ALL ABOUT SUFFERING:
An Encouraging Study!
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ," (Philippians 3:20)
Many believers talk about fighting against Satan when we go through things. We are to put on the full armor of God, this is the biblical means in which we are granted in order to resist and fend off any attacks coming from his domain. We are never told to fight him in a direct way, like yelling outwardly in order to reclaim our soul. First of all, he doesn’t have that kind of power over believers, unless they forfeit our God-given authority over his powers. And secondly, it isn’t what we are told in God’s Word. This ought to come as a great comfort, not to have to fight on such a harrowing level.
Furthermore, God doesn't want us getting too comfortable here because this is NOT our real home. Our citizenship is in Heaven!
How many of us can recall a time when we learned anything of any real value through the good/easier times of our lives?
It may be surprising to discover, but suffering can actually be a benefit, as Paul has said—
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our heart by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Suffering of any kind can keep us from thinking we have all the answers. If everything in our lives seems perfect, we may begin to believe that we know it all and not even really need God. Perhaps that's one of God's Judgments for letting us suffer, in some instances anyway; to chasten, but also to test, polish and refine:
"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." (1Peter 4:17-19)
"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver, I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." (Isaiah 48:10)
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1Peter 5:6-7)
“Now some of you are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the words of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.” (1Corinthians 4:18-20)
God's Word provides believers with answers to pressing questions like those surrounding the suffering of the blameless.
The question of God's Rationale behind why He allows good people to suffer can be one of the greatest of all stumbling blocks among God’s people and the very reason so many atheists remain in their 'no God' ideologies.
This is why it is truly invaluable to understand the undeniable truth found in the Word of God: that no matter who we are, we all suffer; merely for being here in this fallen world. The question we should ask is, are we suffering for good or for evil?
"For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1Peter 3:17)
"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other peoples matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1Peter 4:15-16)
Notwithstanding, God never promised that we would not have to contend with trials and tribulations, there are still those who expect God to come in and fix everything in their lives. But, this is unbiblical. The Truth is that our suffering brings us closer to God, as we rely more heavily on Him in the midst of tribulation than we would had we not ever had the tribulation. Jesus taught that we shouldn’t let our suffering and troubles get us down, but rejoice instead, for through our trials, He is nearer to us and we may see His Glory and Grace at work, for Jesus has said:
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
In Him, we have everything we need to overcome, which blesses us while bringing to Him all the glory—
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
And, when we suffer for His Sake, we are blessed; yet another reason to be comforted in our trials and afflictions—
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strength, and settle you.” (1Peter 5:10)
Furthermore, when we suffer it helps us to become more compassionate toward the suffering of others. We become more Christlike; better, wiser, refined and polished, and made more perfect for His Use:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2Corinthians 1:3-4)
Suffering in obedience is sharing in His Suffering, which brings us closer to HIM, for He suffered extraordinarily for us; the worst suffering anyone has ever or will ever endure. And, when we suffer, God is with us through it all; pointing us in the direction of deliverance, revelation and spiritual growth:
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified." (1Peter 4:12-14)
God's Word illustrates that He allows suffering for a variety of reasons (Brian Cosby--"Our sin is what really makes us miserable, not our suffering.") Brian also stated—
--"When we remain faithful through trials, it bears witness to the world; setting that right godly example and proving to the world that we are the real deal."
--"Suffering pushes us toward repentance; it acts as a cleanser and a deterrent from sin."
--"To relinquish the temporal for the eternal." Our suffering is temporary and beneficial:
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2)
"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." (1Peter 5:10)
--"To produce a hypocrisy-free faith"
God uses our pain to refine us and separate the sheep from the goats.
(Jeremiah 9:7, Zechariah 13:9 & Malachi 3:3)
--"In our suffering, we are afforded the chance to see God work and discover our level of faithfulness."
--"God ordains our suffering because it benefits us." (Hebrews 12:6, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 12:2 & Philippians 1:6)
--"If we love something or someone more than we love God, He may take away that idol in order to chasten us and bring us unto repentance, which is for our own good."
--"If we desire our healing more than we desire God, then we are in idolatry."
--"What a testimony to remain joyful in our suffering before others."
Also See: 1Peter 2:18-20, 1Peter 4:19, Acts 9:15-16, 2Timothy 3:12, 17-19 & Acts 5:17-42 (Through this long passage in Acts, we see that without endurance through suffering, the Church would not have survived! POWERFUL!)
MORE SCRIPTURE—
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
“For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought u into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.” (Psalms 66:10-12)
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
"Many are the afflictions of the But the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalm 34:19)
APPROPRIATE ARTICLE—
25 Bible Verses about Suffering - NKJV - DailyVerses.net
Suffering is to our spirits, as spinach is to our muscles— it makes us stronger!
Funny Note: I can't believe how much I suffered just in writing this! First with problems with posting and then my PC died and I lost everything and had to start all over, but it was so worth it, because of what I learned and what others may learn.
One Final Note--
For those we know that are going through things, I've heard it said that people need love and understanding the most, when they deserve it the least. I do believe that's true and also that we are all being tested right now, just prior to Jesus' Return, and that God would like us to grow in our patience with ourselves and those in whom we counsel.
"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." (Philippians 1:29)
Satan may be at the core of all suffering, but what he meant for our harm, God uses for our benefit; He turns it around for our good.....
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."(Romans 8:28)
NKJV