Suffering and our Growth

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing 

with the glory that will be revealed in us." 

Romans 8: 18

Suffering.  Even as I mention it, I recoil.  It is not a subject I enjoy thinking about, and I enjoy going through it even less.  Often it seems like all I can do is endure.  Right in the midst of suffering, I don't even learn that much.  It takes time and reflection to learn, and in the midst of intense suffering I often lack the strength for reflection.

Perhaps this is why many Christians avoid the subject of suffering.  Entire breeds of Christians have banished all talk of suffering under the guise of spirituality by claiming Christ suffered for us so we do not have to suffer.  All I can say is, tell that to Paul!  He endured beatings, imprisonment, rejection, and other sufferings for the lost and for the Church.  In the preceding verse, he mentioned that "we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."  For Paul, sufferings were a way into deeper dependence and identity in Christ.

So what does this mean for us?  In the midst of broken relationships that cause so much pain, in the midst of the death or impending death of those we love, in the midst of our bad decisions, how should we deal with suffering?

First, admit to God, yourself, and others that you are suffering.  Understand that we live in a fallen world marked by suffering.  All of creation "groans as in the pains of child birth" and is subject to "frustration" by the effects of sin.  

Furthermore, suffering is often caused by our sin, the sin of others, or the effects of living in a sinful world.  In the midst of suffering, call sin, sin.  In yourself, in others, and in events confess what is not as it should be.  Confess what is not according to its created good.  Cry out to God about the pain of separation.  Ask Him to restore and redeem what the consequences of sin have brought about.  We were not created to suffer through separation like death, but God can relate as He and Jesus were separated on the cross as Jesus suffered to do away with sin and death.

Second, remember the gospel.  We have a taste of redemption, adoption, and freedom now in Christ.  One day, He will set all things aright, and we will know in full a restored relationship with God, others, ourselves, and creation.  If you have not believed, repent and accept His love!  Then, hope in the ultimate reality that you belong to Christ.  This life is fleeting.  Eternity is forever.  Pray for grace to "wait patiently" for our final hope.

Third, pray.  This is how the gospel gets applied to our life.  Take time to be before God and ask the Spirit to lead you to pray for what is really needed (8:26-27).  Pray for healing of your soul.  Pray for restoration of broken relationship.  Pray in confession of your sin and the sins of others.  Whatever the cause of the suffering, take time to pray about it.  We were made to live a life of faith.  Prayer is the avenue into an active faith.

May the Lord use our sufferings to bring about our growth in grace, truth, and love.