Suffering isn’t optional. It’s coming whether you like it or not. The only question is: will you break under its weight, or will you carry your cross like Christ?
Too many people believe suffering is a sign of failure. A punishment. Something to avoid at all costs. But that’s not what Christ taught. He didn’t run from the cross—He embraced it. And because of that, He redeemed the world.
The truth? Strength isn’t built through comfort. It’s forged in battle. To be a true spiritual warrior, you must learn to carry your cross with discipline, purpose, and faith.
1. Stop Wasting Time Asking “Why Me?”
Most people’s first reaction to suffering is self-pity. Why is this happening? Why me? What did I do to deserve this?
Wrong questions.
Suffering is part of the deal. The saints knew this. Christ Himself—sinless and perfect—still suffered. If the Son of God wasn’t spared, why should you be?
Instead of wasting time in self-pity, shift your mindset: How can I grow from this? How can I use this suffering to glorify God?
Spiritual warriors don’t waste suffering. They transform it.
2. Strength is a Choice, Not a Feeling
You don’t “feel” like lifting heavy weights. You don’t “feel” like waking up early to train. But you do it anyway because discipline builds strength. The same applies to suffering.
Jesus didn’t “feel” like carrying His cross. He asked if it could pass from Him. But in the end, He chose obedience over comfort. That’s real strength.
Most people let suffering dictate their actions. They retreat, complain, and compromise. But warriors? They choose strength. They get up when they don’t feel like it. They keep praying when they don’t hear an answer. They stay faithful when everything in them wants to quit.
You don’t need to feel strong to be strong. You just need to choose it.
3. Suffering Alone is Weakness—Lean Into the Right People
Christ carried His cross, but He wasn’t alone. Simon of Cyrene was pulled in to help. Even the strongest need support.
If you’re suffering, don’t isolate yourself. That’s a trap. The enemy wants you to think you’re alone, that no one understands. But the reality? You’re part of an army.
Lean on those who share your faith. Surround yourself with people who will challenge you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. Weak men hide. Strong men unite.
Find your tribe. No warrior fights alone.
4. Turn Pain Into Power
There’s a reason soldiers go through brutal training. It toughens them for battle. The same is true for spiritual warriors. Every struggle, every moment of pain, is an opportunity to build endurance.
When you suffer, remind yourself: This isn’t breaking me. It’s making me.
- Struggling financially? Trust in God, but also get disciplined. Cut what’s unnecessary. Take control.
- Fighting temptation? Strengthen your defenses. Pray. Fast. Get serious about spiritual warfare.
- Facing rejection, betrayal, or loss? Christ did too. And He came out victorious. So will you.
Pain is either a prison or a weapon. You decide which.
5. Keep Your Eyes on Eternity
The cross wasn’t the end of Christ’s story. Neither is suffering the end of yours. The resurrection came after the crucifixion. Glory after pain.
If you only focus on the suffering in front of you, you’ll get discouraged. But if you focus on what it’s leading to—holiness, strength, eternity—you’ll push through.
No suffering lasts forever. But the strength it builds? That’s eternal.
Final Thoughts: Warriors Don’t Quit
Most people want a comfortable faith. Something easy. But Christ didn’t call us to be comfortable—He called us to be strong.
So when suffering comes, don’t shrink back. Stand up. Carry your cross. Fight the good fight.
And remember: You don’t suffer alone.
Equip yourself for the battle ahead. Get the gear you need. Strengthen your faith with the Combat Rosary and walk the warrior’s path.