"I Think We've Suffered Long Enough"

The Jacksonville Jaguars has been one of the worst NFL teams since its inception as a franchise. Outside of a few good seasons with Mark Brunell and Tom Coughlin, being a Jags fan hasn’t been easy. Over the past three seasons, Jacksonville has tied for the NFL’s worst record at 12-36. Despite the ongoing challenges, Jags owner, Shad Khan, recently chuckled during an interview with USA TODAY Sports’ when he said, “I think we’ve suffered long enough...it’s been painful.” Although they have suffered many tough losses throughout many difficult seasons, the Jags have reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season. With talented young players like Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, and Allen Hurns breaking out last year, the Jags’ suffering may soon turn the corner if their play on the field lives up to expectations. Khan’s comment, “I think we’ve suffered long enough,” is something I’m sure each of us has uttered at some point in our life. Our suffering has most likely been much worse than a losing football team, but we, too, desire for it to end. With that in mind, I’m a firm believer that suffering for followers of Jesus has a purpose, the opportunity for growth, and allows us to trust God and see Him move. We think we know when the suffering “should” end in our lives, but sometimes we remain in that season longer than we’d like because the process of growth isn’t complete. God is doing something in us and through us during the suffering, and at the proper time, the pain will end. The Bible gives us great hope in knowing our suffering is only temporary and that God sees the bigger picture. 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV) says, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Suffering is not what we would normally choose, but when we put complete trust in our sovereign God, we can be assured our trials won’t be wasted...and that He knows when "we’ve suffered long enough." I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m thankful that You use my suffering for Your glory and my good, even when I think I’ve been through enough and I’m ready for the pain to be over. Help me to trust You while I’m in the middle of it, and lean on the hope you will restore and strengthen me. Thank you for Your power and love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.