No one likes to suffer, but the good news is that through it we can become like Jesus. The only question is this? Are you willing to pay the price. There are some things that God can build in your life only through trials and sufferings. Even, Jesus, the sinless Son of God, “learned obedience by the things He suffered.” (Heb. 5:8-9). Once He had suffered, His Father made Him the complete and perfect Savior through whom the entire human race could find redemption from sin and the abundant life.
Many persons become bitter over their hardships. How sad, for if you become bitter over hardships “you close some parts of your life from God.” If you do this, you will never be complete. Some places in your soul can be reached only by suffering. The Holy Spirit has many things to teach you, but you can only learn these lessons in the midst of suffering”[1] Examples: Joseph ascended from the lowest station in life to the highest, even to head the most powerful nation on earth, by waiting on God and suffering for more than ten years. David spent many years in exile and suffering from the hands of his son, but he finally ascended to the throne and was known as “a man after God’s own heart.” On the other hand, King Saul was made King of Israel without enduring hardships, but he never developed the character or maturity to handle God’s assignments.
Some wise man observed, “It is almost never good for a man to succeed to early.” History corroborates the truth of this statement. For instance, I remember a time when a good many young men were called to the largest pulpits in America, and ninety percent of them faltered and failed and showed they were unprepared for such huge responsibilities.
Therefore, I would encourage you: Do not resent the suffering God allows in your life. And do not ask God “to remove” your sufferings, but rather “to reveal” to you the purpose for which He has called you to suffer. Revisit James 1:2-5. I wish I had known this truth in my earlier years because God allowed me to suffer severely for at least two times. I did not grow bitter, but neither did I embrace these sufferings as God’s gifts to prepare me for the most significant ministry of my life – MMM. Now, I look back and praise the Lord for the lessons the Holy Spirit taught me during those days, and the incredible joy I am experiencing today personally and in ministry.
Finally, please ponder this question: Do you really love God and do you believe God really loves you? Most of you reading this article would answer, “Yes.” If so, you know God is good and can be counted on and trusted, and He has done no wrong to you in allowing your suffering, for “We (all who love God) know that God causes all things (the bad as well as the good) to work together for good to those who love the Lord, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). I call this verse, “A soft pillow for a weary head.” Therefore, my dear suffering brother, whoever and wherever you are, rest your weary soul on this promise, and you will see the glory of God not many days hence. Deo Soli Gloria
[1] Henry Blackaby, Devotional Though January 27, 2011.