I have talked about suffering many times in past blogs; however, it seems to be a topic at church again. So I guess more than one of us needs to hear the message again. I’m going to keep it short so that the point doesn’t get lost. If you are suffering in some way, this is meant for you. If you are suffering and it isn’t related to the consequence of sin in your life, this blog is for you. If you are suffering and it is the consequence of sin in your life, it is for you.
Suffering isn’t Always Punishment
Ok so first off, everyone who was deemed righteous in the Bible suffered even when it wasn’t a consequence of their behavior. Abraham had to suffer the agony of sacrificing his son. Job suffered the trials of being tested. Jesus suffered the agony and shame of the cross. The suffering in your life is not always meant as correction. Sometimes it is refinement and to glorify Him. In Hebrews 5:8-9 it says of Jesus, “though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him”
Suffering as a Consequence of Sin
Sometimes though, our suffering is a consequence of sin. When Samson disobeyed his vow, he was taken into captivity. When Adam and Eve sinned, they were cast out of the garden. When Moses struck the rock, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land.
However, even when we sin, God doesn’t abandon us. God heard Samson’s pleas, and in his death, he killed more of his enemies than in his life. After Adam and Eve sinned, God created a plan for redemption through Christ. Moses was not allowed to go into the Promised Land, but God continued to guide him and remained his friend even burying him after his death.
Even if we sin, God will use our circumstances to bring us back to Him. Please understand that I am not suggesting to take a light approach to sinning. God loves you enough to allow you to experience the consequences of your behavior so that you stop doing it and turn back to Him.
Suffering is Meant for Refinement
The purpose of this life is to have a relationship with God, to be righteous or right with God. It has been said that everything you see and experience around you is the proving ground or the big test. Will you turn to God, or will you turn to yourself? For God, the circumstances in your life are like an incubator. All circumstances in your life, including the suffering, are meant to form you into who He wants you to be. This life is just the beginning. When we die, we hatch into exactly who He wants us to be.
Peace Only Comes from Recognizing God’s Love
If you want peace in this life, even when suffering, remember these three things.
- As Job was reminded everything around you is His: the air you breathe, the things you love, and the things that torment you. It is all His.
- He has a perfect plan in everything He does. He has everything worked out before you even know it has happened.
- He loves you and is moving you to exactly who He wants you to be. All He asks is for you to have a relationship with Him. Give Him praise for who He is and for His plan.
So when you suffer, and it isn’t because of sin, be grateful that He is using you and refining you into who He wants you to be. When it is because of sin, stop what you are doing then be grateful that He loves you enough to let you experience the pain of your sin and give you a path back to Him. So, “In every thing [especially suffering] give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
– Written by Jeremiah
Meet the authors.
Listen to us discuss our blogs on our YouTube channel.
