Lately the Lord has been speaking to me about the times when Christians suffer; more particularly about remaining faithful and steadfast when we are under that type of pressure.
SUFFERING COMMON TO ALL
The word suffering in a Christian context needs qualification. There is the suffering of this world, common to all mankind; which is part and parcel of living in a fallen world, to use a biblical expression.
SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN
Then there is the suffering which is particular to Christians. The mocking, the persecution, the pressure from society and from authorities simply because you confess the name of Christ. This was part of the experience of the early Christians.
This is also part of the experience of many Christians living today in the Middle East and beyond, and increasingly in the West we see the Gospel and Christians coming under attack for mainstream Christian beliefs.
Remaining faithful to Christ has also the personal cost that comes with the desire to live holy lives well pleasing to the Father; remaining set apart and struggling with temptation – the experience of being in the world but not of it.
WHERE IS GOD WHEN WE SUFFER?
The short answer is: He is with us!😊
I believe in the love of God our Father and in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that in all suffering, whatever form, God is our faithful help and standby. And that God has the incredible ability of turning evil into good!
The letter to the Hebrews says:
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4,16)
And in the context of suffering for the Gospel of Christ, we have this promise:
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8,28)
For the Christian, sharing the sufferings of Christ (the sufferings for Christ and for the Gospel) is a prerequisite to glory (Rom. 8,17). And in this, Christ is forever our example!
See my blog on Romans 8, under the heading “The Hope of Glory”
Peter writes:
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4,19)
In chapter 5:
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. (1 Peter 5,10-11)
THE EXAMPLE OF THE FARMER, OF THE PROPHETS AND OF JOB
And it is in the same context of suffering (for Christ) that we have the exhortations given in James 5,7-12.
We are reminded of the patience of the hard-working farmer, the faithfulness of the prophets and of the steadfastness of Job.
The hard-working farmer waits patiently for the fruit. The prophet remains faithful to the calling. Through all his sufferings Job experienced the very nature of God, that he is both compassionate and merciful (Job was doubly blessed in the end!😊).
In the case of sickness, James writes that the elders are to be called, and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up (James 5, 14-15)
HOLDING ON TO THE LORD!
So whatever we are going through. Let us gird up the loins of our minds (prepare our minds – see 1 Pet. 1.13). Take the long perspective of things. With God all things are possible, but all things are NOT INSTANT! We have need of patience and of steadfastness – of remaining faithful, that after we have done the will of God, we may receive the promise. (Heb. 10,36)
BE BLESSED!☺️
Suggestions for further reading: 1 Peter!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and God’s Word on this tonic Karl.
Very encouraging and uplifting to read and as from one who knows something about suffering.
Just keep up the good work 🙏🏻