Grateful For Suffering?
He is telling us that suffering and pain are part of the deal. We should expect it instead of being shocked by it.
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Grateful For Suffering?
Over the last few years, I have written a lot about suffering. Suffering is a very common thing. We seldom notice other people’s pain because our own is often so unbearable and difficult. But, we all experience it. God has a message for us about pain. The Apostle Peter puts it like this:
1 Peter 4:12
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.”
Peter is telling us something about life. He is telling us that suffering and pain are part of the deal. We should expect it instead of being shocked by it. Pain and suffering have a purpose. They are not accidental and they are not unimportant.
Pain and suffering are the building blocks of Christian character. They work together to test us and make us stronger. The Christian is not perfected by being sheltered and coddled. Rather, we are strengthened and purified by turning to God for strength in difficult times.
I can tell you that my experience as a Pastor has shown me that those who seem to be the closest to Jesus are the ones who have struggled with suffering the most. Pain and suffering reveal to us something about God. They tell us that He cares. He cares enough to use our trials to make us better.
James 1:2-4
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
He cares enough to comfort us when we suffer.
Isaiah 41:10
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you...”
And He cares enough to make our suffering worthwhile,
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.”
Are you confused and unsure about your pain and suffering? Look to God. Ask Him. Let God comfort you and make you stronger, better, purer. He cares and He has a plan. Now, go read Psalm 116.
