On Suffering ...
- Mandy
- Aug 24, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 6, 2020
Our human instinct when suffering is to revert to anger, sadness, depression, self-pity, feelings of rejection or we question God's goodness. We react rather than respond, strike out or want to retaliate at those who may have caused the suffering. As Christian's, how do we biblically respond to suffering? Read on to find out more ...
Welcome to this blog post where I explore the topic of suffering. It is not a case of IF you will experience suffering in this world, but a case of WHEN - devout Christian #woman or not!
Between you and I, I do not do well during periods of #suffering, and hence I wanted to explore this topic more to be prepared for such a season - I hope this content helps you in whatever season of life you are currently in.
"Suffering is not without purpose. God sovereignly uses circumstances to teach powerful lessons or accomplish His will." Christianity.com
Let's see what God's Word shows us on how to respond and endure suffering as a follower of Christ.
The example we follow ...
Of, course, it goes without saying we follow the example of Christ and others as depicted in the Bible e.g. the apostle Paul.
Our human instinct when hurt, insulted or rejected (suffering) is to want to retaliate and/or threaten revenge. As #christian women in Christ, this is not an option for us. We follow the example Jesus set - we leave our 'case' in God's hand, the only one who judges fairly.
"In the storms of your life, God is always at work - drawing you closer to Him and weaving all of your paths into His Purpose." Cherie Hill
Jesus' response to pain and suffering ...
If the very nature of our faith is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, then we need to consider (study) His response to suffering and pain.
Jesus quietly ACCEPTED his pain and suffering - how? By knowing He served a loving Father in heaven, who knows all things and works out all things for our good.
Jesus did not AVOID pain - He dealt with it in a dignified and submissive manner.
Jesus did not look for a scapegoat - someone to blame His situation on - in fact, Jesus was our scapegoat for OUR deserved pain.
Does that sound like you? I know that it certainly has not applied to me during periods of suffering!
"Jesus endured the cross because of the JOY awaiting Him."
Our response to pain and suffering ...
Q: How are we expected to respond to pain and suffering in our lives?
A: Like Jesus did above.
Here are some guidelines to follow to enable us to do this:
First and foremost we remind ourselves of the nature of the God we serve and what we mean to Him. He loves us, he cares what happens to us and ultimately, He is in control of our situation.
We take our eyes off our suffering and place them firmly on the Almighty God.
Rather than railing against God - run into His arms, His loving care and shelter there.
Seek God earnestly in prayer. In order to do this you need to spend time with Him. God's Holy Spirit is your comforter - reach out in prayer, confess your sins and submit to the pain suffering, so God can miraculously intervene in the midst of it all.
Spend time in God's Word - this will change our thought patterns, actions and our lives.
Above all do not give up - we are called to "endure" like Jesus endured the cross for the Joy awaiting Him.
If suffering involves persecution or slander by others, we are exhorted by Jesus to pray for them.
"But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2: 20-21
Suggested Resources for you
Read Isaiah 53.
YouBible - Chasing Carrots Plan
Highly recommended reading to put your life and suffering into perspective: Biographies of Corrie Ten Boom, Glady Aylward and The Pastor's Wife.
If you enduring cancer at the moment, a must read is The Hardest Peace
Dear reader - be encouraged. Suffering does not last a lifetime - there is joy in the morning, sunshine after the rain and a day will arrive when your suffering is over.
Simply yours in Grace.
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