Suffering

Sometimes we hurt (suffer) in our hearts or bodies, but we don’t know why this is happening. Although we may never know the answers until Jesus comes, but God does offer comfort for our trials and sufferings now. Let’s see what the Bible says.

First of all, remember that no one is alone in going through tough times. 
Jesus is with us in our suffering.  Look at, Hebrews 2:18, TLB. "For since He Himself has now been through suffering and temptation, He knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and He is wonderfully able to help us."

Do people suffer because they have been bad? Not necessarily, as we can see from what Jesus said in John 9:2-3, TLB. "’Master, His disciples asked Him, ‘why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?’ “Neither,” Jesus answered. ‘But to demonstrate the power of God.’"

Did Jesus promise His followers would never suffer? It’s in the Bible, "And everyone will hate you because you are Mine and are called by My name. But not a hair of your head will perish! For if you stand firm, you will win your souls"(Luke 21:17-19, TLB).

Why does God allow good people to suffer? Doesn’t God care? Of course God cares!  When we suffer, God Himself is the one who helps us through. It’s in the Bible, He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

I think that it’s unfair that good people should have to suffer. We think so too, but it’s not God who is unfair. Sin is unfair. We live in a sinful world. Remember that when Jesus was on earth, He was good, kind, and perfect to everyone. But sinful people put Him on the cross, even you and me. It’s in the Bible, 1 Peter 2:24, NKJV, "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed." You can read more about how Jesus suffered for you and me, because He loves us so! Isaiah 53:3-5.

Can any good come out of something that hurts so much? As surprising as it may be, we are told in the Bible, yes. "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1Peter 4:12, 13, NKJV). That means, not only that we shouldn’t be surprised, but we should be glad because we get an idea of how Christ suffered for you and me!

Suffering can be a time to grow closer to God – maybe even making us happier because of it. See for yourself in James 1:2-3, NIV, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."


Best of all, Jesus plans to end all suffering soon!  “And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, NASB).