Suffering

For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.—1 Peter 3:17-18 ESV

Suffering is the experience of pain, distress or hardship, which can be physical, mental or emotional.

Suffering is not an ordeal or experience we want to be associated with as humans. We would all like to live a life of comfort, luxury and peace. However, unfortunately that is not real life. Suffering isn’t only associated with the poor; everyone suffers, the rich and the wealthy also suffer, mentally, physically or emotionally. No one is immune!

Some Christians see suffering as some sort of punishment from God for something they or the person going through it has done. Most of the time, that is not the case. As Christians, we need to view suffering from a different perspective, which might include asking God what He is trying to teach or show us.

A few weeks back, we looked at the life of Joseph. He went through some very hard times; however, it was God preparing him for a bigger task ahead. David is another example; before he became king, he suffered at the hands of Saul. He hunted David down like an animal, trying to kill him, and others just despised him because of who he was. Those times taught David to lean on God with all his might.

Job supports my point that suffering doesn’t have to be linked to disobedience or wrongdoing, as the narrative in the Bible shows. Job had a comfortable life, but went through a phase where he lost everything, including his health. Even though his friends were trying to tell him that he must have done something wrong to be going through so much suffering. Job stood his ground, saying that he had a right standing with God. At the end of Job’s ordeal, he learnt more about God, he said:

“…I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted… I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you…” Job 42:1,6 (ESV)

As Christians, we will most likely suffer for our faith, just as Christ suffered for us.  However, God has got us, as nothing takes Him by surprise. He will definitely bless us for it—if not in this world, then in the world to come.

^“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:12 -14 (ESV)

Stay blessed,

LaraLex