Suffering and a Reason for Hope

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SUFFERING COMES TO ALL

No one likes to suffer, even if it is deserved. We don’t like pain of any kind, though we sometimes unintentionally cause ourselves pain. What about suffering when we’ve done nothing wrong? Many in times past and even now face suffering because of their faith. Some have even been put to death, becoming martyrs for the cause of Christ. Scripture tells us not to be afraid:


14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 16 Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.    (1 Peter 3:14-18)

 

We might also ask the question of why some people are healthy while others live with chronic pain and illness every day of their lives. Surely, they don’t deserve all this suffering. I wonder if these people are included in those who suffer for doing good. 

A LIFE OF HOPE EVEN IN SUFFERING

While we would not choose suffering, most of us will deal with it sometime in our lives. How can we live a life of hope amidst the pain?

What if, instead of letting it rule us, we use it to drive us closer to God?

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.   (Psalm 62:8)

My dear friend, Bettie Gilbert, has been such an encouragement to me through her suffering. Even though she deals with a lot of pain, she is a shining light. Often, her pain causes her to cry out to God with her own words, along with the words of scripture. This drives her deeper into the arms of Jesus, who loves and comforts even in her darkest hours. She shares her struggles and shows how she is living a life of hope while suffering.

I’m sure many of you could point out different ways you have struggled in your suffering and found peace and hope in God. In my own life, I have had suffering not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually. Losing my son is one of the hardest things I have ever had to face, but I do not despair. God has comforted me through His word and the support of friends and family.

My hope in God is a sure hope that will not disappoint, and one day, because of the resurrection of Jesus, I will see my son again.

Would you join me in prayer?

Dear God,

Though no suffering is pleasant, it is sometimes necessary. Give me strength through suffering that I might endure, partaking in the suffering of Christ. May I stand firm and be finally brought to live with you eternally. Thank You that through Christ, by faith, I stand by His grace. Your Holy Spirit fills my heart with your love. In the name of Jesus, amen.

A Hope to Share

Share hope with others
Be gentle and show respect
Do not fear evil


Jesus, the Righteous,
Suffered for the unrighteous
Bringing us to God

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