Suffering is an intrinsic part of life on earth. Paul wrote all of creation is currently in the bondage of corruption brought by man's sin. Romans 8:22 explains the scope and the effects of this corruption that brings death: "For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now." It is not all bad news, for as certain as suffering and pain is present on earth, so redemption and freedom for eternity is assured for those who repent and trust in Jesus Christ. Birth pangs are unbelievably painful, but necessary for the living miracle to be born.
Jesus suffered pain on the cross and drank of the bitter cup of judgment man deserved so those who trust in Him could be delivered from sin and death. Though Jesus has taken our punishment, pain and suffering is a necessary part of life for we all who are alive and remain - especially for those who take a stand for Jesus Christ and godliness. Jesus promised tribulation for those who willingly followed Him. It is also written in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." Even the desire to live for Christ comes at a cost. If following Jesus brings an increase of persecution or suffering in this life, why bother? Because it has been revealed life on earth is not all there is. Like Abraham, with eyes of faith we look to an everlasting city in the heavens where Christ is. We do not live for ourselves anymore, having been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, but for the God who loves us and gave Himself for us.
There are more reasons held forth in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ." Because our God is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, we receive abundant consolation in our sufferings. No matter what trouble we experience, God's comfort and grace is super abundant. God's comfort does not eliminate our pain and anguish, but these intense feelings and drive us closer to God in desperation for relief. Once we have received and choose to walk in God's comfort, we are granted the ability to help others to experience God's comfort as well. Wouldn't you love to be able to comfort those who are in any trouble? We do not need to have suffered the exact thing someone else has to lead them to the God who can comfort them too (though it sometimes helps). The more we suffer, the more comfort is available to us by God, and the better we are able to help others.
If the lives of Christians were always easy and prosperous in a worldly sense, people would not be struck with the supernatural peace, joy, and contentment which is a stark contrast to others in the world in the midst of trials. Even worse, people would see Christ as a means of financial gain and selfishly seek Him. Paul had learned in whatever state he was to be content, and he rejoiced more in prison suffering for Christ than wealthy rulers who lived in palaces without Christ. Suffering for a Christian has a redemptive aspect the world cannot know or experience. Praise God for His abundant consolation in our sufferings, for we ourselves are comforted by the God of all comfort. God can use suffering in our lives to receive His comfort and to lead others to take refuge in Him. We all desire to be fruitful and used by God, and suffering refines and equips us through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His will. Everyone suffers, but God wants all to be comforted. And He wants to use you to do just that.
Jesus suffered pain on the cross and drank of the bitter cup of judgment man deserved so those who trust in Him could be delivered from sin and death. Though Jesus has taken our punishment, pain and suffering is a necessary part of life for we all who are alive and remain - especially for those who take a stand for Jesus Christ and godliness. Jesus promised tribulation for those who willingly followed Him. It is also written in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." Even the desire to live for Christ comes at a cost. If following Jesus brings an increase of persecution or suffering in this life, why bother? Because it has been revealed life on earth is not all there is. Like Abraham, with eyes of faith we look to an everlasting city in the heavens where Christ is. We do not live for ourselves anymore, having been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, but for the God who loves us and gave Himself for us.
There are more reasons held forth in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ." Because our God is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, we receive abundant consolation in our sufferings. No matter what trouble we experience, God's comfort and grace is super abundant. God's comfort does not eliminate our pain and anguish, but these intense feelings and drive us closer to God in desperation for relief. Once we have received and choose to walk in God's comfort, we are granted the ability to help others to experience God's comfort as well. Wouldn't you love to be able to comfort those who are in any trouble? We do not need to have suffered the exact thing someone else has to lead them to the God who can comfort them too (though it sometimes helps). The more we suffer, the more comfort is available to us by God, and the better we are able to help others.
If the lives of Christians were always easy and prosperous in a worldly sense, people would not be struck with the supernatural peace, joy, and contentment which is a stark contrast to others in the world in the midst of trials. Even worse, people would see Christ as a means of financial gain and selfishly seek Him. Paul had learned in whatever state he was to be content, and he rejoiced more in prison suffering for Christ than wealthy rulers who lived in palaces without Christ. Suffering for a Christian has a redemptive aspect the world cannot know or experience. Praise God for His abundant consolation in our sufferings, for we ourselves are comforted by the God of all comfort. God can use suffering in our lives to receive His comfort and to lead others to take refuge in Him. We all desire to be fruitful and used by God, and suffering refines and equips us through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His will. Everyone suffers, but God wants all to be comforted. And He wants to use you to do just that.
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