Dealing with Suffering

Every one of us considers ourselves suffering from something from time to time. Different people have different levels of tolerance for suffering. We may experience suffering from some sort of rejection. Perhaps it is a relationship gone wrong for no reason we understand, or from a mistake we clearly understand. Perhaps it goes as far as a broken heart where all our expectations and dreams are shattered. Or a deep and lasting hurt from physical abuse or the death of a loved one. One of the most painful responses we can hear is, I am sorry, but there is someone else for you. Perhaps it is a job loss that has turned into financial disaster. Perhaps it is an accident or illness that debilitates us in some way; the things we used to do without thinking about them become major ordeals to be carefully planned. Perhaps it is a child who has walked away from God. When any of these events cross our paths, someone may flippantly quote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” - Jas. 1:2-3 (ESV) or “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. - Rom. 5:3-5 (ESV). While all these are certainly true, the Holy Spirit cannot shield us from this pain or take it away. However, the Holy Spirit experiences these events or feelings along with us and He is beside us to remind us that we are a part of something greater that the present challenge, no matter how devastating it may seem. He will help guide the healing process. He might remind us about those who also lived in severe struggles long ago, [Paul and Barnabas were] strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, " strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22 (ESV). How do we allow the Holly Spirit to help us heal from these experiences? There are some guidelines that may help when suffering touches your own life? 
1. A most difficult reality is that we need to realize that as God’s servants, we should strive to live lives that focus on Him and not on us. It is difficult in this ‘serve me’ world, but the desires of our Savior and God need to be placed above our personal needs, preferences, and comforts. Jesus’ mother provides a good example for us regarding her controversial pregnancy, “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” - Lk. 1:38 (RSV)
2.  We need to realize that suffering is part of the life experience in a broken world. Suffering does not always mean you have done something wrong and are being punished as a result. Paul suffered many trials for doing what Jesus asked him to do and his actions were not wrong. Jesus Christ suffered greatly on earth. Isaiah tells us that, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;  and as one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” – Isa. 53:3 (ESV). If Jesus did not escape suffering, why should we believe we can? 
3.  We need to realize that God can heal our suffering.  Suffering can cause us to depend upon Him more.  We all have a great tendency to forget God when times are good. but we cry out to Him when times are uncomfortable.  God allows the suffering to show us how much we really do need Him.  Jesus said, "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (Jn. 15:5).   
4.  Accept the suffering as an opportunity for Christ’s example to be displayed through you. In addition to all of Paul's external issues, he also had one physical issue. It was a thorn in the flesh that bothered him greatly. He asked the Lord three times to take it away. However, Jesus said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Cor. 12:9 (ESV). 
If you are a Christian and suffering today, depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to provide consolation. We must only ask Him to do this and open the scriptures for Him to speak. God’s grace will be sufficient in your suffering, but you must trust Him. How these events unfold may be different for each Christian as they walk along their unique individual spiritual journey. However, so long as you follow the pathway provided by the Holy Spirit, you will offer praise to God, which is the goal of each one for whom Christ died.