A few words in a devotion might not seem to help, nor may they help at all. Such is suffering. Dealing with pain, loss, the travails of this life.

We tend to either dismiss the suffering, or lack of it, from others, in gaining perspective on our own suffering.

We tend not to really want to hear about others’ suffering.

I’m going to be totally straight and direct — were it not for the physical suffering I’ve endured, I know in my soul, in my spirit, in my heart and mind I would not have turned to the LORD, or turned to follow and obey Him as I have.

I was one great, lost, rebellious sort. Extreme.

It took breaking me down physically to build me spiritually.

I’ve had eleven orthopedic surgeries since 1999. Many of those major surgeries lasting between five and eight hours. Others not taking so long, while still being major, such as total knee replacements.

I’ve lived with constant pain on some level, undulating, increasing, calming down to the daily norm level of pain, greatly increasing for a time, to return to the daily level of pain in more than nine areas of my physical body.

For over 25 years now. Every day.

This is nothing compared to what countless millions deal with daily, nightly.

Beheaded, raped, tortured, abused, homes burned, imprisoned, terminal cancer, greater afflictions than any I have known.

To keep the faith. To grow stronger in the faith.

Americans are truly soft, weak when it comes to dealing with pain, suffering, loss, all those things considered so undesirable and hoped to never touch our lives.

It is only through suffering, honing, refining — IF, the great determiner, that little conjunction, IF one discerns well and wisely the what, why, how that suffering of any kind is an important blessing in drawing one closer to God, to understanding, to spiritual growth.

We don’t inflict, relish, enjoy, increase our suffering foolishly thinking it will enhance our spiritual lives. That is downright stupid and ignorant. Utterly lacking any wisdom, insight, or critical thinking.

No, there is more than enough natural suffering going on. Deal with it. Come to understand it. The how, what, and the WHY.

It, that thorn in the flesh, whatever that thorn may be, may one day leave, or in my case, and so many others, it never will until either the Rapture or death occurs, and then there is no more pain, no more suffering, no more travails, tears, no more…for eternity.

Keep that in mind. Once the tsunami wave of great suffering abates, or at its peak attendance, keep eternity in mind. Going to be with the LORD, going to one day receive a new imperishable, incorruptible body. To reside in for eternity.

Therefore, if we were to live for another 100 years in this great suffering we might individually be going through — that is nothing, nothing compared to the eternity to come. For those who faithfully believe in the LORD Jesus Christ, Yeshua Hamashiach, who faithfully, diligently obey Him and His whole inerrant, infallible, unchangeable, eternal, living, and active word.

Do not add to suffering. Do not neglect or ignore it. Do not give it any other place than it deserves.

Do what you can to alleviate it, stabilize it, or even remove it, if possible — first by diligent, faithful prayer not amiss, then by finding the right person, or people to help. The right doctors, physical therapists, counselors, and aids made possible and brought into your life by God. For His purpose.

Pay attention to the suffering as to its origin, its how, what, and WHY.

Finding balm, solace daily in all of God’s word. From Genesis to Revelation, omitting, skimming over no part, no words, listening to a good doctor or doctors found, and if not satisfied within your soul with what you’re hearing medically? Do not hesitate to seek out further opinions and the knowledge of other professionals. Half the doctors practicing out there — practicing — graduated in the bottom half of their class. They were in the bottom 50% upon being licensed to “practice.” Yet they’re out there. Every day. And tomorrow you may have an appointment with one of them. While others excelled. Find, seek out the excellent.

Trust in the LORD.

He knows what He is doing. In every life.

Doing what we can while here, knowing the eternity that awaits the faithful, obedient servant of the LORD.

I’m up at this hour, in the darkness of the morning/night, knowing I’m unable to physically attend church today — due to chronic pain, suffering physically. But I will not suffer spiritually today, this LORD’S Day, this Sabbath.

Neither should you, faithful, obedient one, if you are so, if you are the LORD’S.

Read on…

Ken Pullen, Sunday, October 5th, 2025

Suffering as a Christian

Devotion by Billy Graham

Blessed is the man whom [the Lord] chastenest …

—Psalm 94:12

God sometimes allows Christians to suffer, in order that they might learn the secret of obedience. The psalmist said, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now have I kept thy word” (Psalm 119:67). It was not until after great sorrow and much affliction that David learned obedience to God.

My dear Christian friend, if you are today suffering at the hand of God and you have asked a thousand times, “Why?” I beg of you to be patient and quiet before God, and listen to the still, small voice. Bow under His loving hand and recognize that above the clouds the sun is shining. God has a purpose and design for your life, and what is happening to you is for your good.

From Day by Day with Billy Graham, © 1976 BGEA