Faith Through Suffering Motivated By God's Purpose and Presence

Suffering - Why Lord?

Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. -- Hebrews 5:8

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to think that God allowed his only righteous Son to pay for our sins.  Our eyes fill up with tears, our minds a bit confused, and our stomachs ache to even think of having to do something like that with our own children.  But God...


When we are going through mental or physical illness or with someone else, the question might surface, "Why?"  A mature believer might quickly caution you to watch with that questioning God.  However, suffering will cause you to do it.  Job, David, and God's own Son in their suffering were weak and may not have acted in ways we thought they should.  But when one is weak, they are strong so the Bible says.  In all of their suffering, they learned obedience.  We should do the same!


However, too often the believer will act like the unbeliever wanting to know why would a righteous God do this and that.  When these sorts of thoughts come up, consider what you have prayed.  In order for one's heart to be humbled, an answer to pray come forth, and other matters be dealt with, sometimes a certain degree of suffering must take place.  Men and women's hearts rebel against the people and things of God.  They will not always do what they are told, they will resist; therefore, causing suffering for all in their path.  Consider the book of Exodus and the many trials the Israelites had to endure.  The Pharaoh was unwilling to simply hand over the children of God, he put up a fight and that rebellion caused unnecessary suffering.  We all can make life easier for ourselves if we would just listen to our Father and do what he says especially when we have prayed many prayers.


Whether a man wants a desired job or a partner wants to reconcile, whatever the issue, seek God!  Sometimes are suffering produces good fruit, peace, love and happiness, but other times we find ourselves suffering and there are no visible results.  Take the time to ask God to show you why are you suffering and ask Him to give you relief.  Whether he answers you or not, know that you are growing closer to Him, learning to rely on Him through your storms.  In time, you will find yourself helping others who may be going through a similar trial.


Solution:

Read the word of God, praise Him, and get yourself around like-minded believers so that you can be motivated to fight the good fight.  When you know that you have done all that you can do to make wrongs right in a situation, put the trouble-maker, backslider, argumentative, or negative person or group in God's hands and watch God work!

A look back…

Do you recall a major life event where you or someone you know was suffering much?  What was the end result?  Were you or this person better because of it?  If not, what might you do differently?  We learn the hard way usually because we have been disobedient to God.  An unrighteous lifestyle with wicked people in one's inner circle will add to suffering.  Unwise choices will prolong suffering as well.  Save yourself the drama and follow God's precepts no matter how much you disagree.  The bible says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..." Proverbs 3:5.
  

Scripture Reference


James 5:10
Peter 2:19
2 Timothy 2:3
Romans 5:3

 

Prayer


Dear Lord, be with this person who has stumbled across this site.  He or she is suffering and needs relief.  Let your word be a comfort.  Order his or her steps toward peace.  Lead this person out of darkness into your marvelous light.  Protect the reader from all harm and danger as well as enemy schemes.  Bring healing swiftly, Lord!  In Jesus name, Amen.