Feeling worn out in your faith journey? You’re not alone. Like me, you’re probably wondering: Where does it end? Every day feels like a fight—a continuous contention for the faith. In Christ, yet worn out, tired, and uninterested. Do I throw in the towel? But if I do, I forfeit victory—and I can’t imagine another account of Eden.
Unwavering little one… you are not alone. Come, let’s see life through the lens of a fellow faith contender.
The apostle Paul encouraged his friend Timothy in one of his many letters to fight the good fight of faith:
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 ESV
I am convinced Timothy didn’t fully understand Paul’s perspective on fighting—not at first. As you can attest, this letter likely needed more than one reading to process and absorb. And let’s not forget: when Paul wrote these letters, he was in prison. It goes without saying that prison takes its toll—physically, mentally, and emotionally. If I didn’t know better, I’d say Paul wrote those letters on some days when he was depressed, other days when he was ecstatic, and still other days when he was hopeful about being released. This emotional ebb and flow is evident in his writings; Paul often anticipated visiting the recipients of his letters in person.
Yet, what fascinates me most is this: in the midst of a dark season filled with uncertainty and suffering, Paul still found room to encourage a brother in the faith and strengthen the early church of Christ. To this effect, he told Timothy:
“I have been given the power to suffer for this gospel.” —2 Timothy 1:8
What Is the Purpose of My Suffering?
If I have been empowered to suffer, what is the purpose of my suffering? Should suffering swallow me up? Keep me in hiding? Should it stop me from encouraging others who are also experiencing pain—or perhaps anticipating suffering?
God didn’t design our lives to be in constant motion toward unceasing convenience before we’re fit to encourage others. Instead, I believe He meant for us to endure trials and tribulations while taking into account the suffering of others—and proceeding to encourage them through what we are experiencing or have already overcome.
Paul’s motivation may well have been knowing that there were people on the other side depending on his words—depending on the insight he received from the Holy Spirit that day. Despite enduring his own season of suffering—and suffering well, if you ask me—Paul understood that his imprisonment was Satan’s attempt to silence him and limit his impact. But Paul knew it would take far more than solitary confinement to stop him from being a soldier of faith. Only death could do that—and even then, temporarily.
The Struggle to Understand Suffering
Too often as Christians, we struggle to grasp the idea of suffering. We wrestle with connecting our belief in a good, kind, and loving God—one who vows that nothing can separate us from His love—with the reality that He allows us to suffer under such a covenant of love and fatherhood. To some, this seems contradictory.
But the real question isn’t about God’s character; it’s about our relationship with Him.
Think about a jealous, toxic ex who realizes their former partner has moved on to a better and healthier relationship. Not only are they jealous and toxic—they’re obsessive and possessive. Instead of being repentant or letting go, they’re determined to drag their ex-partner back into regression and unhappiness.
Now imagine this ex-partner being treated better than ever before by their new partner—undeniably loved and cherished. And the toxic ex knows this time it ends in Holy Matrimony, Happily ever after without me in it.
Friend, that jealous ex is Satan in your story. He sees the width, length, depth and breadth of God’s love toward you, too great to fully understand but existential. Satan doesn’t just see snapshots of your current reality; he sees your destiny—the undeniable character of God’s love for you—and knows this time will end in eternal joy: holy matrimony with Christ Himself. He knows we’ve already been given the deed to this perfect union here on Earth—and its fullness will be revealed in the New Jerusalem when we see our lover face-to-face.
The Temporary Passage Home
When you find yourself suffering physically or emotionally—or facing various challenges—remember this: God wants us to be strong and courageous because this life is a temporary passage home.
Jesus said:
“There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself so that you will be where I am.” —John 14:2-3 (GNT)
Life here will not always be great—but every breath we take is evidence of God’s promise fulfilled: that He is rooting for us. Let us not glamorize Earth; it is passing away (no matter how many makeovers we give our rented space). This world is not our home.
I want to encourage us—in our seasons of suffering—to remember that we do not serve a High Priest who cannot empathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus is worthy because He became like us—feeling every weight and pressure of being human. None other—not even angels—could qualify because they’ve never known pain or tears or pressure like ours.
God was mindful of us when He sent His Son. So wait on Him; trust Him; lean into His might (Isaiah 40:31). You may feel worn out from praying or reading Scripture—or even just contending—but keep going.
Paul wrote 13 transgenerational letters filled with revolutionary hope—all while imprisoned for the same faith we now hold dear. His life confirms Scripture:
“But that’s not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope.” —Romans 5:3-4 (TPT)
The sufferings of this present time are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). Suffering works a process within us—it produces hope; it keeps us anchored, humble and refined; it keeps us secure.
For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). He didn’t consider its shame worth mentioning compared to what was ahead.
“We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God Himself.” —Hebrews 6:19 (TPT)
Whatever season you’re in right now—cast your burdens upon the Lord because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). His grace qualifies you, empowers you for the glamorous not so glamorous days.
So if God is for you—who can be against you? While you strive toward victory—in both physical and spiritual battles—continue doing good even while enduring hardship (Galatians 6:9)
Fix your eyes on Jesus—and suffer with purpose. Someone on the other side is dependent on your posture to suffer well.
Be encouraged, little one—you have overcome!