what we can see—the broken relationships, the bad diagnoses, the financial struggles. But these things are temporary. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4 that our afflictions, as heavy as they feel now, are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory waiting for us.

God’s compassion and love moved Him to send Jesus to rescue us from sin and death. Now, as His children, He promises to use everything the enemy meant for harm and turn it for our good.

Take heart, friend. You’re not alone in your suffering. Jesus walks with you, works through you, and will bring you out stronger and closer to Him.

Will you let Him meet you in your pain today? Reach for His hand, trust His heart, and watch as He brings purpose to your story. You’re not just enduring this season—you’re being made new through it.


In Him,

Heather Bradley

Author of Unthinkable



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