ONLINE FOR JESUS: Why Do Christians Suffer

1Pe 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.

1Pe 5:11 To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

Why Do Christians suffer?

Why me? Why now? What is God doing? Suffering is a tool God uses to get our attention and to accomplish His purposes in our lives. It is designed to build our trust in the Almighty, but suffering requires the right response if it is to be successful in accomplishing God’s purposes. Suffering forces us to turn from trust in our own resources to living by faith in God’s resources.

Suffering is not in itself virtuous, nor is it a sign of holiness. It is also not a means of gaining points with God, or of subduing the flesh (as in asceticism). When it is possible, suffering is to be avoided. Christ avoided suffering unless it meant acting in disobedience to the Father’s will

“In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider—God has made the one as well as the other so that man may not discover anything that will be after him” (Eccl. 7:14)

The following questions are designed to help us “consider” in the day of adversity:

(1) How am I responding to it?

(2) How should I respond to it?

(3) Am I learning from it?

(4) Does my response demonstrate faith, love for God and for others, Christ-like character, values, commitment, priorities, etc.?

(5) How can God use it in my life?

Suffering Defined

What are these bends in the road that God puts in the path of life that we are to carefully consider? Simply stated, suffering is anything which hurts or irritates. In the design of God, it is also something to make us think. It is a tool God uses to get our attention and to accomplish His purposes in our lives in a way that would never occur without the trial or irritation.

Illustrations of Suffering

“It may be cancer or a sore throat. It may be the illness or loss of someone close to you. It may be a personal failure or disappointment in your job or school work. It may be a rumor that is circulating in your office or your church, damaging your reputation, bringing you grief and anxiety.”1 It can be anything that ranges from something as small and irritating as the bite of a mosquito to facing a lion in the lions’ den as did Daniel (Dan. 6).

General Causes of Suffering

(1) We suffer because we live in a fallen world where sin reigns in the hearts of men.

(2) We suffer because of our own foolishness. We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7-9).

(3) We sometimes suffer because it is God’s discipline. “For those whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges every son He receives” (Heb. 12:6).

(4) We may suffer persecution because of our faith—especially when we take a stand on biblical issues, i.e., suffering for righteousness sake (2 Tim. 3:12).

Of course, all of these do not apply at the same time. All suffering is not, for instance, a product of our own foolishness, self-induced misery, or sin. It is true, however, that rarely does suffering not reveal areas of need, areas of weakness, and wrong attitudes that need to be removed like dross in the gold-refining process (cf. 1 Pet. 1:6-7).

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:6-7)

The Nature of Suffering

(1) Suffering is Painful.

Suffering is hard; it is never easy. Regardless of what we know and how hard we apply the principles, it is going to hurt (cf. 1 Pet. 1:6—“distressed” = lupeo, “to cause pain, sorrow, grief”).

(2) Suffering is Perplexing

Suffering is somewhat mysterious. We may know some of the theological reasons for suffering from Scripture, yet when it strikes, there is still a certain mystery. Why now? What is God doing? Suffering is designed to build our trust in the Almighty.

(3) Suffering is Purposeful. Suffering is not without meaning in spite of its mystery. It has as its chief purpose the formation of Christ-like character (Rom. 8:28-29).

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; (Romans 8:28-29)

(4) Suffering Proves (tests) Us. “Trials” in James 1:2 is the Greek peirasmos and refers to that which examines, tests, and proves the character or integrity of something. “Testing” in this same verse is dokimion which has a similar idea. It refers to a test designed to prove or approve. Suffering is that which proves one’s character and integrity along with both the object and quality of one’s faith. Compare 1 Peter 1:6-7 where the same Greek words are used along with the verb dokimazo which means, “put to the test,” “prove by testing as with gold.”

(5) Suffering is a Process. As a process, it takes time. The results God seeks to accomplish with the trials of life require time and thus also, endurance.

Romans 5:3-4 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

James 1:3-4 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

(6) Suffering is a Purifier. No matter the reason, even if it is not God’s discipline for blatant carnality, it is a purifier for none of us will ever be perfect in this life.

Philippians 3:12-14 12 Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

(7) Suffering Provides Opportunity. Suffering provides opportunity for God’s glory, our transformation, testimony, and ministry, etc. (See reasons for suffering given below.)

(8) Suffering Requires Our Cooperation. Suffering requires the right response if it is to be successful in accomplishing God’s purposes. “We all want the product, character; but we don’t want the process, suffering.”2 Because of our make up as human beings, we can’t have one without the other.

(9) Suffering is Predetermined or Appointed.

1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

(10) Suffering is Inevitable. The question we must each face is not, ‘if’ we are going to have trials in life, but how will we respond to them?

1 Thessalonians 3:3 so that no man may be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.

1 Peter 4:19 Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

(11) Suffering is a Struggle. It’s going to be a battle all the way. That’s why they are called “trials” and “testings.” Even when we understand the purposes and principles of suffering, and we know the promises of God’s love and concern given in the Word of God for handling suffering, dealing with the trials of life is never easy because suffering hurts. Trials simply give us the capacity to cooperate with the process (Jam. 1:4). They allow the process to work and allow us to experience inner peace and joy in the midst of the trials.

In order to handle suffering with inner joy and tranquillity, we must be able to look ahead to God’s purposes and reasons for suffering. This requires faith in the eternal verities of God.

Compare the blessings of affliction as seen in the testimony of the Psalmist in Ps. 119:

Before affliction

Straying and ignoring (vs. 67a)

During and in affliction

Learning and turning (vs. 71, cf. vs. 59)

When under affliction we need to:

(1) Determine Causes if we can (Is it because of something I have done?)

(2) Determine Objectives (What is God wanting to do in my life or in others?)

(3) Determine Solutions (How does God want me to handle this?)

After affliction

(1) Knowing and changing (vss. 67b, 97-102)

(2) Resting and valuing (vss. 65, 72)

We must understand God’s chief purpose for our lives is to be conformed to the image of Christ and He has determined in His plan to use suffering for our spiritual development. If we are going to endure suffering and the trials of life, however, we must also understand and believe in the other purposes and reasons for suffering as they are related to the chief purpose.

Purposes and Reasons for Suffering

(1) We suffer as a testimony, as a witness (2 Tim 2:8-10; 2 Cor. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:13-17). When believers handle suffering joyfully and with stability, it becomes a marvelous testimony to the power and life of Christ that we claim and name. Suffering provides key opportunities to manifest and magnify the power of God through His servants in order to verify and confirm the messenger and his message. It provides opportunities to reveal our credentials as ambassadors of Christ (1 Kings. 17:17-24; John 11:1-45). This includes the following areas:

a. To glorify God before the angelic world (Job 1-2; 1 Pet. 4:16).

b. To manifest the power of God to others (2 Cor. 12:9, 10; John 9:3).

c. To manifest the character of Christ in the midst of suffering as a testimony to win others to Christ (2 Cor. 4:8-12; 1 Pet. 3:14-17).

(2) We suffer to develop our capacity and sympathy in comforting others (2 Cor. 1:3-5).

(3) We suffer to keep down pride (2 Cor. 12:7). The Apostle Paul saw his thorn in the flesh as an instrument allowed by God to help him maintain a spirit of humility and dependence on the Lord because of the special revelations he had seen as one who had been caught up to the third heaven.

(4) We suffer because it is a training tool. God lovingly and faithfully uses suffering to develop personal righteousness, maturity, and our walk with Him (Heb. 12:5f; 1 Pet. 1:6; Jam. 1:2-4). In this sense, suffering is designed:

a. As discipline for sin to bring us back to fellowship through genuine confession (Ps. 32:3-5; 119:67).

b. As a pruning tool to remove dead wood from our lives (weaknesses, sins of ignorance, immature attitudes and values, etc.) The desired goal is increased fruitfulness (John 15:1-7). Trials may become mirrors of reproof to reveal hidden areas of sin and weakness (Ps. 16:7; 119:67, 71).

c. As a tool for growth designed to cause us to rely on the Lord and His Word. Trials test our faith and cause us to use the promises and principles of the Word (Ps. 119:71, 92; 1 Pet. 1:6; Jam. 1:2-4; Ps. 4:1 [The Hebrew of this passage can mean, “You have enlarged, made me grow wide by my distress”]). Suffering or trials teach us the truth of Psalm 62:1-8, the truth of learning to “wait on the Lord only.”

d. As a means of learning what obedience really means. It becomes a test of our loyalty (Heb. 5:8). Illustration: If a father tells his son to do something he likes to do (i.e., eat a bowl of ice cream) and he does it, the child has obeyed, but he hasn’t really learned anything about obedience. If his dad, however, asks him to mow the lawn, that becomes a test and teaches something about the meaning of obedience. The point is, obedience often costs us something and is hard. It can require sacrifice, courage, discipline, and faith in the belief that God is good and has our best interests at heart regardless of how things might appear to us. Regardless of the reason God allows suffering into our lives, rarely does it not reveal areas of need, weaknesses, wrong attitudes, etc., as it did in Job.

Suffering itself is not the thing that produces faith or maturity. It is only a tool that God uses to bring us to Himself so we will respond to Him and His Word. It forces us to turn from trust in our own resources to living by faith in God’s resources. It causes us to put first things first. Ultimately, it is the Word and the Spirit of God that produces faith and mature Christlike character (Ps. 119:67, 71).

James 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 1:6-7: The key word is “the proof of our faith.” “Proof” is the word dokimion which looks at both the concept of testing which purifies, and the results, the proof that is left after the test. The Lord uses trials to test our faith in the sense of purifying it, to bring it to the surface, so we are forced to put our faith to work.

(5) We suffer to bring about continued dependence on the grace and power of God. Suffering is designed to cause us to walk by God’s ability, power, and provision rather than by our own (2 Cor. 11:24-32; 12:7-10; Eph. 6:10f; Ex. 17:8f). It causes us to turn from our resources to His resources.

(6) We suffer to manifest the life and character of Christ (The Fruit of the Spirit) (2 Cor. 4:8-11; Phil. 1:19f). This is similar to point (4) above with more emphasis on the process and defining the objective, the production of the character of Christ. This has both a negative and a positive aspect:

a. Negative: Suffering helps to remove impurities from our lives such as indifference, self-trust, false motives, self-centeredness, wrong values and priorities, and human defense and escape mechanisms by which we seek to handle our problems (man-made solutions). Suffering in itself does not remove the impurities, but is a tool God uses to cause us to exercise faith in the provisions of God’s grace. It is God’s grace in Christ (our new identity in Christ, the Word and the Holy Spirit) that changes us. This negative aspect is accomplished in two ways: (1) When out of fellowship with the Lord: Suffering becomes discipline from our heavenly Father (Heb. 5:5-11; 1 Cor. 11:28-32; 5:1-5). This involves known sin, rebellion and indifference to God. (2) When in fellowship: Suffering becomes the loving and skillful handy work of the Vine Dresser to make us more productive. It involves unknown sin, areas we may not be aware of, but that are nevertheless hindering our growth and fruitfulness. In this case, suffering often constitutes mirrors of reproof (John 15:1-7).

b. Positive: when believers live under suffering joyfully (i.e., they endure and keep on applying the promises and principles of the faith), Christ’s life or character will be more and more manifested as they grow through the suffering (2 Cor. 4:9-10; 3:18). This means trust, peace, joy, stability, biblical values, faithfulness, and obedience in contrast to sinful mental attitudes, blaming, running, complaining, and reactions against God and people.

(7) We suffer to manifest the evil nature of evil men and the righteousness of the justice of God when it falls in judgment (1 Thess. 2:14-16). Suffering at the hands of people (persecution, violent treatments) is used of God to “fill up the measure of their sins.” It shows the evil character of those who persecute others and the justice of God’s judgment when it falls.

(8) We suffer to broaden our ministries (cf. Philippians 1:12-14 with 4:5-9). In the process of producing Christian character and enhancing our testimony to others, suffering often opens up doors for ministry we could never have imagined. Paul’s imprisonment (chained daily to Roman soldiers in his own house) resulted in the spread of the gospel within the elite imperial praetorian guard. The Apostle was undoubtedly continuing to rejoice in the Lord, but if he had been complaining, sulking, and bitter, his witness would have been zero.

1 Ron Lee Davis, Gold in the Making, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, 1983p. 17-18.

2 Davis, p. 19. See also p. 32.

"God will allow our strength to be sacrificed so that we may experience His true and greater strength."

Naturally, Paul requests of the Lord three times to remove this suffering, much like Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, to which God answers:

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me,” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9.

From this scripture, we learn a great deal about suffering, weakness, and the power of God. We learn from Paul’s experience that God will allow our strength to be sacrificed so that we may experience His true and greater strength. We can only go so far in our own strength for the following reasons:

1. Our strength stifles our experiencing God’s strength in our lives.

2. Our strength limits us to only what we can do.

3. Our strength can serve as a temptation to boast in ourselves when our purpose is found in giving God glory.

In God’s response to Paul, we learn two significant lessons when dealing with difficulties in life.

1. God’s grace is sufficient.

Paul was still able to accomplish the purpose God placed on his life despite his difficulties that caused weakness. Our weakness does not stop God’s strength. Our weakness does not stop God’s plan. Our weakness does not stop God’s grace and love from showing up in amazing ways in our lives.

2. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.

The very thing that is making Paul weak is the very thing that God is using to show His power through Paul’s life. Our weakness is the key to God’s strength in our lives.

Suffering

Romans 5:3-5 ESV / 1,514 helpful votes

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

1 Peter 5:10 ESV / 1,378 helpful votes

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.

Romans 8:18 ESV / 1,237 helpful votes

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

James 1:2-4 ESV / 1,149 helpful votes

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.

John 16:33 ESV / 676 helpful votes

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:28 ESV / 643 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

2 Timothy 3:12 ESV / 642 helpful votes

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Revelation 21:4 ESV / 624 helpful votes

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

1 Peter 4:12-19 ESV / 523 helpful votes

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ...

Psalm 34:19 ESV / 419 helpful votes

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 ESV / 397 helpful votes

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

Romans 5:3-4 ESV / 397 helpful votes

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

Isaiah 43:2 ESV / 374 helpful votes

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV / 369 helpful votes

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Philippians 1:29 ESV / 364 helpful votes

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV / 324 helpful votes

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 324 helpful votes

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV / 318 helpful votes

Romans 8:28-29 ESV / 300 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Isaiah 53:3 ESV / 295 helpful votes

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Philippians 3:10 ESV / 290 helpful votes

That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Psalm 119:71 ESV / 285 helpful votes

It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

Matthew 5:10-12 ESV / 270 helpful votes

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV / 265 helpful votes

Isaiah 53:4 ESV / 249 helpful votes

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

Luke 14:27 ESV / 248 helpful votes

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

James 1:12 ESV / 246 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Galatians 6:2 ESV / 236 helpful votes

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV / 235 helpful votes

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

1 Peter 4:1 ESV / 234 helpful votes

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 224 helpful votes

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

Hebrews 12:11 ESV / 222 helpful votes

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Colossians 1:24 ESV / 220 helpful votes

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,

John 9:1-3 ESV / 219 helpful votes

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Psalm 119:67 ESV / 217 helpful votes

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

1 Peter 4:12 ESV / 211 helpful votes

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Romans 8:35 ESV / 209 helpful votes

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV / 208 helpful votes

Romans 5:3 ESV / 202 helpful votes

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

1 Peter 3:14 ESV / 200 helpful votes

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

Hebrews 2:10 ESV / 200 helpful votes

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Psalm 22:1-31 ESV / 196 helpful votes

To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. ...

1 Peter 2:19-21 ESV / 189 helpful votes

For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

1 Peter 3:18 ESV / 187 helpful votes

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Matthew 10:38 ESV / 187 helpful votes

And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 186 helpful votes

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Psalm 119:50 ESV / 184 helpful votes

This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

1 Peter 2:19 ESV / 183 helpful votes

For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV / 180 helpful votes

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Peter 4:13 ESV / 171 helpful votes

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Job 13:15 ESV / 171 helpful votes

Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.

1 Peter 2:21 ESV / 169 helpful votes

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

Hebrews 4:15 ESV / 166 helpful votes

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV / 162 helpful votes

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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

Acts 5:41 ESV / 162 helpful votes

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

1 Peter 4:16 ESV / 160 helpful votes Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Romans 8:3 ESV / 157 helpful votes

For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,

John 3:16 ESV / 156 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Psalm 73:26 ESV / 155 helpful votes

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

1 Corinthians 13:3 ESV / 152 helpful votes

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

James 1:2 ESV / 149 helpful votes

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

2 Timothy 1:8 ESV / 148 helpful votes

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

Romans 16:20 ESV / 148 helpful votes

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 146 helpful votes

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 ESV / 146 helpful votes

Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand. Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. ...

Romans 8:35-39 ESV / 145 helpful votes

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Luke 9:23-25 ESV / 142 helpful votes

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?

Acts 9:16 ESV / 141 helpful votes

For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV / 140 helpful votes

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—

John 9:2-3 ESV / 140 helpful votes

And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Matthew 4:24 ESV / 139 helpful votes

So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV / 138 helpful votes So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Romans 8:29 ESV / 132 helpful votes

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Acts 14:22 ESV / 132 helpful votes

Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV / 130 helpful votes And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV / 129 helpful votes

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Matthew 10:39 ESV / 129 helpful votes

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

1 Peter 4:12-16 ESV / 127 helpful votes

Mark 13:13 ESV / 127 helpful votes

And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 27:28-29 ESV / 127 helpful votes

And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Matthew 10:22 ESV / 126 helpful votes

And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

James 5:10-11 ESV / 125 helpful votes

As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

John 18:11 ESV / 125 helpful votes

So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 ESV / 123 helpful votes

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

Job 36:15 ESV / 123 helpful votes

He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 120 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 3:17 ESV / 120 helpful votes

For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

Revelation 2:10 ESV / 118 helpful votes

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Romans 12:14 ESV / 118 helpful votes

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Romans 8:17 ESV / 118 helpful votes

And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV / 114 helpful votes

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

2 Timothy 2:3 ESV / 114 helpful votes

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Matthew 26:39 ESV / 110 helpful votes

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

James 1:3 ESV / 107 helpful votes

For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Romans 8:17-18 ESV / 106 helpful votes

And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Matthew 5:10 ESV / 106 helpful votes

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Job 1:20-21 ESV / 106 helpful votes

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Isaiah 55:9 ESV / 103 helpful votes

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Psalm 22:24 ESV / 103 helpful votes

For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.

John 15:19 ESV / 102 helpful votes

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Suffering

Romans 5:3-5 ESV / 1,514 helpful votes

1 Peter 5:10 ESV / 1,378 helpful votes

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.

Romans 8:18 ESV / 1,237 helpful votes

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

James 1:2-4 ESV / 1,149 helpful votes

John 16:33 ESV / 676 helpful votes

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:28 ESV / 643 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

2 Timothy 3:12 ESV / 642 helpful votes

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Revelation 21:4 ESV / 624 helpful votes

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

1 Peter 4:12-19 ESV / 523 helpful votes

Psalm 34:19 ESV / 419 helpful votes

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 ESV / 397 helpful votes

Romans 5:3-4 ESV / 397 helpful votes

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

Isaiah 43:2 ESV / 374 helpful votes

2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV / 368 helpful votes

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Philippians 1:29 ESV / 364 helpful votes

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV / 324 helpful votes

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 324 helpful votes

1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV / 318 helpful votes

Romans 8:28-29 ESV / 300 helpful votes

Isaiah 53:3 ESV / 295 helpful votes

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Philippians 3:10 ESV / 290 helpful votes

That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Psalm 119:71 ESV / 285 helpful votes

It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

Matthew 5:10-12 ESV / 270 helpful votes

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV / 265 helpful votes

Isaiah 53:4 ESV / 249 helpful votes

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

Luke 14:27 ESV / 248 helpful votes

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

James 1:12 ESV / 246 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Galatians 6:2 ESV / 236 helpful votes

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV / 235 helpful votes

1 Peter 4:1 ESV / 234 helpful votes

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 224 helpful votes

Hebrews 12:11 ESV / 222 helpful votes

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Colossians 1:24 ESV / 220 helpful votes

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,

John 9:1-3 ESV / 219 helpful votes

Psalm 119:67 ESV / 217 helpful votes

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

1 Peter 4:12 ESV / 211 helpful votes

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Romans 8:35 ESV / 209 helpful votes

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV / 208 helpful votes

Romans 5:3 ESV / 202 helpful votes

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

1 Peter 3:14 ESV / 200 helpful votes

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

Hebrews 2:10 ESV / 200 helpful votes

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Psalm 22:1-31 ESV / 196 helpful votes

1 Peter 2:19-21 ESV / 189 helpful votes

1 Peter 3:18 ESV / 187 helpful votes

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Matthew 10:38 ESV / 187 helpful votes

And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 186 helpful votes

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Psalm 119:50 ESV / 184 helpful votes

This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

1 Peter 2:19 ESV / 183 helpful votes

For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV / 180 helpful votes

1 Peter 4:13 ESV / 171 helpful votes

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Job 13:15 ESV / 171 helpful votes

Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.

1 Peter 2:21 ESV / 169 helpful votes

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

Hebrews 4:15 ESV / 166 helpful votes

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV / 162 helpful votes

Acts 5:41 ESV / 162 helpful votes

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

1 Peter 4:16 ESV / 160 helpful votes

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Romans 8:3 ESV / 157 helpful votes

For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,

John 3:16 ESV / 156 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Psalm 73:26 ESV / 155 helpful votes

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

1 Corinthians 13:3 ESV / 152 helpful votes

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

James 1:2 ESV / 149 helpful votes

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

2 Timothy 1:8 ESV / 148 helpful votes

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

Romans 16:20 ESV / 148 helpful votes

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 146 helpful votes

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 ESV / 146 helpful votes

Romans 8:35-39 ESV / 145 helpful votes

Luke 9:23-25 ESV / 142 helpful votes

Acts 9:16 ESV / 141 helpful votes

For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV / 140 helpful votes

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—

John 9:2-3 ESV / 140 helpful votes

Matthew 4:24 ESV / 139 helpful votes

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV / 138 helpful votes

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Romans 8:29 ESV / 132 helpful votes

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Acts 14:22 ESV / 132 helpful votes

Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV / 130 helpful votes

And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV / 129 helpful votes

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Matthew 10:39 ESV / 129 helpful votes

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

1 Peter 4:12-16 ESV / 127 helpful votes

Mark 13:13 ESV / 127 helpful votes

And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 27:28-29 ESV / 127 helpful votes

Matthew 10:22 ESV / 126 helpful votes

And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

James 5:10-11 ESV / 125 helpful votes

John 18:11 ESV / 125 helpful votes

So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 ESV / 123 helpful votes

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

Job 36:15 ESV / 123 helpful votes

He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 120 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 3:17 ESV / 120 helpful votes

For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

Revelation 2:10 ESV / 118 helpful votes

Romans 12:14 ESV / 118 helpful votes

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Romans 8:17 ESV / 118 helpful votes

And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV / 114 helpful votes

2 Timothy 2:3 ESV / 114 helpful votes

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Matthew 26:39 ESV / 110 helpful votes

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

James 1:3 ESV / 107 helpful votes

For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Romans 8:17-18 ESV / 106 helpful votes

Matthew 5:10 ESV / 106 helpful votes

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Job 1:20-21 ESV / 106 helpful votes

Isaiah 55:9 ESV / 103 helpful votes

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Psalm 22:24 ESV / 103 helpful votes

For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.

John 15:19 ESV / 102 helpful votes

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

14 Kinds of Suffering in the Bible

JUNE 13, 2016 BY MARK DRISCOLL

Even though I’m out of town on vacation with our family and largely offline, news of the horrific attack in Orlando got to us quickly. Seemingly everyone we encountered was checking the latest news updates, and processing how they were feeling about the tragedy.

In case it could be of any help, I’m posting this blog as a Bible teaching Christian pastor hoping to help people think and pray through this widespread suffering in their own time of processing with the Lord. In such times we wrestle with the realities of evil, sin, and death as we pray for the victims, all those affected, and the family, friends, ministry leaders, and professional counselors who are entering into long and painful processes of helping people process this tragedy.

Suffering in the Scriptures, like our own suffering, isn’t neat, tidy, or systematic. Life is often more complex than clear. While there is no way to answer all the questions regarding suffering, I thought it might be helpful to pull back and look at fourteen kinds of suffering and affliction seen throughout the Scriptures. Hopefully, this will increase our compassion for everyone involved and help us understand how much suffering is occurring.

In massive tragedies, multiple kinds of suffering are occurring at the same time affecting countless people in numerous ways. In regards to this recent tragedy, I am not suggesting that every one of these kinds of suffering is in effect. Rather, I am simply detailing all of the categories of various kinds of suffering that I have found in the Bible to show how many different kinds of sufferings there are to understand suffering more broadly.

14 Kinds of Suffering in the Bible

Adamic Suffering: When Adam sinned, all of us were implicated, and we inherited a sin nature(a) and were born into a fallen world.(b) As a result, some suffering is simply the result of being part of Adam’s race. Everyone will suffer to varying degrees and ways because of Adam’s sin, our sin, the sins of others, and the curse that permeates all of creation. This will remain the case until Jesus returns, removes the presence of all sin and its effects, resurrects Christians from death, and ushers in a new creation. Subsequently, suffering is a painful and tragic part of life on this side of the kingdom.

Demonic Suffering: Because Satan is alive and at work in the world, demonic affliction is very real. This includes torment,(c) physical injury,(d) deception arising from false miracles,(e) accusation,(f) and even death.(g) Sometimes demonic suffering can be difficult to discern; unfortunately, Satan is too often blamed for suffering when we’re really experiencing consequential affliction from our own decisions. Nonetheless, demonic affliction is real for some and therefore should not be discounted just because some people wrongly blame shift most everything to Satan.

Victim Suffering: Victims endure affliction by being sinned against. This is a constant and heavy part of pastoral ministry. Evil is real, and its devastating effects are evident in the lives of many.

Collective Suffering: Sometimes we suffer as a result of being part of a people who are suffering. A biblical example is the Old Testament prophets’ frequent repentance of not only their own sins but also the sins of their forefathers and their nation as they lamented the suffering God had permitted to come upon them for chastisement. We’re not isolated, autonomous individuals. We’re members of families, nations, and cultures—all of whom suffer. Subsequently, we can suffer simply because of such things family ties or our nationality. Likewise, those born into poverty, famine, hardship, war, and the like experience suffering simply because of where and when they were born.

Disciplinary Suffering: God chastens believers in order to mature them. Examples can be found in such places as the Wisdom Literature,(h) the Prophets,(i) and the New Testament.(j) The Scriptures are clear that discipline comes from God, who loves us and is like an honorable father who corrects us to mature and save us from the harm that sin causes. While this kind of suffering is not pleasant at the time, we later see the effects of God’s work and thank him for continually working for our growth in holiness and fruitfulness.

Vicarious Suffering: Sometimes those in Christ suffer because the ungodly oppose them. Examples include the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles. Vicarious affliction comes in varying degrees, from opposition to persecution. Physical persecution causes some to painfully die for Christ, whereas those who experience verbal opposition painfully live for Christ, as they are maligned, lied about, falsely accused, mocked, and harassed.

Empathetic Suffering: This is the suffering that comes when someone we love is hurting. The Bible says this will be common in the church because when people we love suffer, we suffer as well.(k)

Testimonial Suffering: Some suffering is a demonstration of the gospel so that others will have a deeper appreciation and understanding of Jesus. This kind of suffering tests our identity in Christ, confirms to us that we are true believers, strengthens our fellow Christians, and evangelizes non-Christians. The classic example is Hosea’s marriage to Gomer. God called the prophet to marry and stay married to an unfaithful woman as an example of Jesus’ devotion to the church.

Providential Suffering: Some of us suffer to teach a lesson about God so that worship of him increases. Examples include Joseph’s imprisonment in Egypt, where his suffering resulted in many people being saved physically from starvation and spiritually from sin. The truth is that God can have more purposes for allowing some suffering than can be easily discerned at first glance.

Preventative Suffering: Sometimes suffering warns us of greater suffering that will happen if we don’t heed God’s warnings. This kind of suffering is indicative of the very loving nature of God, who, for instance, allows us to experience lesser degrees of pain (e.g., an ache in our side) in order to warn us of greater degrees of pain (e.g., a burst appendix).

Mysterious Suffering: Sometimes God, in his providence, has chosen not to reveal why we suffer. As Scripture says, we know in part.(l) Job is the most obvious example of this kind of suffering, because during his trouble he was unaware of what was occurring between God and Satan. I believe that this category is incredibly important because, if we are humble and honest, the truth is that life is often not as clear as the categories listed in this blog.

Punishment Suffering: God judges unbelievers and punishes them for sin. This kind of punishment brings the work of horrendous sin to an end so that those suffering at the hands of evildoers are given reprieve, reveals to unbelievers the urgent need to repent of sin and place their faith in God to avoid eternal punishment, and encourages believers that God will not be mocked and that faith in him is not in vain. It should be noted that God does not punish those in Christ in the same sense that he punishes non-Christians, because Jesus already paid the penalty for his people’s sins. Subsequently, even though a Christian and a non-Christian may endure the same suffering, there is often a different use by God for each.

Consequential Suffering: Sometimes we suffer because of foolish decisions. We see examples of this throughout Proverbs: the lazy become hungry, adulterers reap what they sow, fools suffer harm, and poor financial stewards are impoverished. Practically, much of life’s suffering is consequential, resulting from our decisions.

Apocalyptic Suffering: The Bible speaks of increased suffering that will signal the end of this age, as seen in the prophecies of the Old Testament(m) and of Jesus.(n) While we don’t know when the end of this age will be or when Jesus will return, we do know that Christians living in the final chapter of human history will suffer greatly as a result of being in Christ. While we shouldn’t live in fear of this future, nor seek to predict its timing, these scriptures will serve as a particularly helpful guide when they are needed most.

How about you? How have you experienced suffering in your life, including today? In what ways have you perhaps wrongly understood both suffering and God? How are people you know experiencing suffering, and in what ways could you comfort and counsel them?

a. Rom. 5:12–21.

b. Rom. 8:18–23.

c. Acts 5:16.

d. Acts 8:4–8.

e. 2 thess. 2:9–10.

f. Rev. 12:10.

g. John 8:44.

h. Prov. 3:11; 13:24; 15:5.

i. Zeph. 3:7.

j. Heb. 12:7.

k. Rom. 12:15; 2 Cor. 2:4.

l. 1 cor. 13:9.

m. Isa. 24–27; Jer. 30–33; Ezek. 33–48; Dan. 2–12; Zech. 12–14.

n. Matt. 24:3–44; Mark 13.

Three People Who Through Suffering Became Extraordinary

Seeing positive outcomes of some suffering should lead us to trust that God can bring good from all suffering. Consider three people who through suffering became extraordinary:

Doctors once thought that Joseph Merrick, “The Elephant Man,” had elephantiasis, though now they believe he suffered from Proteus syndrome, which causes abnormal growth of bones, skin, and other systems. Joseph was born in England in 1862 and appeared normal until age three. By age eleven, his deformities had grown severe; at that time his mother died, and later his new stepmother kicked him out.

He became a door-to-door salesman but suffered constant harassment. His condition worsened: protruding, cauliflower-like growths appeared on his head and body, and his right hand and forearm became useless. No longer able to do physical work, he took a job as a curiosity attraction. After a promoter robbed and abandoned him, he returned to London and visited Dr. Treves at the London Hospital, where he received permanent living quarters. Despite his adversities, Joseph Merrick remained cheerful and gentle, and never grew bitter. He found comfort in writing, including poetry. He died at age twenty-seven.

Merrick often ended his letters of thanks with a poem by hymn-writing theologian Isaac Watts: “’Tis true my form is something odd; / But blaming me, is blaming God…. / I would be measured by the soul; / The mind is the standard of the man.”

Helen Keller was born in Alabama in 1880. A year later, illness took her vision and hearing. At age seven, her parents hired Anne Sullivan, whose innovative tutoring transformed Helen’s life. Helen learned to speak at ten, and though listeners had trouble understanding her, she never gave up. She attended college and wrote several books, including The Story of My Life. She devoted herself to research, speaking, and raising money for organizations such as the American Foundation for the Blind. Helen traveled the world on behalf of the blind and visited thirty-five countries. At age seventy-five, she embarked on a five-month-long, forty-thousand-mile tour through Asia, bringing encouragement to millions.

Christy Brown was born in Dublin in 1932. His cerebral palsy caused everyone to consider him mentally handicapped until he used his left foot to grab a piece of chalk from his sister. His mother taught him to read and write. Well into adolescence, he could not speak intelligibly. He wrote an autobiography titled My Left Foot as well as several other novels and poetry collections. He typed using only his left foot. People loved Christy Brown for his warm and cheerful personality.

These stories don’t prove that God always brings good out of evil in this life. But they do prove that He sometimes does. Shouldn’t that give everyone hope?

Excerpted from Randy’s book If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil.

Many Christians honestly struggle with that same question. Only by turning to the Bible can we begin to understand the problem of suffering in this life.

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Basically, there are four types of suffering.

The first type is that which comes as the result of natural disasters, such as an earthquake or a hurricane. The suffering that results from these disasters happens to both the righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45).

A second type of suffering can be called man’s inhumanity to man. War would be classified under this type of suffering. Because of humanity’s greed and pride, people try to hurt other people (James 4:1-2).

A third type of suffering is best seen in the life of Job in the Old Testament; it came as a result of Satan’s attack on him. After receiving permission from God, Satan moved in and caused incredible suffering to Job and his family.

A fourth type of suffering is that which comes as a result of our own erroneous actions. For example, if I walk off the roof of my office and fall to the ground, breaking my leg, I am suffering because I broke God’s law of gravity. We also suffer when we break God’s moral laws.

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Much suffering can be traced to the evil choices we make. Some, but not all, suffering is allowed by God as a punishment for sin. Often God simply forces us to live with the consequences of our actions (Galatians 6:7-8).

Whenever people break God’s laws, others are bound to suffer as well. I refer you to the story of Achan in Joshua 7. When he coveted and took some of the spoil from the battle of Jericho, Achan cost the lives of thirty-six men in battle against Ai. It is inevitable that others will suffer in the wake of an individual’s disobedience.

How we respond to suffering–whether or not we brought it on ourselves–is going to make us or break us as Christian pilgrims. Circumstances often do more to reveal our character than to shape it. But by properly responding to trials, we can develop patience and proven character (Romans 5:3-4).

Problems, stress, calamity, or the death of a loved one often cause us to search ourselves for any sin in our lives (see 1 Kings 17:18). Pain plants the flag of truth in a heavy heart. But we must be cautious not to let Satan overwhelm us with excessive and false guilt or grief (2 Corinthians 2:7). Job’s wife told him to curse God and die. He refused to give up and remained faithful to the Lord. Notice that in the end God gave him all he had before and even more (Job 42:10-17).

Instead of looking at our circumstances, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, the source of life. He will bring us through whatever situation we face, and as a result we will be stronger Christians, better able to serve Him because of our trials.

In a day of pessimism and suffering we can say with the psalmist, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). The Lord Himself, as the great Sufferer, is our comfort and hope in troubled times.

To Ponder : To what degree have you experienced the first kind of suffering described above? The second? The third? The fourth? Are you currently going through a trial? What kind of trial is it? What has been your response so far?

To Pursue : Meditate on Psalm 118:6 and Hebrews 13:5-6, verses which have been an encouragement to me and to many others during times of trial.

Beleive in HIM. Trust HIM. You will pass all these types of sufferings in j

Read more at 4 Types of Suffering http://www.turnbacktogod.com/4-types-of-suffering/#ixzz5LVG6Rekg

Dream word – HOPE

Romans 5:3-5

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” NKJV.

Owned and loved by the Lord of the sword

Donning his priestly robes, the sword smith, after days of prayer and fasting approaches the finishing of his task. The fire is hot, the hammer and anvil are ready, together with the primeval elements of metal, wood, water, earth and air. His task is to complete before him what he considers to be a spiritual entity; a multi-heated many folded, million layered, highly and uniquely individual, flexible, functional, sharp and sure, weapon of war. For sure, every civilisation has seen the making of swords as a spiritual act producing an end product of both a common and yet highly unique character.

King Jesus, walking among the lamp stands holding in His hand the seven stars, has coming out of His mouth a sharp double-edged sword. This is the sword of the Spirit, the very Word of God. Certainly at the very least, the sword is an emblem of spiritual power, prowess and character. Christ the Master Sword Smith, the Lord of the Sword, is specialised, unrelenting, fine and focused when producing a sword of character. Yes, God is at work in us blades, producing common and yet uniquely individual characteristics, the cascading colours of which, will be unashamedly borne by us for all to see, throughout eternity.

The source of those fine and distinguishing, individualistic markings of Christian character, is in fact “working tribulation”. Working, in the sense of it being a repetitious, purposeful, and applied heat and beating pressure. All martial arts have the “Kata” of training: you know, that repetitious exercise of position, movement and application; and in the same way, “trials and tribulation” are worked into the life of the Christian by the Master Sword Smith. It would appear that the Lord of the Sword, is producing weapons of war, through his own very own “Kata of Working Trubulation”.

Yes indeed, the Lord of the Sword is at work in your life through trials and tribulations, for in the same way a fine sword is hammered and beaten, made hot and cold, folded and broken, pressed into purposeful multi-layers of strength, absorption, flexibility and sharpness, we too, through trials and tribulations of various kinds, experience this same kind of enfolding and applied, persistent spiritual pressing. The pressure of pain, the pressure of need, of lack, of fear, though all are common to man, in the Kata, that is the “Kata workings” of God the Holy Spirit, they are enfolded into our life in the hot fires of crucified and crucibled afflictions. When this happens, the Kata workings of God, produce an increasing tempered endurance; that is, a constancy of obedient direction, despite the difficulties of applied trials, which may be set before us. In each fold of the metalled sword, in each beat of the hammer, in each dimming of the light to examine the colour of temperature and the settled state of worked in character, yes, in each swing of the weapon and test of its balance, the Master Sword Maker is looking for perfection! If more of the character of the piece needs to be worked in, or drawn out to produce the assured, tried and trusted, purchased, pressed and proven character that is required by Him, then be assured, that the Lord of the Sword will take it back to the heating and back to the quenching, the beating and the folding. In all the precise practice of perfectly placed, persistent pressure, the Lord of the Sword, will not let up, until the individual completeness of His desiring is seen to form both in and on the blade.

Christian character then, this side of heaven at least, is not to be seen as a settled state, but rather, that which bubbles up in the revelation of all our crucibles of experience in both trial and in testing. Christian character then is a work in progress, for it is the tried and tested, pure ore of continuous development. Note as well, that in all pressing and preparation, the sinful scum, resulting from affliction rising to the surface in our lives, all needs continually scraping away! It would appear that this is a process, which every Christian blade will go through to be made fit for the Master’s use. Yes, the crucible will be continually reheated, and the blade has continuous pressure applied, so as to eventually produce a pure and the shining sword. I am both daunted and encouraged by this process and find it helpful in two major ways.

First, that we don’t become discouraged by seeing people pass through various trials and then failing! Providing their journey continues, the crucible will be re-heated and that scum will eventually be scraped away. The Lord of the sword is unrelenting in this and he shall do His work both thoroughly and well.

Secondly, that the continuance of trials in a person’s life, is in fact a sure sign that God intends to produce pureness of character. Problems then, are a sign of God’s continued sanctification process.

May I finally say tonight, that if there have been no pressings problems in your life as a Christian, no pressures and no beatings, then maybe you should ask yourself if you are in fact owned and loved by the Lord of the Sword?

Listen:

When God wants to drill a man,

And thrill a man, And skill a man

To play the noblest part;

When He yearns with all His heart

To create so great and bold a man

That all the world shall be amazed,

Watch His methods, watch His ways!

How He ruthlessly perfects

Whom He royally elects!

How He hammers him and hurts him,

And with mighty blows converts him

Into trial shapes of clay which

Only God understands;

While his tortured heart is crying

And he lifts beseeching hands!

How He bends but never breaks

When his good He undertakes;

How He uses whom He chooses,

And with every purpose fuses him:

By every act induces him

To try his splendor out--

God knows what He's about.

(Author Unknown)

Pray: O Great God, grant me mercy in Your great and purifying fire. Amen.

HOW THE APOSTLES DIED.

1. Matthew. Suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, Killed by a sword wound.

2. Mark. Died in Alexandria, Egypt , after being dragged by Horses through the streets until he was dead.

3. Luke. Was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous Preaching to the lost.

4. John. Faced martyrdom when he was boiled in huge Basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution In Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered From death.

John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison Island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos . The apostle John was later freed and returned to serve As Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey . He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully

5. Peter. He was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross. According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die In the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

6. James. The leader of the church in Jerusalem , was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club.

* This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.

7. James the Son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus Called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was beheaded at Jerusalem. The Roman officer who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer Walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and Knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.

8. Bartholomew. Also known as Nathaniel Was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed for our Lord in present day Turkey. Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia where he was flayed to death by a whip.

9. Andrew. Was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: 'I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it.' He continued to preach to his tormentors For two days until he expired.

10. Thomas. Was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the Sub-continent.

11. Jude. Was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

12. Matthias. The apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

13. Paul. Was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write his many

epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire. These letters, which taught many of the foundational Doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.

Perhaps this is a reminder to us that our sufferings here are indeed minor compared to the intense persecution and cold cruelty faced by the apostles and disciples during their times For the sake of the Faith. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: But he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Pass on to encourage other Christians

Why Do we feel sleepy in Prayer,

But stay awake through a 3 hour movie?

Why are we so bored when we look at the HOLY BOOK,

But find it easy to read other books?

Why is it so easy to ignore a msg about God,

Yet we forward the nasty ones?

Why are Prayers getting smaller,

But bars and clubs are expanding

But very difficult to engage with God?

When one door closes, God opens two: If God has opened doors for you, send this message to everyone on your contact list.

Make this message your contribution to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

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Saturday, 14 July 2018

Why Do Christians Suffer

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