But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.—1 Peter 4:15-16 ESV
Have there been times when you wondered why you had put yourself through so much heartache or suffering, knowing you could have avoided it? Maybe you refused to listen to advice from your parents, mentors or close friends. Or refusing to yield to the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, then GBAM! You are faced with chaos or the consequences of your actions. And you know deep down, the problem could have been avoided if only you had listened to advice or followed Spirit-led instincts and not been stubborn or obstinate.
Suffering is part of life, don’t get me wrong, but some sufferings can be avoided if we pay attention to God’s words and the leading of the Holy Spirit. When we go against God’s word or His leading, He will forgive us, but sometimes we will still face the consequences of our actions.
The Bible describes King David as the man after God’s own heart, but when he slept with another man’s wife – Bathsheba, he had to face the consequences. Unfortunately, it wasn’t only him who was affected; his whole family suffered because of what he did (2 Samuel 11 and 12).
There are many examples in the Bible of people who endured unnecessary suffering. Like the Israelites, who spent 40 years in the wilderness instead of 40 days after they left Egypt, because they didn’t trust God’s promises. “And your children shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years and shall suffer for your faithlessness, until the last of your dead bodies lies in the wilderness. According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, a year for each day, you shall bear your iniquity forty years, and you shall know my displeasure.” Numbers 14:33-34 (ESV)
There is also Achan, who got himself and his family killed for stealing what belonged to the LORD. The Israelites also lost their initial battle against the small town of Ai because of what he did (Joshua 7).
When people say: It’s my life, I can do whatever I want. It’s a big lie because what we do, either good or bad, affects others directly or indirectly. So, think about your life. Are you suffering the consequences of some unwise decisions of the past?
Are you right now considering doing something or making a decision? Weigh it and consider whether your action or decision will lead to freedom or to unnecessary suffering for you or someone close to you.
We pray that the Lord helps us to Trust and Obey Him, so we live a life free of unnecessary suffering, Amen.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 