Pain and Suffering - Part 1

Pain is a reality.

Suffering is a part of life and at times suffering and pain are tools God uses to accomplish His purposes. I do not like it but the Bible is clear.

God used suffering in the life of Jesus

”Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.“
Hebrews 5:8 ESV

”So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.“
Hebrews 13:12 ESV

Jesus learned obedience through suffering. Jesus redeemed mankind through suffering. Pain and suffering was a tool that God used in Jesus’ life.

I cannot expect differently. Pain will purify me. Sacrifice is necessary to see a lost world redeemed.

This does not mean that you go looking to suffer. That is weird! But expecting it, embracing it, allowing God to use it, or trusting God in it is part of a global worker’s life.

Now I know that not all suffering is caused by God. This is not a theology of suffering paper.

I want you to know that someone recognizes that your pain is real.

Life can be hard. Obedience has a cost. Our circumstances can be unfair. People can be mean.

The question is not will you suffer, or does God at times use suffering as a tool, but how will you respond to the pain you are experiencing right now? That is in your control. You do have a choice.

It does not make it easier or excuse other people’s actions. It just means you are trusting Jesus day by day, moment by moment. That, just as in the life of Jesus, God will redeem your pain and suffering. God will reward your sacrifice. God is with you right now.

So don’t give up or give in. Keep standing. Keep believing. Keep moving forward.