Afraid of the Pain: Facing Suffering Through the Lens of Hope
“More than that, 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.”
— Romans 5:3–5
Isn’t it true that much of our worry doesn’t come from what’s happening in our lives right now, but from what might happen? We spiral when we think about illness, loss, financial trouble, or rejection. We ask ourselves the quiet question:
“What’s the worst thing that could happen if this comes true?”
Usually, when we trace it all the way down, the core answer is the same: “I’ll suffer.”
That’s the heart of our fear isn’t it? Suffering. We dread pain. We resist weakness. We want guarantees that life will remain smooth, predictable, and safe. But Scripture tells us not only that suffering is unavoidable but also that God uses it as a tool of transformation.
Our Culture vs. God’s Kingdom
We live in a culture that equates happiness with personal rights, comfort, and freedom from pain. The cultural narrative is: if it hurts, it must be wrong. No wonder suffering feels like a threat to our very existence.
But the Bible reframes suffering entirely. It isn’t the enemy. In fact, when surrendered to God, suffering becomes a servant that shapes us into the likeness of Christ. Peter writes:
“Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” — 1 Peter 4:19
God allows limits. He allows pain. Not because He delights in our hurt, but because He has eternal purposes in mind. Suffering teaches us dependence, softens our hearts, breaks our illusions of control, and roots us in hope that cannot be shaken.
The Good News in the Dark Days
Because God loves us, we don’t have to fear suffering. His love doesn’t shield us from every hard thing, but it assures us of His presence in every hard thing. The cross of Jesus is proof: the worst suffering imaginable became the means of the greatest redemption.
When we embrace suffering as part of God’s refining work, it loses its power to terrify us. The fear of pain begins to fade in the light of eternal perspective. Instead of saying “I’ll suffer” with dread, we can begin to say it with trust: “I’ll suffer, and God will meet me there.”
Reflection Questions
What fears tend to spiral in your mind when you think about the future?
When you trace those fears down to their root, what do you find?
How might Romans 5:3–5 reshape the way you view trials in your life today?
Action Step
This week, take one fear of suffering you’ve been carrying and bring it honestly before God in prayer. Write it down. Then, beneath it, write out Romans 5:3–5 as a declaration of truth over your life.
