Suffering

"Suffering has a mysterious role in the Christian life and should mold our response to human agony in the world. Indeed, the suffering of those called into God’s service can become clothed with ever deepening significance— not glorified in itself, but endowed with power to advance God’s kingdom."
-Robert B. Krushwitz

Why does God allow suffering?

I think Mr. Krushwitz explains why. Suffering advances the kingdom of God.

Before I continue, I would like to say why I am writing this. I have several friends that are going through stuff right now, one on my mind in paticular, and I hope this can help in some way...

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Is suffering a bad thing? I mean, sure it hurts, but I think it's more of a blessing in disguise. Let me explain.

The amazing thing about suffering is the outcome. No matter how bad the suffering is, most of the time, when we come through it, things are for the better. If they are not for the better, then hey, at least the suffering is gone. The point I'm trying to make here is that sometimes the lowest point you can ever hit will be when you are suffering. And when you hit rock bottom, and the only thing left to do is look up, things can only get better.

Romans 5:3
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Rejoice in suffering? Easier said then done. But if you see all the good that can come from it and how God orchestrates it, it is much easier to rejoice.

Now, how do we deal with suffering?

"What does it mean to have courage in the face of suffering, pain, or even death? While our culture may idolize strength in adversity and tough self-reliance, courage has another side that many of us have not thought about much. It is revealed when our vulnerability is greatest and our own strength is exhausted."
-Rebecca Konydykk DeYoung

Ms. DeYoung here makes a valid point. The ultimate example of courage in suffering would be Christ during the final week of his life. Is it so hard to be courageous in our own sufferings when we compare what we are going through to what He went through? Of course not. Most of us aren't facing crucifixion, flogging, and mockery everyday.
Do you think it was easy for Christ to suffer like that? Here is what the Scripture says about it:

Matthew 26
36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

At this point, Christ gets a glimpse into the wrath of God, and He is terrified. Can you imagine a member of the Trinity being terrified? How great was God's wrath? It must have been unimaginable.
So, when we go through stuff, such as a job loss, a girlfriend breaking up with you, or even see someone die, is it so hard to be courageous? After all, Christ looked at the most terrifying thing in the universe, was momentarily scared, then after praying to His Father, went into the hurricane of God's wrath at full speed. That's courage. How much harder is it for us to be courageous and rejoicing in the midst of suffering? Compared to Christ, it should be quite easy for us.

That's why suffering is a blessing in disguise. It builds character, brings us closer to God, and strengthens us.
If anything, we should look forward to suffering.

Philippians 3
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.


In Christ,
Hackett