Suffering Well: The Forge of Leadership

by Nathan Elliott

Suffering Is Not the Enemy—Fragility Is

In the military, suffering is not an accident; it’s intentional. Grueling marches, sleepless nights, and punishing drills aren't signs of cruelty—they’re tools of transformation. The aim isn’t to torment but to refine. While torture destroys, suffering with purpose produces antifragility: the strength to grow through adversity.

The same principle applies to leadership. True leaders don’t merely survive hardship; they emerge stronger, sharper, and more resilient because of it. Suffering—when embraced with faith and vision—is the forge that tempers the steel of great leadership.

Abraham: The Long Wait of Obedient Faith

God called Abraham to father a nation (Genesis 12:1-3), but that destiny didn’t unfold overnight. He left everything familiar, wandered through famine, and waited decades for a single son. Then came the unthinkable: God asked him to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2). Abraham's obedience through uncertainty reveals a core truth—leadership is often forged in the fire of waiting. Trusting God without visible results builds unshakable resolve.

Joseph: Refusing the Victim Mentality

Joseph’s leadership journey began in a pit and passed through slavery and prison (Genesis 37:23-28; 39:20). He had every reason to grow bitter, but instead he chose faithfulness and readiness. When the moment came, he was prepared to lead Egypt through crisis and restore his fractured family (Genesis 41:39-41).

His story embodies antifragility: rising stronger from trials rather than being defined by them. Great leaders don’t ask, “Why me?” They ask, “What’s next?” and get ready.

Moses: Leadership Carries a Burden

Moses carried the weight of a rebellious people—constantly complaining, nostalgic for slavery, and resistant to freedom (Exodus 14:11-12). Yet, he stood firm before Pharaoh, interceded for his people, and led them through the desert. His pain wasn’t pointless—it was purposeful.

Moses shows that leaders suffer for others. Their shoulders bear not only their own struggles but the responsibilities of those they serve. In his suffering, Moses met God—and was forever changed. Leadership transforms when suffering is embraced as part of the calling.

Suffering: The Hidden Advantage of a Leader

What separates those who break from those who rise? Mindset.

Suffering reveals character. It demands discipline. It forces leaders to shed entitlement and embrace endurance. The military gets this. So does Scripture. And so must leaders in every sphere—from business to ministry, from home to the mission field.

Abraham chose trust over doubt. Joseph chose integrity over resentment. Moses chose perseverance over comfort. They didn’t just get through suffering—they let it shape them.

Choose the Forge

You will suffer. That much is certain. But suffering well is a choice.

It’s the difference between being refined or ruined. Between fragility and resilience. Between leaders who crack and those who carry others.

So don’t waste the fire. Let it burn away the excess. Let it carve courage into your soul. Let it remind you who you're called to be.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” —Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)

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