Today I want
to share briefly with you on an uncommon topic. I know this is not the kind of
discussion many like but we cannot but talk about this. And there are lots of
thought about this particular word ‘suffering’. Many believed that a child of
God cannot suffer. Ps.37:25.
Some
believes that the only one reason a man will suffer is if he is living in sin
or does not know Jesus. 1Pet.4:15. While other school of thoughts believes that
if you are Christian you must definitely suffer in this life. 1Pet.4;12-19.
But now thus saith
the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he
that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called
thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest
through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not
overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isa.43
All the
school of thoughts may be right. However, I belief there are always two sides
to a coin. We must look at issues from different perspectives.
What is suffering?
The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship. It is to experience or subject to something bad or unpleasant. Pain that is caused by injury, illness, loss etc…, physical, mental or emotional pain.
The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship. It is to experience or subject to something bad or unpleasant. Pain that is caused by injury, illness, loss etc…, physical, mental or emotional pain.
In our text,
Paul, the Apostle, a man who had experienced suffering in diverse ways was the
one speaking to the church here. And from that passage there about seven things
he said about suffering that may be of help to us as we run through the year.
1.
There is suffering
It is possible for a child of God to suffer. The bible then warned that we should not suffer as an evil doer. Isa.43:1-2. Prominent among the things that make a child of God to suffer are sin, ignorance, carelessness, self indulgence and Satan. God does not want His children to suffer. 1pet.4:15
It is possible for a child of God to suffer. The bible then warned that we should not suffer as an evil doer. Isa.43:1-2. Prominent among the things that make a child of God to suffer are sin, ignorance, carelessness, self indulgence and Satan. God does not want His children to suffer. 1pet.4:15
2.
Suffering is not permanent
Suffering is for this present time. It is not going to last forever. It has time. However, your response to suffering will determine the duration of the sufferings. 2Cor.4:17-18. Ecc.3:1-3. Do not allow time to linger on unnecessary.
Suffering is for this present time. It is not going to last forever. It has time. However, your response to suffering will determine the duration of the sufferings. 2Cor.4:17-18. Ecc.3:1-3. Do not allow time to linger on unnecessary.
3. Suffering
is a teacher
There is always at least one lesson to learn during the time of suffering. It teaches us that there is a glory ahead, that there is a better life, way, approach. Suffering teaches us that we have not arrived. There is still room for us if we can press on. Suffering brings out in us endurance, character, hope, knowledge of God’s word, empathy, obedience, maturity and proven faith.
There is always at least one lesson to learn during the time of suffering. It teaches us that there is a glory ahead, that there is a better life, way, approach. Suffering teaches us that we have not arrived. There is still room for us if we can press on. Suffering brings out in us endurance, character, hope, knowledge of God’s word, empathy, obedience, maturity and proven faith.
4. Suffering
reveals a man
You will know a child of God when in suffering. And oftentimes suffering want to embarrass you, put you to shame. Suffering always reveals us as a weakling, sinner or an inferior being. It showcases our incapacitation. But it could also reveal our strength and ability to hold on.
You will know a child of God when in suffering. And oftentimes suffering want to embarrass you, put you to shame. Suffering always reveals us as a weakling, sinner or an inferior being. It showcases our incapacitation. But it could also reveal our strength and ability to hold on.
5. Suffering
is inferior to glory
It cannot be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. Suffering and glory are not in the same class. Let your goal and focus be on the glory. Heb.12;2. I love the way he put it in 2Cor.6:3-11, Phi.3;14. There is a glory, there is something important to me no matter the suffering or pain that comes my way. Stop falling cheaply to satanic wiles.
It cannot be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. Suffering and glory are not in the same class. Let your goal and focus be on the glory. Heb.12;2. I love the way he put it in 2Cor.6:3-11, Phi.3;14. There is a glory, there is something important to me no matter the suffering or pain that comes my way. Stop falling cheaply to satanic wiles.
6. Suffering
prevents the manifestation of the sons of God
It will not allow you to manifest the glory of God.
It will not allow you to manifest the glory of God.
The ultimate
goal why Satan sponsors suffering into our lives is to prevent us from
manifesting as sons of God. It is to cut us short from the original plan of God
for our lives. Whereas the plan of God is to showcase Himself in us. God does
not want anyone to suffer. 1Cor.10;13.
The bible is
full of examples of men who suffer and I want to encourage you to take the time
to study the life of men like Job, David, Jeremiah, Peter to mention few.
How should we respond
to suffering?
1. You must
come out of sin if there is any. Jam.5:14-16
2. Never
accept suffering as way of life. God does not suffer anyone. Satan is the thief
who comes by the night to steal from you. Jn.10;10. If anything is lacking in
your life it was taken away by the thief, Satan. Do not build doctrine around
your sufferings. What Jesus dispenses is life and he does it more abundantly.
With Jesus is no suffering but life in abundance.
3. Respond
to God and His word by faith. This is important for faith is life. Let your
faith in God be balance. Accept the supremacy of the word of God for your life.
Bring the word of God into your daily experiences. Do not be afraid to practice
what you have been thought.
4. Always
commit your ways unto God. Pro.3;6; Ps.37:5. Without Him you are nothing. Do
not take a step without hearing from Him.
5. Speak the
word. Use the word to define the kind of life that you want. Eschew negative
words and pronouncements out of your mouth. You can only give birth to what you
confess. A dream that is not confessed cannot be possessed. Confess what you
want to see by faith. God called the things that be not as if they were. Learn
the correct use of your mouth for it holds the key to your desired life.
Conclusion
The Psalmist summarized the things to do in chapter 37 of his bestseller from verses one to eight. You should press on under whatever circumstances. You must be hopeful at all times. Do not conclude about a day when it has not actually ended. Stand against any form of defeat and do not accept it as a way of life. Abraham did not accept defeat concerning Sarah his wife. The same applies to Isaac over Rebekah.
The Psalmist summarized the things to do in chapter 37 of his bestseller from verses one to eight. You should press on under whatever circumstances. You must be hopeful at all times. Do not conclude about a day when it has not actually ended. Stand against any form of defeat and do not accept it as a way of life. Abraham did not accept defeat concerning Sarah his wife. The same applies to Isaac over Rebekah.
Speaking the
word is a must if you want a victorious life over sufferings. Be reminded that
everything you can see today came into existence by the spoken word.
Your victory over suffering is sure!
Your victory over suffering is sure!
Feel free to
share and comment!
No comments:
Post a Comment