Talk about Christian prosperity is in vogue these days, but faith has many facets to it, as does every life, and suffering will always be one of those facets. It is a fallen world we live in and God doesn’t make our earthly lives perfect because we follow Him. Suffering comes in many forms; it might be a debilitating disease, a seemingly endless chronic pain or an emotional wound that feels like it could burst right through your chest. The Bible is full of examples of great men who suffered while doing what was right. David was accustomed to soaking his bed in his tears. Paul was beaten, bitten, stoned, starved and imprisoned. Even Jesus was a “Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”

Look around you, the world is full of suffering. But we have a greater hope in Christ and God can better use us to help these people when we have walked in their shoes. Regardless of the how’s and why’s though, we know that everything is only for a season.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Since we know “in the World you will have tribulation” (John 16:33) we need not panic when it comes but trust in Him who has overcome it. However ever great the suffering, we know Jesus endured it and greater and He walks besides us still, if we are His.

Questions to ask yourself…

  1. If you face suffering, how much are you relying on God to sustain you? Is His grace sufficient for you?
  2. Do you cry out to Him like David, until He hears you? Or do you try and tough it out, hide from it, pretend like you have it handled? 
  3. Do you have a relationship with God that would allow you to go to Him in your hour of need, or would you need to start searching for God when tragedy strikes?

 

COMPOSED BY: JOSH MURRAY