Resources/Articles
Who Said It Is The Same For Everybody (2)
Last week’s article pointed to the reason for suffering in this world and that it is common among all people whether they are Christians or not. Suffering is not the same for everyone, because it is the result of so many things. Consider these things below.
We may suffer because we live in a world of law and order. Anytime someone breaks a law, suffering will ultimately follow. Whether we forget about a law or intentionally rebel against a law, we suffer. Prescribed medicine can control a person’s life when an improper dose is taken. Cars transport millions but kill thousands because of misusing such a powerful machine. Keeping your life in order by the “law of order” can reduce the possibility of suffering.
We may suffer because we are righteous. Matthew 5:1,12, 2 Timothy 3:12, and 1 Peter 4:12-16 warn us of the suffering which accompanies right living. We are not of the world, therefore the world will hate us. It hated Christ, and we will not fare any better than he did. Taking upon yourself the responsibilities of living in the kingdom of God, you must expect a brand of suffering others will not receive. The stimulus for suffering this way is for righteousness’ sake, but it has its purpose - to receive a reward those in the world who suffer will not receive.
We may suffer because of God’s disciplinary actions. This is difficult to explain because it is hard to know if God brings things upon us for the purpose of punishment, or does He take what comes to me and use that for my chastening. One thing for sure, chastening is a fact of life. When you read Hebrews 12:7-14, you know the purpose and hopeful results of suffering. What we need to do is accept that our troubles are being used to bring good. That way we can stand the trials no matter how hard they become.
Much of the reason for suffering, whether we know the cause or not, comes because of sin in the world. Even if the guilt is felt by only one person, the consequences may be felt by many, whether guilty or innocent. The reason for your suffering may be one of or a combination of the causes we have mentioned. There may be other causes, but whatever the cause and the problems associated with the suffering, how will you handle it?
Try not to grow bitter and begrudge the weight you carry. Doing so will only eat away at your soul. The weight will not go away if you carry it with you everywhere you go.
Do not give up and let the suffering get you down! If you do, you shut doors for escape and keep out opportunities to take what has happened to you and use it for good. Think about what Paul did with his troubles when they would not go away (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Use yours to produce something good.
