These past 4 weeks I have given my reasons for "Why Christians Suffer". The first reason, and one that we cannot get away from, is that we live in this world of sin. The Bible says that it rains on the just as well as the unjust, so we can just expect suffering as we live this life on earth.
The second reason is that all sin has its consequences. This is the suffering that one might say we bring upon ourselves. The sad part of it is, whatever suffering comes as a consequence of our sin, it often causes suffering to others as well, and can be far reaching.
A third reason would be that some suffering is allowed by God to Glorify Him. Though we may not understand it, we know that He knows all things, and His Grace is Sufficient.
Reason #4 that answers the question of "Why Christians Suffer" is that it is used for discipline. Nearly 2000 years ago a Chinese sage wrote "when heaven is about to confer a great office on a man (or woman) it always first exercises his mind and soul with suffering and his body with hunger, and exposes him to extreme poverty and boggles all his undertakings. By these means it stimulates his mind, hardens his nature and enables him to acts otherwise not possible to him." These things of themselves cannot do anything but cause confusion, but with God's Hand in it, iron comes into the soul, and one sees all things working together, bringing wisdom and understanding.
Jeremiah 29:11 states "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Our heavenly Father often allows suffering as a form of discipline to bring the expected end.
An example of discipline would be an Olympic athlete. The precision and skill that goes into a sport, whether it be ice skating, gymnastics, skiing, or some other fete, is not something that one picked up just by chance. It has taken years of discipline, self-denial, aching bodies, and even broken bones, to learn to perform a fete otherwise impossible.
In Hebrews 12:7 it states: "You must submit to and endure for discipline; God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not train and correct and discipline?" So, do not despair when suffering or trials come your way. Whatever it is for, you know it cannot reach you unless it has first gone through our Master's hand, because we are held in the palm of his hand.
My prayer:
O Lord, You have not promised a way free of stones and thorns, but I know You will go with me all the way. You have not promised me riches, but You have said You will provide all my needs. You have promised strength for each day, Your comfort to go with me; and You will carry me on Eagle's wings. You are my God and my King. You are my Lord God Jehovah; in thee will I trust!
Amen
1. Mencius, the Chinese sage
2. The Holy Bible
3. From the heart of CC
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