Why God why? Suffering seems to make no sense. Would it not be so much better if somehow, suffering did not exist? But, suffering is part of the territory of life. Jesus said that in this world we would have tribulation. We cannot escape the reality of pain. What we actually long for is heaven where there will be no more sin, pain, suffering or death. In the meantime, we are here in this world living in imperfection longing for perfection. We long for eternity in our hearts according to Ecclesiasates 3:11. Until then, we must wait patiently for God to create a new heaven and a new earth. The period of time between now and then is called SANCTIFICATION for the Christian. We are being purified and prepared for the transition from suffering to the salvation of our souls.
God is changing us through adversity to become more like Christ. That is what Christianity is all about – the formation of Christ’s character in our souls. We are being transformed from the inside out by the Holy Spirit as we wait for the return of Jesus Christ Much like gold being purified in a fire, our character is undergoing change as we respond to the sufferings of life.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12
Fire purifies. Trials test our character. Perseverance means to go through severity. The “perseverance of the saints” is how we are called to live as believers. Unfortunately, some teachers seem to think that if we become Christians, we are now going to somehow overcome all the problems of life and even find escape from suffering altogether. Wrong! We are going to experience the pains of this earthly life just like everyone else. What is the issue is our response to all this negativity. Will we respond in a Christ-like way or in a harmful way? The correct answer is that we respond to suffering with the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than what we would choose. We will respond supernaturally or naturally. The choice is required. Job said that he would follow God no matter how painful life might become. His faith was unconditional. Job’s wife said to curse God and die. What has God allowed in your life? How are you responding to it?
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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
More answers to suffering can be found in the link below:
