Follower of Jesus Christ, how do you view your suffering?
The trials that bring suffering to us as followers of Christ should awaken us to the fact that sin has serious consequences, that trials are part of life, and that suffering is purposeful in God’s sovereign hand.
Suffering should remind us that sin indeed carries grave consequences (Romans 6:23). In fact, all human suffering results from sin entering the world and breaking God’s law (Romans 5:12). At times we suffer because of the sins of others rather than our own, yet suffering exists because sin has permeated all human life since Adam and Eve. Therefore, in our suffering we must remember that our deepest problem is sin, and we should be intentional in addressing and dealing with sin in our lives, with God’s help.
Trials that bring suffering are part of life: Scripture states, “the reproofs of discipline are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23b). In Hebrews 12:6–11, God declares that He disciplines the son He loves so that he may share in His holiness. Thus, suffering is a tool God uses to shape people’s hearts, especially the hearts of His children (Isaiah 48:10–11). At times our suffering is not the result of personal sin but God’s training tool to produce righteousness in us. We are also reminded that our Lord Jesus Christ is described as “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Scripture teaches that “believers are children of God, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided believers suffer with Him in order that they may also be glorified with Him” (Romans 8:17).
Furthermore, Scripture teaches that suffering for Christ is a gift (Philippians 1:29), and the example of our Lord’s life helps us understand this truth, for “a disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matthew 10:24). If the Master suffered, the servant would also suffer. Paul expressed this desire in Philippians 3:10: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” Likewise, in Acts 5:41 the apostles “left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Although Scripture clearly presents suffering for Christ as a privilege, a gift, and a cause for rejoicing (1 Peter 4:12–16), this truth appears to be suppressed in much of modern Christianity, which often seeks to avoid suffering. Yet the glory of Christianity and the suffering of Christianity cannot be separated; they are inseparably linked. We are glorified with Christ provided that we suffer with Him—our suffering yet victorious Savior.
Suffering is purposeful in the hand of our Sovereign God. God is in control of all things, including our suffering, and we are called to trust Him in and through it (1 Peter 5:6–11). In the trials of a believer, God works all things together for good and uses them to conform the believer to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28–29).
This is far from a comprehensive treatment of the subject of suffering, but it provides several key ideas to keep in mind daily as those who hope in Christ navigate the ups and downs of life. May we be strengthened by the Word and encourage others by our example. Equally important is the reminder that God warns us not to suffer because of any evil of our own doing (1 Peter 4:15).