The Benefit Of Suffering

[Coconut]

For many people, the existence of suffering and evil in the world constitutes a great insurmountable hurdle that prevents them from believing in God or in a God that is good. The wrong view towards the existence of suffering in this world has caused many errors. This problem of human suffering is by no means new. Every generation has asked the same questions, 'God why did you allow this to happen, why my child, why my husband…' The friends of Job were under the misconception that bad things only happen to bad people (Job 8:2-6; 4:7-8). The writer of the 73rd Psalm was initially perplexed because it seemed that bad things happen to good people while the evil doer lives in security and is untouched by adversity (73:3-5, 12-14).


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'-'as though this were some abnormal experience' (Phi).


The above verse reveals that if we view suffering as inconsistent with the idea that God is good, then somewhere along the line we have bought into some wrong assumptions.

Suffering Doesn't Stop God's Purposes:


I am reminded of Joseph's statement, 'And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.' (Genesis 50:20).

(a) When confronted with suffering, we have two basic choices, either the suffering can move us in an ungodly direction (questioning God, turning to immediate sins for temporary relief, etc…) or, suffering can be used to produce spiritual growth (James 1:2-4). The choice is ours, 'And let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.' (James 1:4)

(b) Be impressed that God can bring 'good' out of suffering, in fact, by one individual suffering, many can be spared from future suffering. Suffering doesn't mean that God doesn't care or that God is powerless. What a limited view of life we tend to have at times. How I handle my personal struggles and trials can effect generations! © At this point I really need to say something to our young couples and young parents. No matter how busy life becomes, God must come first (Matthew 6:33). For your own sake (Luke 14:26-27). And then for the sake of your children, their children, their grandchildren…..The example and tone you set, can affect either in a positive manner or a negative manner those who follow in your footsteps. I have just seen too many families in the Church adversely affected, neutralized, or destroyed because someone was an inconsistent example of a Christian. We have just placed one nail in our children's spiritual coffin if we dare give them the impression that there is something more important in this life than serving God.

-author unknown

2Cor 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

 

[elismile]

hey i agree

yea i agree God knows what his doing in terms of suffering an pain. Sometimes i wonder why i suddenly sit on the comfortable seat and then everything turns over. Me asking why is a weakness in my christianity and a sin cause the potter has a beautiful plan for me and i always have to remember. I also cut Gods hands the potter when he molds me not only do i suffer but he does. We were brought with a price (1 corinthians 7:23) what right does anyone have to complain. And if we continue to santify ourselves God will do wonders. (Joshua 3:5)

 

[jiggyfly]

2Timothy 3:10-13

10*But you know what I teach, Timothy, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith and how long I have suffered. You know my love and my patient endurance. 11*You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord delivered me from all of it. 12*Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13*But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will go on deceiving others, and they themselves will be deceived.

good post but it sure doesn't support the popular prosperity message being preached today and deceiving many.

 

[Mike]

Amen to all ! If you ever saw an evangelist named David Ring , it will make you feel very convicted about our minor sufferings . If you want info on David Rings testimony , go to [ DavidRing.org ] . You will be blessed. Mike

 

[Coconut]

I`d rather listen to a man who reached this world while carrying his cross,
than one who could only boast of the weight of his earthly possessions jiggyfly.

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mar 8:33-36

 

[jiggyfly]

Good stuff Coconut!!!!!!
Go ahead and preach to me, can't hear it enough. The Truth is like those energy bars, Pumps up my spirit.

 

[Coconut]

LOL jiggyfly! :embarasse
You had to go and mention prosperity preachers
But it looks like we agree, so you can have
the soapbox back now

 

[jiggyfly]

I`d rather listen to a man who reached this world while carrying his cross,
than one who could only boast of the weight of his earthly possessions jiggyfly.

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mar 8:33-36

My friend, that is the Gospel, shame it's not preached more.

 

[Coconut]

True jiggyfly! I would love to have the opportunity to ask any of these money hungry preachers, why they are more interested in telling people how to get comfortable in this world, than in telling people how to prepare for the world to come. The Word answers this question for them, they did`nt love the true gospel message, and have become so strongly deluded they believe thier own lies, insomuch they actually have the gall to say if you don`t have worldy riches, you don`t have enough faith. Blasphemers! They can have everything I own too (which is not much), for I`m getting ready to leave this world!

Jam 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

 

[jiggyfly]

I'm right behind you. I'm becoming more disillusioned with this world and all it has to offer everyday.

 

[Christina]

Suffering is the way to God's Kingdom! If we want to follow Christ, we have to be "dead" for this world, but alive for Him. "Dead" for the world means that we must destroy the sin from our lifes,to have a pure, clean and full of love soul! We all have to bear a cross in this earthly life, but this cross (the pain) will lead us to God and to the eternal happiness in Heaven. It doesn't matter if we are old or young,rich or poor, saints or sinners, we all suffer and pass through difficult situations. But the most important thing is to ask God for His help, to give us strength to endure everything, not to look for people's compassion. Because even the whole humanity abandons you, God will NEVER do it! HE is ALWAYS with us! To suffer for our faith, for Christ it's really a blessing for our soul!
Anyway, we can be sure that God is the only One who knows everything, He knows what;s the best for us and He loves us more than we can imagine. May His will be done with all of us and may His mercy cover us!

God bless you all
Love in Christ,
Christina