We’d like to think that when we’ve become Christians, we will be blessed and immune to suffering, but did our Lord Jesus really say that?

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Truth #1: Suffering is inevitable

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV

Suffering will come and this is a fact of life. This is not the glorification of suffering. If we live long enough, we will either lose something that we have, or someone who we love. When we suffer, we tend to lose focus, because we’re not wearing God’s glasses. Since the world is on its way to destruction, if we wear the world’s glasses, then we will also perish. 

Before our circumstances change, we need to change our perspective. If we always demand God for breakthroughs, miracles, and instant solutions, this will never end because our problems will continue to come. Therefore we will be disappointed, and depressed.

But when miracles happen, it is because of God’s sovereignty and grace, we should not expect miracles to always happen for us. So let us not be naive to think that we will always be free from suffering. Even if we are free, it is all because of His grace.

Truth #2: Through suffering, God is working something important in us

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

In modern psychology, we’re familiar with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), but we may be unfamiliar with PTG (Post-Traumatic Growth). PTG is a concept that describes positive psychological changes experienced as a result of struggling with a very traumatic situation. This situation is a very difficult challenge for the person. This causes a change in outlook on life that becomes very meaningful. Surprisingly, PTG is estimated to be two thirds but PTSD is only one third.

So the world is now playing catch up with biblical truth. Many of us only seek God when things are getting tough. For instance, our finances are getting dry, our business is stalled, our employment just got terminated, we’re lying in the hospital due to illness or accident, or our marriage’s on the verge of collapse.

But honestly how many of us grow when our lives are going smoothly?

After we are born again, God will perfect us through suffering so that our character is becoming more like Him.

Suffering reminds us that:

1. Our lives are fragile and vulnerable.
2. We were not created for this world.
3. We need a God who saves us.

The more we experience suffering, the more we remember that we need a God who saves us and not only that, God should not suffer but He is willing to enter a world full of suffering so that He can save us by paying our sin debt. Through Christ’s suffering on the cross, God wants to perfect us so that we become more like His Son. Jesus Christ did not suffer so that we would not suffer. He suffered so that when we suffer, we will become like Him.

Our Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding us about these truths about suffering, so when it comes, we won’t be shocked. We truly believe that You have an eternal and beautiful plan for our suffering in this world. Amen.