In Troubling Times
There is no problem in life more universal, more common, and more unique than
that of suffering. It is the common malady of mankind; if we live long enough,
we will experience some type or degree of suffering.
It is not my purpose in this article to discuss the source or origin of suffering.
While it is a baffling question, many good articles and tracts have been written
to explain this problem and they can be read and studied with much profit. It
is my intent to look at some ways suffering can benefit us.
First of all, we can learn complete dependence on God. If there is ever a time
in life when men tend to turn to God, it is when they suffer. We certainly learn
this principle from the study of God’s word. Great men of the Bible always
turned to God and leaned on him when sufferings came. I believe this is the
great lesson in the book of Job. In severe suffering Job ``did not sin with
his lips’’ (Job 1:10). Neither did he ``charge God foolishly’’
(Job 1:22), but worshiped Jehovah. He knew God was his redeemer (Job 9:25) and
that God would vindicate his cause.
This was also a quality of Daniel; when problems and threats of death came,
he trusted in God for his help (Dan. 6:10-11). And he walked into that den of
lions believing God would win the victory for him. And by complete dependence
on God, the victory was won (Dan. 6:22-23).
Paul was given a thorn in the flesh. God did not send this suffering; the devil
did. And God did not remove it, but gave Paul the grace to bear it (2 Cor. 12:7-9).
I believe it was complete dependence on God that enabled this great apostle
to bear up under this and all other problems of suffering he encountered. And
this is the ``bottom line’’ for you and me. When suffering comes
we should certainly turn to God, put our complete dependence in him and say,
``Lord, it is in your hands, I have no other source to which I can turn but
you and may thy will be done.’’ And what a great source of help,
comfort, and strength he can and will bestow on us in time of trouble. ``The
Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’’
(Ps. 46:1).
Another great benefit we can derive from suffering and trying times is the support
of family. There is no greater source of strength and help than a faithful loving
husband or wife by your side. And to see them patiently bear up under the long
hours of concern and care, never wavering, but always there, cannot be surpassed
as a genuine source of benefit and encouragement to one so dependent on others.
This, along with children patiently encouraging and helping, makes what seems
like unbearable times so much easier. Yes, we can certainly learn of the benefits
of a faithful spouse and children in our times of problems and suffering.
Still another thing we can learn from suffering is what our fellow Christians
(especially the local church) can mean to us. In times of severe pain and stress,
when the way looks exceedingly dark and drear, what a comfort it is to know
of the love, concern, and prayers of our brethren in Christ. It is at these
times that we learn what real love, support, and encouragement is all about.
I am sure this is how Peter felt when he learned that while he was in prison,
with all his sufferings and uncertainties, ``prayer was made earnestly of the
church unto God for him’’ (Acts 12:5).
Another definite benefit of suffering is that we can learn of another suffering--that
of Christ. While the sufferings of this life may be severe; those that try our
very souls, they can in no way compare with the sufferings of Christ. But while
they can in no way compare, maybe we can come to appreciate more his love and
sacrifice for me. He became obedient unto death, yea even the death on the cross
(Phil. 2:6). He was literally nailed to a cross and left there to die. What
suffering, what agony! Now maybe, just maybe, in our sufferings we can in some
small way come to appreciate that love and sacrifice more. Maybe we can appreciate
more what he went through so I can be a Christian and have that hope of eternal
life. What a great lesson we can learn in our times of suffering.
One final and very important principle we can learn from suffering is: the sufferings
here do not compare with the glory to follow. The New Testament reminds us of
this again and again. Paul suffered much for the cause of the Lord. And in our
times of suffering we can in some small way relate to him as to what he emphasized
again and again, ``Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying,
yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is
for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceeding weight of glory’’
(2 Cor. 4:17-18). He states further, ``If children, then heirs, heirs of God,
and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be
also glorified with him. For I reckon the suffering of this present time are
not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to usward’’
(Rom. 8:17-18). So, we can understand that whatever sufferings we undergo here
are light and insignificant in comparison to our eternal reward. All sufferings
of this present world don’t last long; yet heaven is eternal. This is
precisely why we need to learn this great benefit of suffering and why we should
endure patiently; knowing that by faithfully committing our lives to God, we
can have a great reward in heaven. I believe it will certainly be worth it all.
Yes, suffering is the common lot of mankind. And in suffering we can learn things
learned nowhere else. We can learn a deeper and more abiding faith in God and
a more humble trust in him. And despite the suffering of this world, we can
cast all our cares on him knowing that he cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). And in
turning it all over to him and waiting on him, always believing he will work
things out to our ultimate good, we will win.
And finally, may we learn what the Spirit said to the church at Smyrna, ``Fear
not the things thou are about to suffer, behold, the devil (the source of suffering)
is about to cast some of you in prison, that you may be tried; and shall have
tribulation ten days (a short but definite period of time). Be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give you a crown of life’’ (Rev. 2:10).
By Bob J. Walton -- Via Guardian of Truth December 19, 1996
Return to the General Articles page
Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /