When facing suffering, one thing that has helped me is to know that God will not let it go wasted. That can often prove to be difficult. To help me see that, I often look from three perspectives to see what God is doing beyond my suffering.

Past

“You are the [awesome] God who works [powerful] wonders; You have demonstrated Your power among the people.” Psalm 77:14

The first of the three perspectives is to look back. The first way to look to the past is to look back on what God has previously brought you through. I’ve heard it said that often times the easiest way to see God’s hand is in the rearview. Whether it is a personal story, one you heard from a friend or teacher, or one from the Bible, looking on what God has already done will spur on your faith and hope for today and on. I like to look back and think about where my past self expected me to be by now. We tend to forget how far God has taken us, every once in a while it is good for us to turn around and look. If we were to step back into where we thought we would be now, God would have already exceeded expectations. Personally, I can remember many times when I have looked back and been astounded by how God had worked.  Our mind should always be stayed on what God has done. Do not dwell in your suffering to miss what God has already done. He is the awesome God who works powerful wonders. Look to how He demonstrates His power. Remember that God is the same God who was in the old testament, the new testament, He was with you in the past and is still the same who is with you right now. 

Present

“God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Once you have looked at what God has done, it is important to not forget where God has you now and is actively doing around you. God is always working something out for good so if you look it would not take long to see something to be grateful. It can be harder to see than looking to the past, but break through the clouded vision brought on by the stormy trials to see the blessings God is giving in and around your life. Just because you are in the thick of it does not mean God is not doing something great around you. You can either be bogged down by the trials in your life or you could have peace and joy through all the wonderful things God is doing. God is a very present help. He is always doing something, not taking off days. 

Future

“Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Looking to the future has been the perspective that has helped me the most. There have been many times when I am worn down by a certain suffering, then when I look to the future I think of how God is going to use it. It requires faith, but know that God is not going to waste any bit of suffering, He will turn it all for good. It can be hard to have that faith in the midst of trials, but that is why it is important to look back. Once you realize the pattern of not seeing the end of suffering while you are in it, than seeing it afterward, your faith will be stronger. As I said earlier, God’s hand is often seen easiest in the rearview and while you are not already past your trial, you can imagine what God is going to do. Another way I use the future perspective to endure trial, I think of how one day I will look back on all the trials I went through and see what it was all for and thank God for the same things I prayed would end.