Making Sense of Our Suffering
“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isa 43:1-3)
Maybe you are undergoing pain because:
- You were wrongly accused
- You were unfairly treated
- You lost your job
- You lost a loved one
- You have a serious health condition
- You are bearing a very heavy burden
- You are stuck in life
Why does God allow us to go through suffering?
Suffering is a part of life in this fallen world. There is a time to weep and a time to laugh.
We will experience peace in the midst of our suffering when we believe that God is in control of our suffering. We believe that God still loves us. We still believe He is good all the time. We accept this suffering as from our Heavenly Father’s hand. We know that this suffering is not going to last forever. Our faith in God will help us overcome discouragement and doubt.
God allows suffering to come into our lives:
To toughen us.
To help us become more spiritually mature and Christlike.
To accomplish His plan through us.
To help us desire God and heaven.
To allow God to show to the devil that we still fear Him.
So that we can show the world He is real as we trust Him.
So that we can know He is our sovereign, all-wise, good God.
So that we can comfort and bless others.
To understand the sufferings of Christ.
To present the Gospel that Jesus suffered for our sins.
To glorify God.
Are you still struggling with God? Let Him continue His good work in you through your suffering.
(MT)