Enduring In Hardship

Introduction

When life gets hard and our circumstances are overwhelming, we face the temptation to be discouraged or to give in. However, Scripture describes the Christian life as full of hardships. Christ’s followers knew and taught “…that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Our experiences are used by God to develop us and grow us in fruitfulness. This intro study is designed to provide a framework for further study of this broad and complex topic.

We experience hardship and suffering for a number of different reasons, each calling for a unique response. Four broad reasons are:

Reaping what we have sown. If we rob a bank, we reap jail. If we are sexually immoral, we reap STD’s, unplanned pregnancy, divorce, broken trust, and many other consequences.
Chastisement. God chastises those He loves. Example: David succumbed to temptation with Bathsheba and was severely chastised, even though he was God’s chosen and a man after God’s own heart. Through the prophet Nathan, God’s chastisement was severe but led to repentance and a radically changed life.
Spiritual warfare. The enemy and his agents attack God’s people. Examples include Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and Nehemiah’s challenges while building the wall.
We live in a fallen world that bears the marks of sin’s corrupting influence. Car accidents happen; the physical body breaks down; kids stray; people betray others; wars and their widespread consequences occur.

In each of these, or a combination of two or more, God is present with His grace and mercy for the person who calls upon Him in trials and for His own divine and eternal purposes.

We are encouraged to endure these hardships as we come to share in Christ’s holiness and righteousness. Paul reported that the experience of suffering and hardship was an invaluable means of knowing Christ more deeply. “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death” (Philippians 3:10). Hardships will occur; how we endure, overcome, and grow through them is the question before a disciple of Christ. We are comforted that although we endure suffering and even God’s chastisement and discipline, we have the promise that “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Scripture references

Study the following biblical references and consider how they address the questions listed below. If using this outline with a small group, consider assigning different Scriptures to different individuals and relating them to one or more of the questions. Then scroll down the page to review our recommended resources for the topic of Enduring in Hardships and consider how the various articles or podcasts provide further insights relating to this topic. Also consider other resources you have been exposed to and might recommend to others. We value your feedback.

Romans 5:1-5; Colossians 3:12-17; 2 Timothy 2:1-3; Hebrews 5:7–10; Hebrews 10:18; Hebrews 12:4-11; James 1:2-4

Questions

What should be our outlook on the hardships that we encounter in our lives?
Recount a time of hardship that resulted in a positive effect.
How might we discern the source of the suffering and/or hardship? How might our response differ depending on the source?
The actions of others (relatives, peers, friends, a boss) sometimes cause negative circumstances for us, oftentimes unintentionally. What should be our response?
What should we do when hurt by the intentional words of others?
How might we help others who are enduring hardships?

Recommended Resources

Following are a series of carefully selected resources that provide perspectives and experiences of various authors, most having military experience. These articles and podcasts are intended to stimulate further thinking and reflective application for individuals or to act as the basis of discussion in small groups.

Additional Resources

OCF offers many extra resources as you continue digging into the subdomain of Enduring in Hardship.

Walking

Difficult but triumphant is this life in Christ.

Strong to the Finish

God is at work in the midst of your struggles, helping you learn more about the love, strength, wisdom, and peace that only He can provide.

Question Authority

So should we question God's authority?

Hope does not disappoint us

When he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999, Mike says he worked through the usual questions and doubt—why me? what did I do?—but it was the continued struggle through multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, and surgeries that caused him to take a deeper look at the testimony God was preparing him for.

God’s restoration for the wounded soldier, healing warrior

Since warfare in and of itself is ultimately the warfare of our soul and spirit, we have the choice of allowing our healing to proceed through our spiritual maturation instead of succumbing to substance abuse to mask problems. Ultimately our ability to be healed, or at least cope with our issues, is based upon spiritual healing.

God, are you with me?

The following short story was written by OCF member MAJ Mario Miglietta, USA. It is based on a story told during an OCF Bible study that he attends. A person in the Bible study told of a Soldier from his battalion who had fallen on hard times, but who found encouragement and hope from a letter he received from his little sister. Mario says he was inspired by that story and wrote about what the Soldier had gone through—"how I imagined the story evolved."

A Salve for the Scars

So much of today’s culture dwells on victimhood, on wounds that seem resistant to heal. Christ-followers don’t deny the wounds but come alongside the struggling wounded to offer the salve secured by the scarred, yet now Risen Lamb’s victory over sin and death.