The Meaning of our Sufferings

As Jesus embraced suffering when he became flesh, each of us embraces suffering as we grow in the flesh. Every disciple who has faced bitter illness, harsh suffering, and approaching death has this feeling of useless, purposeless, and senseless. Questions like “why me? “What sense does this make?” press on. But we must remember, suffering is personal and cannot be shared. Others can be compassionate but they cannot take our suffering from us; it is ours. Now, I know that as Jesus’ suffering was his, so our suffering is ours. We take it as he took his. Holding on to Jesus, we pull out of dark despair, however long the suffering might last. We believe, and enact that belief in calm acceptance. Because if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (Rom.6:6-8)