Walking with God - 11/12
The Privilege of Suffering
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In the world we live in suffering is not an option – sooner or later all of us will encounter it. According to the Scriptures, God is able to turn suffering for our good.
SUMMARY
In this world suffering is not an option. According to the Scriptures those who have become children of God will go through suffering (Romans 8:16, 17). If you are away from God, you will go through suffering, and it is very difficult – you have no one to turn to. But the Christian has the hope that though the Lord allows suffering, He will be with us through it. God does not create suffering, but allows it and turns it to our good. Depending on how we take it, suffering can build us up or destroy us.
According to Paul suffering is a privilege (Philippians 1:29). He suffered much (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). All who desire to live a holy life will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). According to the Bible, Jesus was a man of suffering (Isaiah 53:3-5; Hebrews 2:10). Arm yourselves with the mind that you will encounter suffering; and when it comes, confront it the same way Jesus did (1 Peter 4:1).
The purpose of suffering is to keep us humble and dependent on God, so that His power may be manifest in us (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Also suffering makes us more like Jesus; it is for our good (Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 12:5-11). Suffering also results in glory to God (1 Peter 1:6, 7). Suffering enables us to comfort those who suffer (2 Corinthians 1:4). If you have not suffered, you will not know how those that suffer feel. Another reason for suffering is to know Jesus better; to have deeper communion with Him; to be closer to Him (Philippians 3:9, 10).
We should rejoice and glorify God in sufferings (2 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Peter 4:13-16; Matthew 5:10-12). Let suffering draw you closer to Jesus and not the opposite.
SUMMARY
In this world suffering is not an option. According to the Scriptures those who have become children of God will go through suffering (Romans 8:16, 17). If you are away from God, you will go through suffering, and it is very difficult – you have no one to turn to. But the Christian has the hope that though the Lord allows suffering, He will be with us through it. God does not create suffering, but allows it and turns it to our good. Depending on how we take it, suffering can build us up or destroy us.
According to Paul suffering is a privilege (Philippians 1:29). He suffered much (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). All who desire to live a holy life will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). According to the Bible, Jesus was a man of suffering (Isaiah 53:3-5; Hebrews 2:10). Arm yourselves with the mind that you will encounter suffering; and when it comes, confront it the same way Jesus did (1 Peter 4:1).
The purpose of suffering is to keep us humble and dependent on God, so that His power may be manifest in us (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Also suffering makes us more like Jesus; it is for our good (Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 12:5-11). Suffering also results in glory to God (1 Peter 1:6, 7). Suffering enables us to comfort those who suffer (2 Corinthians 1:4). If you have not suffered, you will not know how those that suffer feel. Another reason for suffering is to know Jesus better; to have deeper communion with Him; to be closer to Him (Philippians 3:9, 10).
We should rejoice and glorify God in sufferings (2 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Peter 4:13-16; Matthew 5:10-12). Let suffering draw you closer to Jesus and not the opposite.
