Enduring Hardship to Serve Better: A Christian Perspective

Jesus had to suffer many things in order to relate to us. Similarly, in business, we sometimes have to go through difficulties to better understand and serve our clients. These are tough lessons to learn, but necessary ones.

HIS SUFFERINGS

The Lord of glory became a man to save us. And in addition to His suffering and death on the cross for our sins, He lived over 33 years on earth:

despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" - Isaiah 53:3

Hebrews chapter 2 beautifully illustrates this:

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death… Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest… For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.” - Hebrews 2:9,17-18

As Christians, when we come to the Lord Jesus for comfort, we know He understands because He faced rejection, betrayal, loneliness, and pain on earth.

Think about this:

“Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered” - Hebrews 5:8

Even God Himself had something to learn!

As God, He knew all things, but only as a man, could He experience all things. As a perfect man, He couldn't be any more obedient, but He could experience obedience in new ways. What He learned, He learned through suffering.

Doesn't this make Him all the more relatable?

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." -Hebrews 4:15

OUR SUFFERINGS

Just as His experiences equipped Him to serve us, our business hardships equip us to better serve our clients. God changes us in the storm, and when it passes, we are left with newfound love and compassion for those we serve. Our business becomes a beacon of hope.

So, what kind of trial are you facing right now?

• Are you struggling to pay your monthly bills?
• Are you worried when you tap your credit card at the store?
• Are you praying night and day for relief from your struggles?

Can I encourage you with these verses:

“...we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us…” - 2 Corinthians 7:5-6

“Blessed be God... Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God…” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Maybe before the trial, you weren't ready to serve your customers. But after this troubled time, you can reach out to customers with a message of hope. They will sense that you are relatable, that you care, and that you've come through the storm. Thus, a true mission begins: a sincere quest to help and serve.

OUR MISSION

Remember, all commandments are contained in loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself.

“Who is my neighbor?”

someone asked Jesus one day. He told the story of the Good Samaritan, who helped someone in desperate need when no one else would. Then Jesus said:

“Go and do likewise.”

Our Lord is telling us the same thing today concerning our customers. Look for those in need. Show mercy. Help them. Your reward might not be great on earth, but it will be great in heaven. And God will be well pleased with you.

If your business is struggling, remember God is preparing you to better serve your customers, and ultimately to better serve Him.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." -Colossians 3:23-24

May God bless you on your business journey, for His name's sake.