Solutions For Suffering!

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You will not spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy — their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead — so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers (forgives) a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God Himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen. 1 Peter 4:1-11 (NLT)

Sometimes, suffering is just a part of life, even if we are fully within the will and purposes of God. When suffering and trials come, it is very easy to start a “pity party” and soak in our sorrows, despair and pain. However, God tells His people to rejoice and not to be discouraged during times of suffering and trials (1 Peter 4:13; see also Psalm 37:27-28; Matthew 5:11-12; 2 Corinthians 1:5; Romans 8:17; James 1:2-8; 1 Peter 1:6-7). God is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9), God is good (Mark 10:18), and God will never leave fail nor leave you (1 Peter 4:19; Hebrews 13:5). We can rest assured that whenever we suffer, God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ) is with us always through the Holy Spirit as we faithfully, expectantly, and patiently trust in Him (Mark 4:35-41; see also Psalm 37:7; Luke 8:22-25).

For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your Example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in His body on the Cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:19-25 (NLT)

Instead of becoming depressed during times of testing and suffering, the Holy Scriptures gives another help strategy - not to give up (2 Corinthians 4:1). The Holy Scriptures teaches:  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10, NIV). We are to focus our hearts and minds on God, keep on doing what is good and right, and be patient (1 Peter 3:8-13; 1 Peter 4:1-2, 19; see also 2 Timothy 2:4; James 5:7-11). The Lord God rescues the godly; He is their fortress in times of trouble and helps the godly in times of suffering and trials (Psalm 37:39-40). God promises a wonderful future for those who love peace, who seeks honesty and seeks goodness (Psalm 37:37). If anyone suffers for doing good and right, that person has made a clean break with sin (1 Peter 4:1-2). If we trust our lives, cares and futures to God during times of suffering, God promises He will never leave and never fail you (1 Peter 4:19; see also Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Psalm 37:24, 27-28; Psalm 118:6; Hebrews 13:5-6). The true and living God directs the steps of the godly and he delights in every detail of their lives. Though the godly may stumble, God promises they will never fall, for He holds them by the hand (Psalm 37:17, 23-24).

Do not love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my Helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 (NLT)

During times of suffering and trials, a good and patient attitude with expectant faith in God is our strongest medicine (James 5:7-11). Outlook determines outcome. A good attitude and a cheerful heart are our best medicine (Proverbs 17:22). “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22, NLT). We must remain continually faithful and dependent upon God with our whole hearts. Our focus during times of suffering is to continue faithfully seeking God, continuing to love one another and doing good (1 Peter 4:7-9; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37-40). God wants His people to continue to use their gifts, abilities, and talents serve Him and serve others, even during times of testing and suffering (1 Peter 4:10-11; see also Romans 12:6-8; 1Corinthians 12:8-11; Ephesians 4:11). God commands us to continue wholeheartedly loving Him and loving others even in the midst of suffering. As followers of Jesus Christ, our goal must be to follow Jesus Christ’s example as we face suffering — with patience, calmness, and confidence – knowing that our all-loving God is fully in control (Romans 8:28).

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. . . . Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 21-22 (NIV)

Even more, we must continue to be filled with an attitude of joy, thanksgiving and prayer – pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). As a child of the true and living God, He has already blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 1:3). In other words, you are blessed because God through our faith in Jesus Christ is blessing, comforting and overcoming all sufferings and trials for His people (2 Corinthians 1:4-11). Believers of Jesus Christ that seek to lead godly and righteous lives can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (1 Peter 3:13-14; 1 Peter 4:12). However, those who faithfully follow Jesus Christ will experience the victory (John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 6:1-10; Romans 8:17). God always takes care of the godly (Psalm 37:17). NEVER STOP BELIVING IN GOD!

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.  Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. . . . Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. . . . For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. Psalms 37:3-5, 7, 9 (NLT)

The worst thing to do during suffering and trials is to focus on ourselves and our problems because this focus often leads to even more despair, depression and sadness. A grumbling, unfaithful and complaining attitude will lead to defeat, depression and disaster. Sadly, our suffering and trials can provide an excuse for sinning. The worse medicine during suffering and hardship is to turn to self-pity, sex sins, lust, getting drunk, wild parties, drinking bouts, stopping church attendance, and every other kind of terrible sins (1 Peter 4:3, 15; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; Hebrews 10:25). Jesus Christ teaches us not be consumed with the worries of this world, the desire for riches, and the pursuit of pleasure (Mark 4:5-7, 16-19) but to focus on God first (Matthew 6:33).

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad — for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world. So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by His Name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:12-19 (NLT)

However, followers of Jesus Christ are to no longer live such immoral lifestyles nor lifestyles of murdering, stealing, making trouble, being a busybody and as a meddler (1 Peter 4:3, 15). During times of suffering, we are to seek other fellow believers for support, keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, and resist evil (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7). New birth and salvation require believers to live as God’s people, separating themselves from the values of the world and imitating the goodness of God (see Exodus 34:6-7; Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Scriptures urges all God’s people to decisively turn away from such sinful way of life from which Jesus Christ in His suffering delivered us. Instead, God calls all faithful followers of Jesus Christ to keep on reverentially trusting Him, loving Him with our whole hearts, doing good and forgiving to others (1 Peter 4:8, 19; see also Proverbs 10:12; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 7:47; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Besides during suffering and trials, call on the Helper – God’s Holy Spirit (John 14:26; John 15:26). The Holy Spirit – who is the Glory of God – helped the Israelites in the wilderness as they headed to the Promised Land (Exodus 13:21; Exodus 16:10; Exodus 24:15-17). God’s Holy Spirit continues to help God’s people today (1 Peter 4:14-16). God sends His Holy Spirit to strengthen and empower followers of Jesus Christ to withstand any test, trial, and suffering (see John chapters 14 through 16). God’s Holy Spirit is available for those who are suffering or persecuted as the result of good Christian conduct.

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your Example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the Hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in His body on the Cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:21-25 (NLT)

Sadly, we may suffer for many reasons. Some suffering is the direct result of our own foolish sins and selfishness (Proverbs 11:31), some happens as the result of living in a fallen world (Romans 8:18-25), some suffering comes to bring God glory (John 9:1-3; John 11:4), and some suffering comes from God. Contrary to popular opinion, no one sins and gets away with sinning (Psalm 37:1-2, 9; Proverbs 11:31). The Holy Scriptures are clear:  the faithful are rewarded for their faith and goodness and the wicked will be punished for their sin and wickedness (1 Peter 4:18; see also Proverbs 11:30-31). Those who continually sin are marked for punishment when they stand before Jesus Christ – the Judge over all (John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1).

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. All power to Him forever! Amen. 1 Peter 5:7-11 (NLT)

The Holy Scriptures acknowledge that God’s people sometimes suffer troubles and afflictions even though they did not sin and lived righteous lives (see Job chapter 1 through 2; Proverbs 3:11-12). When we follow Jesus Christ's example of humbly loving God and loving others, we too may suffer (Mark 8:34-35). Sometimes God allows suffering to discipline His people, to purge our sins, and lead to repentance (1 Peter 4:16-18; see also Proverbs 3:11-12; Luke 13:1-5; Hebrews 12:4-13). Yet through times of suffering and trials, God is continually with His people, guiding them, and helping them for their good (Hebrews 12:10). If we will not give up and continually trust God, God promises to bring restoration (Joel 2:23-27). Although Job suffered many troubles, God restored Job with twice as much as he had before with more children, more property, and good health (Job 42:10-17). God blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first. Job learned the God is good all the time (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 5:10).

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:1-11 (NLT)

As believers in Jesus Christ, our suffering leads to our overall good and makes us stronger (James 1:2-18). If God can oversee the forces of nature, we can rest assured that God will see us through any suffering and trial we face. In our suffering and trial, we must never forget that God is still sovereign, faithful and in control. God controls all the circumstances of life. Besides, as we walk faithfully with God, God will often use our suffering and trials for a good purpose. Suffering often brings God’s people into fellowship with Jesus Christ, who also suffered before He was glorified by God (1 Peter 4:13; see also Romans 8:17). All of God's faithful followers are assured of an eternal life with Jesus Christ where there will be no suffering (Revelation 21:4).

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. . . . All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars — their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. Revelation 21:4, 7-8 (NLT)

When we face suffering and trials, we must continually stay faithful to God and give ALL our worries, stresses and struggles to Him (1 Peter 5:7). The true and living God is all-powerful, all-wise, and all-knowing and He truly cares for us. God is filled with good blessings (James 1:17). Even if our suffering is the result of our sins, God still in His never ending mercy still cares for us and wants to help. Turn to God with your whole heart and your problems. The true and living God is the answer!

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Do not repay evil for evil. Do not retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil.” Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So do not worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:8-18 (NLT)

References

Life Application Study Bible. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.

NLT Study Bible. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.

Ryrie Study Bible. Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books, 1989.