11/22/2024
Most people believe that suffering is not good in itself, any painful experience of the sufferer unfortunately
must be vomited onto others especially those they love. This of course being a believer who has not learned to suffer. To them suffering is like riding a lightening bolt across the universe. There is a constant release of dopamine equivalent to having the codes to every nuclear missile on earth. Often the sufferer doesn't know they are suffering as suffering has been merged into their DNA. While other times the sufferer is not only aware of their suffering but will self sabotage any event, moment, occasion, celebration or opportunity related to joy. We know that all who live for Christ will suffer but when you turn a season of suffering into a profession or lifestyle, you put yourself and others in jeopardy through your rebellion. Yes suffering can turn into rebellion. One of the main reasons we suffer is from the poisonous fruit of offense and Unforgivness which is often rooted in pride, misunderstanding and vengeance, which is coming into agreement with hell. Many women in marriage caculate sumbmission to suffering. When in reality submission equals dunamis power, revelation, protection, provision and redemption of time.
There is a certain amount of submission of suffering that comes from doung the will of God and for the immature the suffering outweighs Gods compassion and mercy which leads to the inability to be long suffering with others.
No suffering or discipline seems in itself good but learning to submit to the will of God in the suffering good, it allows you to come into identification with Yeshuas sufferings. Paul said it like this in Romans 5:3 "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance" So the will of God is to know that suffering produces endurance. This word means fortitude or perseverance, you don't give into suffering in the flesh, you rejoice in it because it produces a kingdom quality of endurance which is needed to pass through this life.
Some believers refuse to change, repent stop sinning, refuse couseling, correction, spiritual authority or accountability. They have seared their conscious in pride and will demand authority and respect while denying their condition which is always the elephant in the room.
The suffering you see in others should produce compassion leading to acts of mercy to the person suffering. The problem is that many people stay away from those suffering because it makes them uncomfortable, resulting in a lack of compassion. Uncomfortable in that it might cost them laying up treasure in heaven generally because their guided by the carnal mind not the spirit.
Suffering is the revelation of Gods love working through us and the revelation of identifying with his sufferings which creates humilty, long suffering and the fruit of the spirit, though at times painful.
1 Peter 5:10: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you
This suffering may include.
Insults
Disparaging remarks
Struggles with sin
Disappointments in a broken world
Tragic losses
Betrayal
Sickness
Offense
Unforgivness
Resentment
Bitterness
Spiritual
Depression
Fear
Marital problems
Family issues
Loneliness
Rejection
Poverty
Imprisonment
Death
1 Peter 3:14
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all
Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
Hebrews 2:10
In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze..
Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death
