Suffering is a universal experience that affects all of us at some point in our lives. It is often accompanied by pain, loss, disappointment, and confusion. However, as Christians, we believe that suffering has a purpose and that God can use it to refine and strengthen us. In this blog post, we will explore the biblical principle of suffering and how we can turn to God for help in overcoming it.
The Bible teaches that suffering is a result of sin entering the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3:16-19). The effects of sin have created a broken world that is plagued by physical pain, sickness, and death. However, God’s ultimate plan is to restore all things and to bring healing and redemption to those who trust in Him (Romans 8:18-21).
One of the key biblical principles of suffering is that it can be used by God to mold and shape us into the people He wants us to be. The apostle Paul wrote about this in Romans 5:3-5, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.”
Suffering can also serve as a reminder of our dependence on God. When we go through difficult times, it can be tempting to rely on our own strength or the support of others. However, the Bible teaches that our strength comes from God and that He is always with us, even in our darkest moments (Isaiah 41:10).
Another important biblical principle of suffering is that it can be used by God to bring us closer to Him. As we seek His comfort and strength, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him. The apostle Peter wrote about this in 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”
Finally, the Bible teaches that suffering is not permanent and that one day it will come to an end. In Revelation 21:4, we read, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” This gives us hope and comfort in the midst of our struggles, knowing that one day all of our sufferings will be gone.
In conclusion, the biblical principle of suffering is that it can be used by God to refine and strengthen us, to remind us of our dependence on Him, to bring us closer to Him, and that it is not permanent. As we turn to God for help in overcoming our suffering, we can trust that He will be with us every step of the way and that He will bring good out of our difficulties.