Suffering: Finding God’s Comfort When You Need It Most
Where does it say that suffering is a part of the Christian life?
All throughout the New Testament there are numerous verses that speak to our suffering as believers. Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
When we go through suffering, it gives us an opportunity to testify to God’s faithfulness and how a season of suffering can be used to encourage others around you. Suffering is not the end of the story—God provides you His peace, His promises, His goodness, and His comfort as you patiently endure hardship (suffering) in this life.
Psalm 27:4-5
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
And because of this, we can REJOICE in suffering!
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. No one is a stranger to suffering—whether it’s a death of a loved one, painful diagnosis, conflicts at home or at work, broken relationships; trials are not exclusive to anyone. Once we accept the reality that suffering does not respect anyone, we ask—Why? If God loves me so much, then how can he allow me to suffer?
BIG IDEA:
Our first reaction to suffering can be to run, be discouraged or get overwhelmed. Can you imagine responding with rejoicing? Embrace what God is doing in your life, and you will see His blessings through it. Romans 3:10
No one is righteous—not even one (because of our sin, suffering is inevitable)
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. God chooses to use suffering to teach men and women the meaning of willing love and genuine obedience,and to recognize their need for a Savior. Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
He never stops loving us with an irrevocable, steadfast, everlasting, crazy and compelling love. He does not care about our past or the things we did or did not do. He loves us unconditionally.
God is sovereign and will one day drive out every bit of sin; dry all of our tears from the suffering we have experienced and will say “Welcome home!”