We have been made right with God because of our faith. Now we have peace with him because of our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through faith in Jesus we have received God’s grace. In that grace we stand. We are full of joy because we expect to share in God’s glory. [3] And that’s not all. We are full of joy even when we suffer. We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. [4] The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope.
Romans 5:1-4
There may be nothing in life more difficult and disillusioning for our faith than suffering. No one doubts Yahweh in the middle of blessing. We doubt Yahweh when we are receiving the opposite of everything we are asking for (at least that is how I usually respond.)
For the prayer about suffering to be valuable, we must not merely grin and bear the pain, we must seek to understand Yahweh’s thinking and purposes.
We have to question and even argue with Yahweh about our suffering. Be honest, now…
We tell Him when we believe our suffering is undeserved, has gone on too long, or is so painful that we are finding it difficult to trust or remain faithful.
At the same time, deeply reflect to see the purposes of Yahweh, and perhaps find it in your heart to thank Him for your suffering, not just after the fact, but sometimes in the midst of it, because your faith has allowed you to see its long term value.
Suffering is wasted if we don’t walk through it with Yahweh, questioning Him to understand, relying on Him to make it through, and ultimately triumphing as He turns the ugly into beautiful (Romans 8:28-32).
Spiritual commitment:
The book of 1 Peter gives wonderful reasons why we are to be faithful to Yahweh. I read it every day when I feel like I can’t go on… It helps encourage my heart to look past the now. At one time in my life, I thought being a Christian was mere suffering, (which was a woefully inaccurate conclusion… in which case years coupled with ‘real’ suffering has cleared up for me ?)
As a result of my varied life experiences, I have found 1 Peter to be a master class in how to understand, endure, and even conquer suffering..
Read and allow 1 Peter to confirm or correct your thinking. Do you have the right attitude toward suffering? What is Yah’s attitude toward suffering? Can anyone avoid suffering? How can a person be joyful during suffering?
In the end, you should develop a strengthening faith capable of helping you faithfully endure anything, anytime, anywhere, because you know Yahweh is working for your good?
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— [12] that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Romans 1:11-12
Find someone whom you know is suffering, and do everything within your power to reduce their pain and give them hope. This not only should be a conversation and Bible study, but should include action as well.
How can you serve them in such a way that you communicate empathy toward their situation? What type of card or note can you write to ease their pain and strengthen their faith? If they have children, how can you relieve their parenting load, as they fight personal suffering their kids may be too young to understand? Make them a meal to reduce stress if theirs is an absolute tragedy happening. Find something to show your neighbor, your friend, or stranger that you care for their hardships and sufferings.. that you care for their soul.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15
One last thing: There are not nearly enough Bible studies being shared to help people understand and endure suffering joyfully. Anything you can do to create a few, and share them would be appreciated by more people than you can imagine.
Go witness to a stranger.. tell them the good news of the Shepherd who gave His Life for His Sheep.
save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh..Jude 1:2-3
