Is There Gain in Suffering?

💔 Abi this suffering sef, e get benefit?

If you grew up in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard this before:

“My brother, this life na suffer-head. Just manage am like that.”

Or the classic:

“God is using this suffering to teach you something.”

And of course, every Nigerian’s favorite:

“Las las, we go dey alright.”

But if we’re being honest—does suffering really have any gain? Because let’s face it, suffering no be beans. Whether it’s financial struggles, heartbreak, betrayal, health challenges, or the constant Nigerian battle with NEPA wahala, fuel scarcity, and expensive foodstuffs—pain is real.

But the deeper question is: Does suffering actually do anything good for us? Or is it just something we have to endure while waiting for heaven?

Is Suffering a Curse or a Classroom?

Nigerians generally have two views about suffering:

1️⃣ Some people see suffering as a curse—If things are hard, they assume, “Ah! Village people don enter my matter!” 😭

2️⃣ Some see suffering as a divine classroom—“God is working on you through this.”

Both of these perspectives have some truth, but neither tells the whole story.

Yes, suffering can be caused by sin, bad decisions, or even spiritual attacks (remember Job?). But not all suffering is a curse. Sometimes, God allows it to refine us, to shape our character, and to prepare us for something greater.

📖 Romans 5:3-4 says:
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

Story Time: Nigerian Hustle & Suffering That Pays Off

Let’s talk about suffering that actually yields results.

Ever heard of someone who suffered through school with little or no money, trekking long distances because they couldn’t afford transport? The kind of suffering that makes you eat garri without sugar and beg your roommate for just one spoon of rice? 😭

But guess what? That same person graduates, gets a good job, and suddenly the story changes. Now they have a testimony of “I suffered, but it paid off.”

💡 That’s the kind of suffering that leads to growth.

✅ The struggle built endurance.
✅ The hunger built discipline.
✅ The pain built wisdom.

And God does the same thing spiritually.

Biblical Suffering: When God’s Process Looks Like Punishment

Look at some Bible characters who suffered before they saw gain:

• Joseph – Sold into slavery, betrayed, thrown into prison. But that suffering prepared him for leadership. (Genesis 37-41)
• David – Anointed as king, yet spent years running for his life. But in the wilderness, God was shaping him into a man after His own heart. (1 Samuel 16-31)
• Paul – Beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked. But his suffering produced letters that still transform lives today. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)
• Jesus – The ultimate suffering. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2)

So, How Can Suffering Be a Blessing?

🔥 1. Suffering reveals who you truly are.
Like fire refines gold, suffering exposes our character. Are we patient? Are we humble? Do we really trust God, or do we only serve Him when things are good?

🔥 2. Suffering forces us to depend on God.
It’s easy to say “God is my provider,” but suffering forces you to actually trust Him when your bank account is crying.

🔥 3. Suffering can position you for greater things.
Joseph’s suffering positioned him for the palace. David’s suffering prepared him for the throne. Your suffering might be preparing you for something bigger.

🔥 4. Suffering makes us more compassionate.
If you’ve suffered, you can help others who are going through the same thing. You understand their pain.

But Wait, Does This Mean We Should Love Suffering?

😂😂 My brother, my sister, nobody dey love suffering o!

Even Jesus Himself, before going to the cross, said: “Father, if it is possible, take this cup away from me. But not my will, but Yours be done.” (Matthew 26:39).

It’s okay to pray for relief. It’s okay to want things to get better. But in the meantime, don’t waste your suffering—ask God what He wants to do through it.

Final Thoughts: Suffering Without Gain is Wasted Pain

If you’re going through something right now, don’t just endure it—learn from it. Grow from it. Let God shape you through it.

Yes, suffering is painful. But if we submit to God’s process, the pain won’t be wasted. Because God never wastes pain.

So, is there gain in suffering? Yes. But only if we let God use it for His glory.

💭 What do you think? Have you ever gone through suffering that later turned out to be a blessing? Drop your thoughts! 👇🏾🔥