SUFFERING

Why does God allow hardship and suffering in the lives of His children? For those who endure pain, this is much more than a philosophical issue ... it is a deep-seated personal, and emotional one. 

In His providential care, the Lord orchestrates everything in a believer's life ... even suffering. This is not only for our 'temporal' but our 'eternal' benefit.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

God uses suffering to refine our character ... 

1. Suffering is a form of discipline. God is a good Father, and when we go astray, He may use suffering to bring us back. God addresses you as a father addresses his son. “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, (Hebrews 12:5-6)

2. Suffering enables Christians to identify with and encourage others. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

3. Suffering causes us to draw closer to the Lord. We grow spiritually when we go through difficult times. Hardship strips us of artificial or temporal securities, forcing us to run to God. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

4. Suffering reminds us that this world is not our home. Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ... for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) 

Your hope lies not in this world and its superficial comforts; it is in God and His divine will for your life. Remember, a lack of suffering is not necessarily an indication of the Lord's pleasure. Neither is suffering proof of His displeasure.

When asked how much He cares about the problem of evil and suffering, God can point to the cross and say, 'THAT MUCH'. Christ endured trauma, temptation, bereavement, torture, hunger, thirst, persecution, and finally ... execution. He intimately understands the bitterness of isolation, pain, and anguish.

We are not above our Master ...