The book of Romans lays out some of the deepest theology in the whole Bible. So it might seem weird to turn to such a “deep” book for comfort getting through a time of suffering. Surprisingly, the apostle Paul—an early church leader who wrote Romans—spends an entire chapter pretty much talking about suffering.

Here are three verses which helped (and still help) me deal with our loss:

“I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” Romans 8:18

I made this Scripture uncomfortably personal the other day, when I paraphrased it like this: “I consider the suffering of losing a child is not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” It’s a bracing thought, but its true: the glory of Christ for all eternity will be so great, so magnificent, and so powerful that all the pain and suffering endured in this life will melt away. I long for that day.

“All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28

This is the classic suffering verse. And also the verse you never want to hear right away when you are confronted  with suffering. But as time stretched on, I was able to reflect on this verse and it gave me great hope. God is sovereign over my suffering and will somehow, some way, bring good from it. How does that all works out? I have no idea. But I cling to God’s good sovereignty.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things” Romans 8:32

God gave us His Son and will also give us “all things.” I think that “all things” means literally “all things”—even pain and suffering. What’s even more amazing is that Paul describes these things as “freely” given by God. The term “freely” also means “graciously.” In other words, “all things”—even pain and suffering—are gifts of God’s grace. I don’t know why we suffered the loss of Lazarus, but I do know that God loves me (even if He has a funny way of showing it).

Those are three verses which helped me through suffering.

What are some Scripture passages that have helped you get through suffering?