Rejoicing in suffering can be difficult. Life can hit hard, can’t it?
We’ve all had those moments when the weight of the world seems unbearable, when pain, grief, or disappointment overwhelms us.
In those times, it’s natural to want to escape, to cry out, “Why me?”
But what if I told you that it’s possible to not just endure suffering but actually rejoice in it?
Sounds impossible, doesn’t it?
Yet, the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest Christian leaders and teachers of all time, did exactly that.
Paul faced unimaginable trials—beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, rejection, and more.
And still, he rejoiced. How?
What secret did he know that allowed him to rise above his pain and find joy even in the darkest moments?
Let’s dive into Paul’s teachings and discover this life-changing truth for ourselves.
Paul’s Suffering: A Quick Look
Before we explore Paul’s secret, let’s understand the depth of his suffering.
This wasn’t just a man who had a bad day now and then.
Paul endured hardships that most of us couldn’t even imagine.
In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28, Paul provides a glimpse into his struggles:
“From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” (NKJV)
Doesn’t that make your struggles feel a little lighter? Yet, despite all this, Paul wasn’t bitter. He didn’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, he found joy. How?
The Secret to Rejoicing in Suffering
Paul’s ability to rejoice in suffering wasn’t rooted in positive thinking or sheer willpower.
It was deeply spiritual, grounded in his relationship with Yahshua (Jesus) and his understanding of God’s purpose.
Here’s what Paul knew—and what you and I need to embrace:
1. Suffering Produces Growth
Paul saw suffering as an opportunity for spiritual growth. In Romans 5:3-5, he writes:
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (NKJV)
Did you catch that?
Tribulation isn’t meaningless.
It’s a refining fire that shapes us into the people God created us to be.
Through suffering, we develop perseverance. We learn to endure, to trust God’s timing, and to lean on His strength.
That perseverance builds character—the kind of deep, unshakable character that reflects Yahshua’s love and grace.
And from that character springs hope—not wishful thinking but a confident expectation in God’s promises.
Think about it: Isn’t it true that the toughest seasons in your life have often taught you the most?
They’ve deepened your faith, drawn you closer to God, and made you stronger.
That’s what Paul understood.
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2. God’s Strength is Made Perfect in Weakness
Paul knew that his suffering allowed God’s power to shine through him. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul recalls how Yahshua spoke to him:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NKJV)
Let that sink in.
Your weakest moments—when you feel like you can’t go on—are the very moments when God’s strength can lift you up.
Paul understood that his suffering wasn’t a sign of failure or abandonment.
It was an opportunity for God to display His power.
3. Suffering is Temporary, but Glory is Eternal
Paul kept his eyes on eternity. He knew that no matter how painful his trials were, they were temporary. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, he writes:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (NKJV)
Paul wasn’t minimizing his pain; he was putting it in perspective.
Compared to the eternal glory awaiting us, our suffering here is just a momentary blip.
Isn’t that comforting?
The trials you face now won’t last forever.
But the joy, peace, and glory you’ll experience in God’s presence will.
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4. Rejoicing is a Choice, Not a Feeling
Paul understood that rejoicing in suffering isn’t about pretending to be happy or denying your pain.
It’s a conscious decision to trust God, to praise Him for who He is and what He’s doing, even when it hurts.
In Philippians 4:4, Paul says:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (NKJV)
Notice he doesn’t say, “Rejoice when everything’s going well.”
He says, “always.”
Why?
Because our joy isn’t based on circumstances.
It’s rooted in God’s unchanging character and promises.
How to Apply Paul’s Secret in Your Life
Okay, so Paul’s secret is clear. But how do we live it out? Here are some practical steps to help you rejoice in your own seasons of suffering:
- Shift Your Perspective Remember that your pain has a purpose. Ask God to show you what He’s teaching you through your trials. Look for ways He’s strengthening your faith and character.
- Lean on God’s Strength When you feel weak, pray for God’s strength to carry you. Surrender your burdens to Him and trust that His grace is sufficient.
- Focus on Eternity Keep your eyes on the bigger picture. Remind yourself that this world is not your home and that your suffering is preparing you for eternal glory.
- Choose Gratitude Even in the midst of pain, find reasons to be thankful. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you’ve lost to what you still have in Christ.
- Stay in God’s Word Scripture is your anchor in tough times. Meditate on verses like Romans 8:28 (“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God…”) and let them fill you with hope.
- Surround Yourself with Support Paul often relied on his fellow believers for encouragement. Don’t isolate yourself. Share your struggles with trusted friends who can pray for you and lift you up.
Rejoicing in Suffering
Paul’s life was far from easy, but his joy was unshakable. Why? Because he trusted God completely. He saw suffering not as a curse but as a tool for growth, a stage for God’s power, and a gateway to eternal glory.
