. . . but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings . . . —1 Peter 4:13
The question, “Why do the righteous suffer?” or the broader “Why does God allow suffering?” has plagued man from the beginning. There are many reasons for suffering, today we look at only one. Sometimes, the suffering is not correction or chastisement it is not inflicted to improve us or even to teach us. If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a number of experiences that are not meant for you personally at all. They are designed to make you useful in His hands, and to enable you to understand what takes place in the lives of others. Sometimes we just need to know what it’s like to go through certain trials so that we can better relate to others who suffer similarly.
When suffering comes, it does not good to try to determine which of God’s many possible purposes are at work. Much of our Lord’s life consisted of experiences which led Him to understand what we go through. He was hot, cold, hungry, and tempted. He suffered like none of us is likely to individually endure.
The sufferings of Christ were not those of ordinary people. He suffered “according to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:19), having a different point of view of suffering from ours. It is only through our relationship with Jesus Christ that we can understand what God is after in His dealings with us.
We never realize at the time what God is putting us through— we go through it more or less without understanding. Then suddenly we come to a place of enlightenment, and realize— “God has strengthened me and I didn’t even know it!”
Suffer knowing He loves you and has a purpose and
Be blessed.
Nick
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