Suffering. The state of or an instance of enduring pain. That is a definition of suffering from the dictionary. In fact, I wrote a post about pain and suffering last Summer and shared some of the reasons that God allows pain and suffering in our lives. It was a revelation to me as I researched God’s word and began to understand why I had to go through suffering from the stroke.
The point I shared that stays in the forefront of my mind even until this day about faith. When we go through experiences or are faced with the reality of having to live through suffering, our faith in God should increase as we seek shelter from the suffering.
Whether or not you are currently suffering physically or emotionally, you will at some point be faced with the choice to stand strong in your faith in God or want to lash out and cast blame. You may blame yourself, blame someone else, or get angry and turn away from God.
Before you do that, remember God understands suffering. He suffered for us on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins because He loves us unconditionally. It is because of Christ’s sacrifice we have put our faith in Him in the hope of spending eternity in Heaven someday. It is the same faith which gives us hope in the midst of suffering.
There are so many stories in the Bible about Jesus healing people not only because of His compassion but because of their faith. One of my favorites is the story of the paralytic and his four friends that could not get to Jesus because of the crowds. They cut a hole in the roof and lowered him down on a pallet so that Jesus could heal him. Talk about some great friends! What a blessing to have faith-filled friends like that!
I say to you get up pick up your pallet, and go home. And He got up immediately picked up his pallet and went out in the sight of everyone so they were all amazed and glorifying God…” Mark 2:11-12.
God wants us to have resolute faith regardless of the pain and suffering we are exposed to or experiencing. Jesus stated in John 16:33 that we will have tribulation but to take courage in remembering that He has overcome the world.
One way we can stand strong in our faith is to realize we are not alone and not the only ones to experience suffering. One passage of scripture I have memorized continues to strengthen my faith. This directive from God is a passage of hope and is found in first Peter.
But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself, perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:9-10.
What a passage of hope from God’s word! When we experience suffering, know that other believers in Christ have experienced similar and overcome them with God’s help. God is perfecting our faith, confirming our faith in Jesus Christ, and strengthening our faith for what lies ahead. This is how the maturity of a Christian develops.
As the Christian matures and seeks to live for Christ, there’s a pretty good chance the instances of suffering will increase. Look at Christ’s disciples. Most of them were martyred, executed, or exiled. Satan does not want our “light to shine” for Christ. He wants to destroy Christians, their lives and their testimony.
Remember, we are soldiers in God’s army. Pain and suffering are some of Satan’s weapons that he uses to attack and destroy us. God uses those same experiences to make us stronger warriors! Not only do we grow strong in our faith but the strength of Almighty God is revealed to us and those around us.
The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth to strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9.
For this reason and to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a messenger from Satan to torment me and to keep me from exalting myself. Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.
God grants us the grace to endure any suffering and His power is revealed for His glory in our weakness. That is reason enough to stand strong in our faith in spite of our suffering. Suffering is difficult and extremely painful.
God uses suffering to make our faith strong in Him and nourish our hope. He is our Savior, our Protector, our Provider and most important He loves us. Can you think of anyone better to put your faith in during the midst of suffering? Stand strong in the faith my sisters and brothers!
Love in Christ,
Horace Williams Jr is the oldest son of a pastor who went to be with Jesus in 2020. He is an award-winning author and amateur chef who loves Jesus Christ. His passion for Christ inspires readers to draw nearer to the God who loves them.
Thank you for this good and difficult reminder about suffering! It is so hard to remember that God uses our suffering to teach us faith and to accomplish good that we cannot fathom at the time.
Thanks for the visit today Courtney and once again nice to “meet” you. I am glad you enjoyed the post. I had fun finishing it with my mother as she was here visiting today. I am thankful that God uses our suffering to mature us and grow our faith. It is the reason why I write here today. God bless.
Horace, I believe God uses suffering to carve out places for joy. It seems that after times of suffering there is a greater capacity for joy too. Maybe that comes from having had to lean on Him for breath and life. Thank you for a great post full of encouragement.
Amen Debbie! Thank you for your insight about joy…that is so true! When God brings us through those moments of suffering, we should allow ourselves to feel the joy bathed in peace that only He provides us. Always blessed to hear from you friend. Have a fantastic weekend and continued blessings to you and yours!
I haven’t always enjoyed the refining moments of my life, but I can look back on them and see how much my faith and maturity has grown. And for that I’m thankful. I’m often reminded of the verse, God is working all things out for our good, it helps me get through my momentary suffering and be assured God is going to make something good from my pain. Thank you for this encouragement and wise words on suffering.
Thanks for the visit and your comment Alecia! Yes, the moments of refining through fire are not always pleasant but necessary at times. God does loves us and sometimes He needs to get our attention back on Him so we can stay the course that He has planned for our lives. So glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! God bless.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder, Horace. No, I don’t want to have to deal with suffering, but God uses those moments to bring me to a place where He can use me. I want to be used of God even if it means some sort of suffering to get me where I need to be. The song God’s Refining Fire by Mac Lynch came to mind while I was reading this, “And when the answer comes to us in form of trial and test,
We fail to see Your loving hand, Refining fire is best.. God’s refining fire, God’s refining fire,
May it purge me now and make of me what You require.” I’m glad the Lord knows what is best for our lives. Thanks for sharing with Thankful Thursdays. Have a great weekend, Horace!
I’m glad you enjoyed this post Lori! Yes, suffering is not something we look forward to but sometimes it is necessary to accomplish God’s will. I would not have the love for God that I do now if it were not for the suffering He brought me through. I must say my life is better for it by miles! Thank you for sharing the verse from that song…such beautiful words! Have a great weekend my friend and God bless!
Another great post, Horace! Yes, our suffering builds so much. It creates a greater need for Christ. It makes us stronger, and it helps us to fully embrace joy! After suffering, joy is experienced in such a deeper and more profound way.
Thank you so much, as usual, for your hope-filled posts! It is such an honor to have you sharing your messages of hope alongside me at #MomentsofHope!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Thank you Lori for the visit and kind words. I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of #MomentsofHope and share what God has laid on my heart. Yes I am learning to find joy during and after God brings me through times of suffering. It is not easy bust I find comfort when I keep my eyes on Him. Thank you again for your support and encouragement. I hope you have a wonderful week and may God bless you and yours!
I love the story of the paralytic as well. Suffering is a hard thing. Fear of suffering fuels anxiety for me. Yet I know and have experienced times of some level of suffering. I am encouraged by the scriptures you have chosen for this post. Blessings Horace!
Hello Ginger! Thanks for visiting and your sincere comment. I agree, suffering it not something we look forward to but there will be moments that we will experience it. What a comfort that our Heavenly Father promises to bring us through. This gives us great hope! “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Thanks again for your visit. Always a pleasure to hear from you. Have a fantastic week and may God richly bless you and yours!
I’m reminded that God works in all things for our good if we love Him (my paraphrase). That’s a hard truth which I’m sure you’re experiencing first hand.
Thank you for shining a bright light in this world, Horace.
God bless you.
Thank you for visiting Jody! Yes God has used my suffering for His glory. I am blessed and honored that He has allowed me to share my story of transformation for His glory. Such a pleasure to “meet” you today. Blessings to you as well.
“…resolute faith…” Strong … resolved … upright…It is through the Lord that we are able to have resolute faith and He is the One Who loves us so much that He went to the Cross for us…for me. How can I NOT have resolute faith, Horace. Thank you so much for this power-filled piece. No matter what I go through, He went before me and is with me in the fire. I am so thankful I came by.
I am glad to hear you are writing a book.
Thank you for stopping by Linda! I am always blessed by your comments and insights. I am thankful that our Savior suffered and died for us. His unconditional love humbles me and gives me strength. My faith in God is stronger than ever and I know He will bring me through whatever I may face going forward. I am thrilled that you enjoyed this post and yes I am working on my first book and hope to finish it soon. I am plannming to publish this Fall unless the Lord has other plans…
Have a wonderful week my friend and may God richly bless you and yours!
What satan intends for harm God can use for his glory. I loved this post. Suffering is a difficult topic and you have addressed it with such wisdom and sensitivity. Thank you for linking with Grace and Truth last week. I would love to feature this tomorrow.
Hey Dawn always a blessing to hear from you! I hope all is well up there in the Northwest! I am so glad you enjoyed this post. I am humbled for the opportunity my Savior has given me to share my story of pain and suffering. It’s my hope that my writing is both a comfort and encouragement to all who visit here. Thank you for featuring this post on G&T tomorrow; it’s my prayer that God is glorified in everything thing I think,say,and do. Have a wonderful weekend and may God continue to richly bless you and yours friend.
Yes we ALL go through seasons of suffering. My husband always reminds me in the very good times, there will be some hard times and there is, but God is on the throne, He’s in control and we have to trust and stay faithful as we walk through them and come out stronger.
Thanks for reminding us today about the disciples suffering.
Amen Debbie! That is so true…God is in control and nothing happens to us without His approval. We must trust Him completely in every circumstance. Thank you for stopping by today and sharing your thoughts. May God continue to guide you as you seek to serve Him in your community. Have a fantastic weekend and may God richly bless you and yours in all your endeavors!
Great post, Horace. Enduring suffering and “finishing” have a similar thread! It’s staying in there, right? All kinds of suffering around us. Your Scriptures are favorites and always encourage my heart. Blessings!
Thank you for visiting and your kind words Dianne. Yes they do have a common thread! As God brings us through various levels of suffering, He is finishing or refining our faith. I am thankful that our Savior is always with us to bring us to the finish of any trial or suffering we may endure. Thank you again for the visit. Have a wonderful weekend and God bless!