Suffering

Suffering. All around the world people are suffering. Some suffer with hunger. Others have addictions. Some suffer with diseases or afflictions. Many struggle with poverty and having the basic necessities of life.

According to Webster, suffering, "implies conscious endurance of pain or distress."

As a Christian, suffering is inevitable. It will be a part of your story, whether you are prepared for its coming or not. The question is, how will you deal with suffering in your life? Will you become bitter and angry against God and the whole world because you are suffering? Or will you endure hardship and trust God to faithfully guide you each step of the way?

There are many examples of saints who suffered in the Bible. In James 5:10-11 ESV we read, "As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful." Job suffered the loss of everything he had, even his health. God gave Job back double what he had lost; after the suffering, Job was richer than before.

We could take other examples like John the Baptist, the apostle Paul, and Stephen, who ultimately gave their lives for Truth.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God Himself, was not immune from suffering. Jesus suffered rejection. Isaiah 53:3 ESV says, "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not." Jesus suffered the agony of the whipping post and death on the cross by crucifixion. Hebrews 2:9-10 reads, “But we see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it was fitting that He, for Whom and by Whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." Jesus Christ never sinned, yet He suffered the punishment for all of our sins. What a sacrifice!

As I mentioned before, suffering is inevitable. Jesus told His disciples in John 16:33 ESV, "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." What a consolation to know that even though we go through trials and suffering, God has already overcome!

As Christians, we are called upon to endure suffering. 2 Timothy 2:3 ESV says, "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." A good soldier does not turn and run as the battle commences; he goes toward danger and endures the battle. God ensures that we will be able to endure our trials. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV encourages, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." Suffering actually produces endurance. Romans 5:3 ESV reads, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance." If there were no trials or sufferings in life, there would be nothing to endure or overcome. God is also faithful to deliver us. Psalm 34:19 ESV encourages, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

The Bible even tells us to rejoice in our sufferings. Matthew 5:10-12 ESV says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." In 1 Peter 4:12-13, we read, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." The rejoicing comes in knowing that no matter what circumstance we are facing, God is in control, and He is faithful to His promises!

There are rewards for enduring suffering. James 1:12 ESV says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him." 2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV reads, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." We cannot even begin to fathom with our finite minds what a wonderful place heaven will be.

I will leave you with the words of 1 Peter 5:10, " But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."