The Why of Suffering

⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. (1 Cor 4:5)

¹⁸ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. (2 Cor 10:18)

²⁹ No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. (Romans 2:18)

⁴⁴ How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (John 5:44)

  ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-8)

You may think you suffer unnecessarily by circumstances you have no control over. You may feel cursed by God and unduly burdened by you life situation. You might even feel oppressed by what seems natural to you since resisting it is so hard. Let me offer another perspective.

You are being refined for Glory. You are being prepared for The Day. Try remembering this next time you whine to God about your plight and thank Him for His work in you. You are precious to Him and he wants nothing short of full restoration for you prior to your arrival before Him.

Seek His Glory in the midst of trial and temptation and even failure. It will prepare you. Let Him use these things to make you what was intended from the beginning. Praise His Name for the work He does in our lives. Amen.