Suffering

Can good come from suffering?

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, then Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles. so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

2 Corinthians 4:18 - "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

One would assume that living in a pleasure-seeking society, we would try to avoid suffering at any cost. But it is through suffering and other challenges that we grow. We don't like pain and adversity because they challenge us on all levels. But those who have gone through testing times are stronger and wiser because of them. It is impossible to become strong and wise without being pushed, shoved and hurt by life's troubles.

Whilst God never enjoys seeing you suffer, he sometimes allows painful and adverse times in your life in order to strengthen your character. God uses suffering to expand your perspective and turn your thoughts to heaven, to strengthen your faith as you wait for his promises to come true. Often it is not until you reach the other side of suffering that you can appreciate the growth you have achieved.

God's promises when you are suffering

Isaiah 43:1-2 - "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Romans 8:38-39 - "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Explaining suffering to someone who is hurting

Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

1 Corinthians 12:26 - "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it."

Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other's burdens , and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ."

Suffering is a universal experience. Some suffering comes by chance, such as accidents or illnesses. Some suffering happens by neglect, such as our failure to prepare for times of pressure. Sometimes it is by design, when we willingly take on huge responsibilities in order to achieve a goal. Other times it is by sin, when we go against God's commands and then suffer the consequences.

Whatever the source, at times we all feel consumed by suffering, and we don't know how to explain it. But maybe it's not necessary. The reality is that we don't usually know why suffering has struck us or someone else, and one of the worst mistakes we can make is to try to explain it out of ignorance. We do know two things about suffering:

1. It hurts deeply, causing much grief and distress

2. Comfort comes from those who love us and sit with us, not those who lecture us and try to fix it.

When you join in someone else's suffering, you are choosing to be wounded with them. and that brings comfort. If you know someone who is hurting, suffer along with that person to bring comfort and hope.