15 things to do when suffering

This past weekend Jeff Cavins gave a talk on the meaning of suffering. He ended the talk with a list of 15 things you can do to ensure that your suffering is not wasted but joined to Christ, thus becoming powerful. Jeff put up his list on his blog.

Since we're in this period of practising self-denial, we're bound to suffer in some form. I think it's good then, for us to think about this list, and put it into practice. May you come to know the love that is hidden in suffering.

1. Understand that we have been called to participate in the redemption of the world. Col. 1:24; Rom. 8:28
2. Entrust yourself to God. 1 Peter 4:19
3. Unite your will with the will of Christ through prayer. Matthew 26:39
4. Realize that Jesus will not allow you to go through something that you can't handle. 1 Cor. 10:13
5. Embrace the suffering, conscious of the fact that God's grace is available, active and effective. 2 Cor. 12:9
6. Go to confession. Focus on eliminating sin, which weakens your relationship with Jesus. Hebrews 12:1
7. Participate on the paten during Mass. Offer you suffering up to God. CCC 1350
8. Avoid illegitimate suffering. Do not draw attention to yourself. Matthew 6:5-6
9. Think of others and offer your suffering for them. 1 Cor. 1:6
10. Actively love by doing what is right according to your vocation. CCC 518,1604
11. Pray the Rosary - Walk the passion of Christ with Our Lady. Concerning the rosary, remember "it beats the rhythm of human life..." Pope John Paul II
12. Study the Saints, many of them suffered and overcame great obstacles. CCC 313, 828, 1195
13. Rejoice that you can share in the redemption of the world. 1 Peter 4:13
14. Keep an eternal perspective. Ecc. 3:11; Matt. 6:19-20; Rom. 8:17
15. Trust God for the fruit of your suffering. 1 Cor. 3:7-8; Heb. 11:26