How are we supposed to understand suffering in light of Scripture? How does Scripture inform our suffering and how does Jesus set the example for suffering? Join us as we navigate our way through the topic of suffering and what it means to develop a biblical theology of suffering.
Video Podcast
Use suffering to your advantage. Don’t waste it, as God certainly doesn’t. It is meant to spiritually grow you, teach you and see that God is with you in the suffering. You may not see, hear from or “feel” His presence during times of great suffering, but make no mistake, God sees and never leaves us as His Holy Spirit lives in us. He speaks through His word so many promises to us. Suffering can serve to make you bitter or better. It is a choice to renew our minds reading and meditating on His word. Sometimes I will whisper His promises out loud over and again until I believe with a faith that guides me through it. While I go through suffering I pray that I suffer well. What does that look like? Practically speaking, I try to not be snippy, or treat anyone unkindly, but also try to continue to demonstrate the love that Jesus would want me to by helping others who are hurting. When I sometimes take my mind off me, it does seem to help me navigate my own suffering. Once I am on the other side of a season of suffering, I clearly see things that God wanted to teach me, that I could not see while I was going through it. While I would never seek out nor ask for suffering, the lessons that I have learned, as a result of suffering, have strengthened my faith, my trust and my walk with the Lord in ways that would not have otherwise happened. The words that Paul spoke when he said “count it all joy” ….. I finally get it! I am so grateful that God has called us to follow and give us life giving words and instruction on how we can get through these times. The “pay off” or reward is well worth the price when we develop a theology of suffering. It gives us an opportunity to bring glory to our King. As Evelyn says the rewards in heaven are going to be wonderful, but the faith that He grows in us when we chose to walk it out with Him, honoring Him and loving Him takes our faith to the next level. Thank You Lord. Enjoyed this podcast very much. Thanks guys. Ya’ll are the BEST!