"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. I enjoy going through it even less. Often it seems like all I can do is endure. In the painful grip 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. Like strange Christian Scientists, they have denied a foundational reality of living in a fallen world.
You want proof past your own experience? Take a look at Paul. I think he was a "spiritual" fellow. Yet, he had to endure beatings, imprisonment, rejection, and other sufferings for the lost and for the Church. Still, he penned the words that began this post. In the verse immediately proceeding this one, he mentioned that "we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Paul is trying to tell us that suffering is part of our fallen world. It serves the purpose of helping us grow into deeper dependence and identity in Christ.
You want proof past your own experience? Take a look at Paul. I think he was a "spiritual" fellow. Yet, he had to endure beatings, imprisonment, rejection, and other sufferings for the lost and for the Church. Still, he penned the words that began this post. In the verse immediately proceeding this one, he mentioned that "we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Paul is trying to tell us that suffering is part of our fallen world. It serves the purpose of helping us grow 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 unexpected illness, in the midst of our bad decisions, in the midst of living with the consequences of the bad decisions of others, 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. Your experience is not abnormal and the suffering God, Jesus Christ, can identify with you.
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. Do not be afraid to confront the reality of sin and its effects.
What about suffering from seemingly random events like illness or death? Remember we were made for something better. We were not created to experience the pain of separation caused by ill health and death. Cry out to God about the real pain caused by such illness or separation. Ask Him to restore and redeem what the consequences of sin have brought about. Remember there is more to life than just this life! Jesus suffered, died and was resurrected to destroy the ultimate power of sin and death. In Christ, there will be restoration to all that is lost.
What about suffering from seemingly random events like illness or death? Remember we were made for something better. We were not created to experience the pain of separation caused by ill health and death. Cry out to God about the real pain caused by such illness or separation. Ask Him to restore and redeem what the consequences of sin have brought about. Remember there is more to life than just this life! Jesus suffered, died and was resurrected to destroy the ultimate power of sin and death. In Christ, there will be restoration to all that is lost.
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 relationships. Pray in confession of your sin and the sins of others. Pray about the pain of illness and death.
Whatever the cause of the suffering, take time to pray about it. Talk honestly and openly with the Living God. He knows our pain and even our anger anyway! We were made to live a life of faith. Prayer is the avenue into an active faith.
Whatever the cause of the suffering, take time to pray about it. Talk honestly and openly with the Living God. He knows our pain and even our anger anyway! 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.
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