BIBLICAL TEACHINGS ON PAIN AND SUFFERING!

Copyright © 2012 by William Valmyr

“18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, 39 nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:18, 37-39, NKJV)

Biblical Answers to Suffering

Before I begin, let me just say that God is not the author of pain, confusion and suffering. Although God may use them for our good; these human quandaries are the result of the fall of man (see Genesis 3) and too often the consequences of our own sins. Are you enduring pain and suffering caused by people or spiritual warfare? Do not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. In times of affliction, do nothing, say nothing, and write nothing that you would not be willing to embrace the consequences. God never promised that the Christian life would be easy. The apostle Peter writes, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care [anxieties] upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7, NKJV). Do not lean on your own understanding but trust in the Lord always. The writer of Hebrews states that “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16, NIV). In times of unimaginable suffering, Christ promises to be real and a lasting hope!

The Place of Pain and Suffering!

Pain and suffering in the life of the disciple of Christ, are reminders that the more familiar I recognize my weaknesses, the more I can depend upon God’s grace to see me through. Thus, my personal struggles must be brought under subjection to the lordship of Jesus the Christ. As the battle continues, I am more convinced that nothing shall separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. It was Andrew Murray who said that “A believer may pass through much affliction, and yet secure very little blessing from it all. Abiding in Christ is the secret of securing all that the Father meant the chastisement to bring us.” For many of us, pain and suffering is a tool that God uses to teach us the art of complete surrender to His will.

Surrender is the Goal!

Humans are wired to be spiritual, but they become more wired spiritually when they are enduring pain. When tragedy takes place, spiritual antenna of the human spirit goes up, and it is easier to find God’s frequency but the human spirit has to be channeled through the right Satellite (message). God’s goal in allowing suffering in your life is to give you an opportunity to surrender every single detail of your life to His caring hands. Since surrender is God’s ultimate goal for our lives, we must learn His will concerning us doing times of suffering. This is easier said than done, especially when everything in your life has been shattered into pieces or turned upside down.

Friends, I encourage you to search the Scriptures and learn to trust Him even in the face of doubts. This is the essence of the life of faith and herein lies the power of trusting in God’s unfailing love through His word. It means becoming doers of God’s Word by applying the principles of Scripture in your area of needs. Learning to integrate the Word of God in every area of life is the greatest and most rewarding journey for the followers of Christ. Integrating faith, living, and learning the wisdom of God is at the heart of discipleship. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Teacher and this is an education you can build on for the rest of your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead, teach and guide you during your times of suffering!

Friends, whatever you have gone through or are still undergoing, may I submit to you that you can cast your burdens to the Lord. He cares for you and promises that He can handle your situation! Grace and peace, I am praying for you!