One survey said that many people lay some blame for the suffering that occurs in the world at the feet of individuals and societal institutions. Seventy-one percent of people said it is mostly a consequence of people’s own actions, while sixty-nine opined it was mostly a result of the way society is structured. (Religion News Service 23 November 2021) Humans are born to trouble or suffer as sparks soar skyward. (Job 5:7) A Christian approaches life of suffering from a divine, eternal and hopeful perspective.
1) Bearable: God allows his children to the valleys of sufferings and even death. However, it is within the limit a person could bear. (I Corinthians 10:13) It is never beyond the person’s capacity.
2) Purposeful: A believer counts persecution, tribulations, and sufferings as a joy. For it produces faith, steadfastness, endurance, character, and hope that results in believers being made complete and perfect. ((James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-4)
3) Educational: Difficult seasons of life help believers to learn statutes, percepts, and laws of the Lord. (Psalms 119:71) In the suffering disciples learn intimacy with the Lord. (Psalms 23:4)
4) Time bound: Suffering is for a little while; it is not endless or prolongs eternally. (I Peter 5:10)
5) Hope: All things work together for good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) Human trafficking by Joseph’s brothers propelled Joseph in the path of progress and prosperity in Egypt’s palace of Pharaoh.
6) Fellowship of suffering: (Philippians 3:10) Pain is hurtful, but creates an empathy in the person who suffers, and provides solidarity with the hurting suffering world. The Mystical Body of Christ (the Church) endures persecution until the Lord comes in glory. Hence, the believers have fellowship in suffering with the Lord and other believers. (Colossians 1:24)
7) Glory: The glory as reward for suffering surpasses all equations. (Romans 8:18) The Glory God has ordained for His people is far beyond expectations. Pain, suffering, and persecution is temporary and meagre, compared to the glory that is eternal and surplus.
Do I walk with the Lord in my seasons of sufferings?