Surprisingly, it is easier to accept suffering than to fight it. Many Christians even say that God allows suffering to teach us something. But is this really the case?
It is, of course, impossible to live our life without suffering. We will experience all kinds of pain and injury during our time on Earth. After all, we live in a fallen world, under the grip of sin. But it is not because we are going through the pain that God desires to see us suffer. He is a good Father, and what father would let his children suffer? All parents want good for their children! “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11.13 NASB).
Really? Then what about the verse 2 Corinthians 12.9? “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” There is a difference between weakness and suffering. Weakness is a lack in our life that can be filled by the strength of God. It’s a great way to break our pride. We realize that we are imperfect and that we need God and others to accomplish His work here on Earth. But Jesus never said to a sick man: “I will not pray for you, because it is good that you suffer”. No, He healed all the sick and delivered all those who were oppressed by the devil. To be weak, yes; to suffer, no.
Really? Then what about Jesus, didn’t He suffered on the cross? Of course! But it was certainly not the pleasure of God to see Jesus suffer. In fact, God probably wanted to rise from his throne and defend his Son, seeing his suffering, but Jesus told his Father not to avenge him. “But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves“ (Luke 23.34 NASB).
We must also identify where our suffering comes from. Sometimes it comes from our own mistakes. In this case, our suffering must bring us to repentance and give God the reign over our lives again. If God directs our steps, we will avoid many painful failures. “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7.10 NASB).
Sometimes suffering comes from persecution. Jesus is our Lord and it is precisely by following his plan that we are persecuted. Talk to the first Christians who suffered all kinds of terrible suffering! But the worst sufferings are always momentary - it is terrible to be devoured by a lion, but the suffering does not last more than a day! And Jesus encouraged us that during the persecutions, God will be with us. In fact, He even said that our persecutions should make us happy! “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5: 10-12 NASB). But Jesus does not say that the sick are happy! He says that we can be happy if our suffering is caused by our obedience, our consecration to God. It is, therefore, possible to suffer, but it should never affect our state of mind, our soul. Jesus even criticized the attitude of the Pharisees, who walked with an overwhelmed face as they fasted. “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full” (Matthew 6.16 NASB).
Serving God can bring suffering: as Paul felt by trying to form disciples. “My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19 NASB). But our good Heavenly Father will not leave us in this suffering. If we turn our hearts to Him, He will remind us that He is the one who convinces, that He wants to team up with us and that He is the one who takes care of the impossible. Although working for God may be difficult at times, Jesus always brings us back to rest. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11.30 NASB).
Yes, God is “Jehovah Rapha”, that is, the God who heals (Exodus 15:26). But our good Father will not send us sickness to show us His power to heal us! A character who causes disaster to save people is not a superhero: he’s a maniac! If sickness come to us, we shouldn’t accept it, we shouldn’t say it is God’s plan. We must go at the cross to receive our healing, which is still effective today. God is glorified by our healing, not by our diseases (John 9: 1-7).
When we suffer, it is therefore important to stop and question ourselves to know the origin of this suffering. Do we suffer the consequences of our disobedience? If so, let’s repent. Do we suffer because of our service to God? Then let Jesus share our burden and bring us joy. Are we suffering because of an attack from the enemy? Then let’s go to the cross and let the blood of Jesus deliver us. If you suffer, run in the Presence of God so He can tell you your next step. For it is not His desire to see His children suffer.